Most bereaved pet owners need a few days to a week away from work to get over the initial shock of their loss, Dr. Grossman says. A growing number of pet-friendly employers allow pet owners time off not only for bereavement but to take their pets for medical treatment.
There is no legal obligation for an employer to offer you time off after the death of a pet.
Acute grief symptoms after the death of a pet can last from one to three months and general symptoms of grief can continue, on average, for six months to a year This grieving period can vary significantly from person to person and can be much longer or shorter.
In such circumstances, some pet carers find that they experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for a long time after the loss of their companion.
As psychologist Julie Axelrod writes in a blog post, 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. 4 There's a reason that most emotional support animals are dogs.
Psychologist Julie Axelrod has pointed out that the loss of a dog is so painful because owners aren't just losing the pet. It could mean the loss of a source of unconditional love, a primary companion who provides security and comfort, and maybe even a protégé that's been mentored like a child.
Shock/Denial
Some reactions people experience during this stage are: having disorganized thoughts, feeling unaffected, thinking about suicide, feeling numb, being euphoric or hysterical, feeling outside their body, or being talkative, hyper or passive. Other people will feel in denial of the loss.
It's also common for bereaved people to experience temporary digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, feeling nauseated or a horrible empty feeling in the stomach. Be gentle with yourself.
Most bereaved pet owners need a few days to a week away from work to get over the initial shock of their loss, Dr. Grossman says. A growing number of pet-friendly employers allow pet owners time off not only for bereavement but to take their pets for medical treatment.
Absolutely. It is a known fact that losing an animal can be as difficult and as heartbreaking as losing a two-legged member of your family. But sometimes losing a pet can be more heartbreaking and more debilitating than losing a two-legged family member. Grief is grief no matter how you dissect it.
Grieving a pet can be similar to mourning the loss of a family member. Some owners experience feelings of deep loneliness and isolation. Please don't worry or feel ashamed - these emotions are perfectly normal.
Here are some examples of what not to say when a pet dies: "Don't cry." Crying is part of the grieving process for many people. "It's just a [dog/cat/etc.]." A comment like this that downplays the loss is mean and thoughtless. You don't know what the pet meant to that person.
The body will soon begin to give off a foul odor and attract insects. The hotter the temperature, the faster the rate of decomposition. Rigor mortis, the stiffening of the joints, typically begins within 10 minutes to three hours after death and can last as long as 72 hours.
Vet services
While it may seem strange to do this, Australian vets can take care your pet's remains for a small fee of $50 - $100, depending on the size of the animal. In these cases, the animal is generally cremated with other deceased pets. The ashes are then disposed of and cannot be returned to you.
Why Pet Loss Hurts. “One reason why losing a pet is such a deep loss is because animals' love is so unconditional and accepting,” she said. But it's also because so many aspects of people's lives are impacted. “Every single facet of life is part of the loss,” she explained.
You may be surprised to have so much grief from the loss of your dog, or to be experiencing grief before your dog is even gone. This grief is completely normal, and may be misunderstood by the people around you. They may accuse you of overreacting. It is, after all, 'just a dog.
Research has confirmed that for most people, the loss of a dog is, in almost every way, comparable to the loss of a human loved one.
Turns out it's actually quite normal for humans to experience more intense pain at the loss of a pet than that of a close friend or even a relative. For many people, the death of a pet is comparable in almost every way to the loss of a loved one.
Perhaps the most vital step in coping with the emotions you will feel upon the loss of your pet is acknowledging them. “Let yourself feel–write down your feelings, cry, be angry, call someone. Know that it is all right to be so upset over losing your pet and that it takes time to heal,” wrote Susan K.
Today, it's widely accepted that all types of animals not just cats and dogs, are eligible to cross the Rainbow Bridge and make it to heaven.
Stay connected to people who are supportive – if you have people within your social circle who are supportive, look for ways to spend more time with them, even if it is just through text messages or a platform such as Zoom. Explore ways to express your grief – it is important that your grief for your pet has an outlet.
But others might feel resentful toward a pet they brought in too soon. Most experts agree that the time to get a new pet is after you have worked through your grief adequately to be able to look forward to a new pet instead of back at the recently departed one. That process could take a week or two – or many months.