My dog had to be put to sleep recently, and I feel completely heartbroken. I’m struggling with the sadness and the practical decisions, like whether to have a home burial or cremation. Everything feels overwhelming, and I don’t know how to cope with the emptiness. I want to honour her memory but also take care of myself. What can I do to manage the grief and start to feel a bit more like myself again?
Mourning a pet dog
Guilt is very common. You might replay certain decisions in your mind and wonder if you missed something. You might also think you let them go too soon, or that you kept them going for too long because you hoped they would get better.
Euthanasia
Sadly, it’s often necessary for a vet to put a pet to sleep. This means gently ending a pet’s life to prevent further suffering when there are no other realistic options left for a good quality of life.
Whatever the reasons for coming to this decision, agreeing to euthanasia can feel unbearable – even when you acted out of love and made the best decision you could at the time.
Coping with the practical and emotional impact of losing your dog
After the loss of a dog, there are some practical decisions that need to be made, such as choosing between a home burial (where allowed) or cremation, with or without ashes returned. All of these options are valid. The most important thing is what feels manageable and respectful to you.
If your dog was an assistance, therapy or working companion, this loss can lead to worries about your safety and independence. This a double loss and you may need support for both the emotional and practical impact.
Children can also be strongly affected by the loss of a dog. Clear, honest language is usually kinder than saying their dog has ‘gone to sleep’ or ‘gone away’. It can help to explain that their body has ‘stopped working’ and they ‘no longer feel pain’. You should also encourage them to ask questions and take part in simple goodbyes or memory-making.
Grief affects the body as well as the mind. You may feel exhausted, restless, numb or unable to concentrate. Try to keep a basic routine, eat and drink regularly and go outside if you can. Talking with someone who understands, or using a pet bereavement support service, can make this load a little lighter.
You do not have to get over your dog’s passing. Over time, you’ll start to carry their memory in a way that hurts less. Until then, treat yourself with the kindness you deserve to move forward.
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