You may have had a pet since its birth or at a later stage of its life. No matter how long you have had your pet, it becomes a part of your family. As with other members of a family, pets must leave the world at some point. The loss of a beloved pet can be difficult for your child. Like adults, children also experience grief (although the process may be a little different).
The following includes ways to help your child cope with pet loss.
1) Be Honest With Your Child About the Death of Their Pet
When it comes to explaining the loss of a pet to your child, it’s important to be completely honest. Whether your pet died from old age, sickness, or from another cause, your child will appreciate the honesty. Avoid lying to your child by saying things such as “Max ran away” or “. If the truth comes out about your pet, your child will probably be angry that you lied.
You may want to talk to your kids before the pet’s death happens if it is very old or has a long illness. If you decide to euthanize your pet, you can explain to your child that:
- The veterinarians did everything possible
- Your pet was not going to get any better
- Your pet will be free of pain
- Your pet will die peacefully without feeling scared or hurt
Deciding to choose aquamation for your pet after it passes away will allow you to have keepsakes. The keepsakes can aid in helping your child cope with pet loss. There are several things you can do with a pet’s ashes following aquamation.
2) Allow Your Child to Work Through Their Grief
Your child may feel a mixture of emotions following the loss of a pet including loneliness, anger, guilt, etc. Whatever emotion your child experiences, it is a good idea to give them permission to work through their grief. Telling stories, coloring, reading books, journaling, crafting, etc. are some of the ways your child may choose to deal with grief. Remember to reassure them that it is okay and natural to feel the various emotions.
3) Don’t Rush to Get a Replacement Pet
As a parent, you may feel an urge to hurry up and bring a new pet home in an effort to alleviate your child’s sadness and speed up the coping process. Although it may be tempting, waiting to get a replacement pet will be in your child’s best interest. Your child may still be grieving and may not be in a place where they are comfortable with a new pet coming into the family. Continue to communicate with your child and pay attention to their actions to see if it is time for a replacement pet. When your child is ready, the new pet will be welcomed with open arms.
Experiencing pet loss is something that a child may have a hard time dealing with. Communicating and allowing your child to grieve in his or her own way will help alleviate your child’s emotions. Although pet loss is a difficult experience, both yourself and your child can rest assured knowing your beloved pet is in a better place. If you ever find yourself having to help your child cope with pet loss, feel free to follow the advice outlined above as well as take advantage of additional pet loss resources.