Research suggests that when people are in anguish over the loss of a pet, disenfranchised grief makes it more difficult for them to find solace, post-traumatic growth, and healing. Disenfranchised grief seems to restrain emotional expression in a way that makes it harder to process.

Why losing a dog feels like losing a family member?

Because dogs are so much more than pets. The loss of a dog is so painful because people are losing a little life that we were responsible for as well as a source of unconditional love and companionship. There's a reason that most emotional support animals are dogs.

Why do we grieve for pets more than humans?

It's common to rely on our pets for more than just companionship and to find in a relationship with a pet what we most need. It's natural to read human emotions and thoughts in our pet's expressions, which is not to diminish human-pet love. In fact, such layering of complexity only adds to our deep attachment.

Why is losing a pet so traumatizing?

Pets are often considered family members and humanized, which strengthens an attachment between pets and pet owners (Zottarelli, 2010). Whether the animal is a dog or a peacock, research shows that the human-animal bond is one that affects humans emotionally and mentally (Friedmann & Son, 2009).

How long does grief last after losing a dog?

A small 2019 study of 82 people found that the length of intense grief experienced by bereaved pet owners varies —with 25 % taking between 3 months to a year, 50% between one year and 19 months, and 25 % between two and six years. It's no wonder that pet loss therapy is an emerging field.

Pet loss grief; the pain explained | Sarah Hoggan DVM | TEDxTemecula

What is complicated grief after losing a pet?

It's due to a combination of difficult circumstances which leave us unable to accept and come to terms with our loss. Complicated grief happens when something stops the natural healing process from helping us to adjust to our changed world. This can include: The circumstances of the loss.

Did my dog know he was being put to sleep?

Do Dogs Know When They Are Being Put Down? Some dogs know by instinct when their end of life is approaching. However, they won't know for sure that euthanizing is finally ending their suffering because it's a painless process.

Is losing a dog worse than losing a person?

Grieving a Pet Can Hit Harder Than The Loss Of A Person, And That's Okay. Many pet owners know that our connections with animals can be on an emotional par with those we share with other humans – and scientific research backs this up.

Is losing a pet the worst pain?

Key points. The death of a pet can hurt as much as the loss of a close relative or friend. It is normal to feel devastated. Often, individuals who live alone take longer to grieve because their companion played such an important role in their lives.

What is the syndrome of losing a pet?

Grief from pet loss may also lead to physical symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, a hollow feeling in the stomach, tightness in the chest, dry mouth, and aches and pains. Sometimes, our reactions to grief can be severe. One woman reportedly experienced “broken heart syndrome” after losing her dog.

Will I ever stop missing my dog?

Your grief will probably not be gone in a few weeks or even months. Because of the special relationship we have with our dogs, grief of a beloved dog can often be more intense than the death of a family member, and coming to terms with the change will take as long as it takes.

Do you ever get over losing a dog?

Some people start to feel better in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it's important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold. Feeling sad, shocked, or lonely is a normal reaction to the loss of a beloved pet.

How do I get over losing my dog?

What not to say when a pet dies?

Don't say “Now you can get a new pet!” Any version of “When are you getting a new puppy?” or “Let's get you another kitten” is in very poor taste (and timing). Grief is normal and needs to happen before people can heal enough to invest their time, love and energy into another pet.

Is losing a pet one of the hardest things?

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things you may have to go through. Most of us have a strong bond with our animals and when one passes, it feels like we have lost a family member. In fact, research has shown that losing a pet is just as hard as losing a family member.

Do you ever heal from losing a pet?

You'll probably notice more intense feelings immediately after the loss, but these generally lessen as time goes on. “It's going to take as long as it's going to take,” says Geipert. It's not a linear process, and that's OK. Grief can come and go in waves.

Is losing a pet heartbreaking?

Some owners experience feelings of deep loneliness and isolation. Please don't worry or feel ashamed - these emotions are perfectly normal. Some people around you may not understand the intense feelings of sadness you can feel after losing a pet, but please remember there are people out there who do understand.

Will I ever be happy again after losing my dog?

“There is no set timetable for grieving.” Your grief may come in waves. You may begin to feel better, but then the grief may be triggered again, for example, “by hearing of someone else losing a pet, a name or a special day, such as your pet's birthday,” Sileo says. 2. Don't try to hide or ignore sadness.

Why is losing pet harder than a person?

Disenfranchised grief seems to restrain emotional expression in a way that makes it harder to process. Our relationships to our pets can be as meaningful as those we share with each other. Losing our pets is no less painful, and our grief reflects that.

What does a dog feel during euthanasia?

As the solution is injected, the animal loses consciousness and within minutes the heart and lungs stop functioning. Since the pet is not conscious, they do not feel anything. Most times, the animal passes away so smoothly, that it is difficult to tell until the veterinarian listens for absence of a heartbeat.

Do dogs know we love them?

Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.

Do dogs feel betrayed when you put them down?

The truth is that euthanasia is painless for animals. For them, it feels like nothing more than drifting off to sleep. If your pet is sick or suffering from an injury or long-term disease, this process of being put to sleep may even feel like a relief for them.

How traumatic is losing a dog?

The loss of a dog can also seriously disrupt an owner's daily routine more profoundly than the loss of most friends and relatives. For owners, their daily schedules – even their vacation plans – can revolve around the needs of their pets. Changes in lifestyle and routine are some of the primary sources of stress.

What type of grief is the hardest?

The death of a husband or wife is well recognized as an emotionally devastating event, being ranked on life event scales as the most stressful of all possible losses.

How do you deal with loneliness after a pet dies?

Don't allow yourself or anyone to lessen its importance. Reach out if you need help to cope. Reach out for support from friends and others who have lost a beloved pet. Their support could be just what you need to start your healing journey.

---