Death Awareness Week: Coping with the loss of a beloved family dog

Every year, Death Awareness Week encourages people to talk more openly and compassionately about death, dying and grief. While often centred around human loss, it is equally important to acknowledge the deep heartache that comes with saying goodbye to a beloved pet, especially a dog who has been part of the family.

Whether your dog was with you for a few short years or a whole decade, their loss leaves a space that feels impossible to fill. For many of us, a dog is more than a pet, they are a companion, a confidant, a loyal friend and part of our daily rhythm.

In this article, we want to hold space for that grief and offer some guidance on how to navigate it, for yourself, children and other pets.

Why the loss of a dog hurts so deeply

Dogs love us unconditionally, they don’t judge, they don’t hold grudges and they are always happy to see us. Their companionship becomes part of the fabric of our lives, the walks, the greetings at the door, the way they just know when we are feeling low.

When that constant presence is suddenly gone, it can feel overwhelming. You may experience:

• Deep sadness or numbness
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Guilt or questioning your decisions
• Difficulty focusing or carrying out routines

These are all normal responses to grief and they are valid, losing a dog is a real loss and you are allowed to mourn them fully.

Helping your child cope with the loss of a dog

Children often have strong bonds with their pets. Dogs can be playmates, protectors and sources of comfort especially during difficult times. Many children may be facing death and grief for the first time and they need extra support to make sense of it.

Here are some tips on helping your children navigate the loss of a family dog:

Be honest and age appropriate

Use clear, gentle language. Saying a dog was “put to sleep” can be confusing for a young child. Instead, you could explain that their body stopped working and they wont be coming home, but they will always be in your heart and memories.

Encourage expression

Let your child cry, talk, draw or ask questions. Reassure them that all feelings, sadness, anger, even numbness are ok.

Use books or resources

There are some wonderful children’s books that explain pet loss in sensitive, relatable ways. Reading together can open up helpful conversations.

Create a memorial together

Plant a flower, frame a photo or draw pictures of your dog. This helps your child process their feelings and celebrate your pets life.

Coping with Your own grief

Grieving as a parent can be complex, you are managing your own emotions whilst trying to support your child. You may feel the need to “stay strong”, but allowing yourself to feel is part of the healing process.

Just a few gentle reminders:

Give yourself permission to grieve. It is ok to cry, reminisce or take a quiet moment for yourself.

Talk about your dog. Share stories, look through photos, say their name. Keeping their memory alive can be comforting.

Don’t rush the process. Grief doesn’t follow a straight path. Some days will feel ok, others may hit you harder. Be kind to yourself.

Reach out for support. Whether it is friends, family, online pet loss groups or a counsellor, you are not alone.

As the days pass, you may feel ready to find a way to celebrate your dogs life. Here are a few ideas for you to do that:

• Donate to a local rescue in their name
• Create a photo album or scrapbook
• Volunteer at a rescue centre or foster another animal
• Simply light a candle on special days

Allow your other pets to grieve

• Others pets in the home will often experience the same grief, they were family members too.
• Try to keep routines the same as this will help them keep a normal day
• If they are off their food, don’t force things, instead play games or provide food enrichment games to keep their brains busy.
• Provide comfort but avoid rewarding bad behaviour, choose quiet times to fuss your dog and reassure them

Every dog leaves pawprints on our hearts and finding ways to honour them can help transform pain into remembrance.

Death Awareness Week reminds us that grief deserves space, compassion and conversations, no matter who we are mourning.

“Grief is the price we pay for love” – Queen Elizabeth II

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