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.
Many times friends have guiltily confided to me that they grieved more desperately over the loss of a dog than over the loss of friends or relatives. 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.
Is it normal to grieve as much for a pet as you would for another family member? Yes, it would be normal if you grieved as much or more. Grief is a reaction to loss, and there is no set amount of grief that one should or should not experience based on the specific loss.
It is a process, not an event. There is no specific time frame for it. In fact, grief may last for weeks, months, even years.
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.
The Three Cs—Choose, Connect, and Communicate—are essential tools throughout the grief journey, fostering healing and resilience. Engaging in activities that promote well-being, connecting with loved ones, and communicating your feelings help navigate grief daily and move forward with greater emotional stability.
Unexpected death was the most common traumatic experience and most likely to be rated as the respondent's worst, regardless of other traumatic experiences.
In order to have a complete understanding of pet bereavement we should consider 7 main stages – Shock, Denial, Bargaining, Guilt, Anger, Depression, & Acceptance. The additional 2 stages that are important in pet loss are Shock and Guilt.
“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.
What Not to Do When You're Grieving
So that your sleep patterns return to something more like normal and you begin to wake refreshed and ready to face each new day again:
Axelrod (2020) recognizes the death of a pet can be painful and cause a range of emotional responses, such as anxiety, stress, shame, ambiguous grief, complicated grief, and even traits of psychopathology and trauma (Axelrod, 2020; Compitus, 2019; Hess-Holden et al., 2017; Sable, 2013; Taniyama et al., 2019).
The Five Stages of Grief After Pet Loss
When a pet passes, the synchronized rhythms of affection, comfort, and shared presence are suddenly severed. Your brain, your body, and your emotional self must recalibrate without the living presence of that bond. This is similar to what happens after the death of a child.
Why you should consider offering pet bereavement leave. For many people, pets are like family members. When they die, the humans they leave behind mourn as they would the loss of a human life. This can make it difficult for the person to focus on work.
Often people become so close to their pets, they grieve them more intensely than a human relationship. This is normal because when you love a pet, you lose a source of unconditional love. Some people may not understand the different types of pet loss and how each one can affect you.
If you're grieving the loss of a pet and wondering whether your sadness is “normal,” you're not alone. Most people feel intense grief for 2–3 months after a pet dies, though some experience waves of loss that last six months, a year, or even longer. There's no fixed timeline, and no right or wrong way to grieve.
Here are some of the best ways to heal from the emotional pain after the loss of a pet.
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.
It is a process, not an event. There is no specific time frame for it. In fact, grief may last for weeks, months, even years. Healthy grief, however, gradually lessens in intensity over time.
Pets may not understand death like we do, but many respond to our emotions. Dogs in particular can be emotional sponges. Some pets may seem anxious, others unaffected. Knowing what's normal for your pet helps you spot changes in behaviour and to support them through the loss of a companion.
Share your feelings with friends and family who understand how deep your loss feels. If you feel uncomfortable talking to friends, call our Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Line – don't keep your grief to yourself. Accept offers of help and support even if you don't feel like talking to anyone.
The 40-day period holds spiritual and cultural meaning in many traditions, often symbolizing a time of reflection, remembrance, and honoring the soul's journey. Emotions during this time may shift—from initial shock to deeper sorrow or quiet acceptance—as the reality of the loss settles in.
In general, death of a child is the most difficult kind of loss, and bereaved family members are at elevated risk for depression and anxiety for close to a decade after the loss.
Despite strides in medical advances, heart disease remains world's No. 1 killer.