Study Shows That Losing A Dog Can Be As Difficult As Losing A Family Member
Losing a dog can hit harder than many people expect, because for a lot of owners, that bond goes far beyond everyday pet care.
This story looks at why grief after a pet dies can feel so intense, especially when the loss comes after illness, an accident, or the painful decision to say goodbye. It also shows how quickly people can dismiss that kind of heartbreak, even when it changes daily life in a very real way.
And once the routine is gone, the silence can feel bigger than anyone admits.
For some people, it can even be more difficult to overcome the loss of a pet than it is to overcome the loss of a human.
As people, we tend to bond with animals in the same way we bond with other humans, releasing hormones and chemicals in our brains as we connect. So it's no surprise that we feel a profound loss when an animal with whom we have formed such a deep connection is lost.
There is no "acceptable" way to mourn that loss, just as there is no acceptable way to mourn the loss of a human.
When we lose a human loved one, many different resources are available to help with the grief process. We are surrounded by others experiencing the same loss, and we can seek grief counseling or therapy if needed.
But that support does not always show up when a pet dies.
It’s also like the stories from 10 dog owners describing how their pets grieved after losing their canine companions.
However, the same support isn't always available when dealing with the loss of a pet. We are expected to just "move on."
Psychologist Julie Axelrod says that when a pet is lost, we are also losing a source of comfort and love. That is a significant loss.
Losing a pet also leads to changes in our daily routine, which can be disruptive in ways we may not have even considered before.
An additional mental struggle may arise if we are faced with the decision to end our pet's suffering. If the decision to put the animal to sleep was made, we may struggle with feelings of wondering if there was more we could have done or if it was the right decision in the end.
That kind of guilt can linger long after the goodbye.
No matter the circumstances, losing a pet is difficult and heartbreaking. Even science says so.
Still stuck in that “loneliness and anger” spiral? Read how one dog owner asked for help after their nearly-12-year companion died in this online community post.
Share this article:
