Why Losing a Pet Hurts So Much

Losing a pet is one of the most difficult things that a person can go through. Pets become such an important part of our lives, and when they are gone, we feel as though a part of us is missing. Many people do not understand why grieving for a pet is so important, but to those who have loved and lost a pet, it is a very real process.

If you are grieving the loss of a pet, letting those around you know what you are going through can be difficult. Some people might not understand your loss because they don't have pets, or they have never formed a real attachment to a pet. Understanding your grief is one of the best ways to be able to move forward. When you know why you are in so much pain, it becomes easier to move forward.

In this post, we will explore the reasons losing a pet hurts so much and discuss the importance of grieving properly.

Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family

Pets become such an important part of our lives, and when they are gone, we feel as though a part of us is missing. Pets are there for us through the good times and the bad, and they quickly become a cherished member of the family.

When they die, it is natural to grieve their loss just as we would grieve a family member. They are important to our lives and family structure, so it’s normal to grieve.

Pets provide us with companionship and unconditional love

In a world that can be so harsh and lonely, our pets provide us with companionship and unconditional love. They are always there for us, no matter what. They listen to us when we need to talk and they comfort us when we are feeling down.

Losing a pet means losing that companionship and love, which can be very difficult, particularly for the elderly. If you rely on your pet for companionship, saying goodbye can be like losing a best friend and your support structure.

They help us to de-stress and relax

In our fast-paced lives, it can be difficult to find time to relax. Pets provide us with an opportunity to de-stress and relax. They offer us a chance to forget about our troubles and just enjoy their company.

Losing a pet means losing that chance to relax and de-stress, which can add to the grief we are feeling. you might also lose your sense of routine, as pets will always need to be fed and cared for, even when we struggle to take care of ourselves.

Pet loss can be unexpected

Pets often get into accidents, so their loss might be completely unexpected. This can make it more difficult to process your emotions, particularly if the pet was very young. Elderly pets are also known to die without warning. It can be harder to grieve the loss of a pet when it is so unexpected.

Another reason that pet loss can be so difficult is that the owner is often tasked with deciding to end their life. If your pet is very ill or gets hurt unexpectedly, you might be asked to decide if you would like to have your pet euthanised. This might lead to feelings of guilt or that you should have fought harder or been a better carer for your pet. These feelings can make it more difficult to grieve.

Other people might not be very understanding

As we have mentioned, other people might not be very understanding about your grief. They might not understand why you are so upset or they might try to tell you that it is just a pet and that you should get over it.

It can be difficult to deal with these kinds of reactions, but it is important to remember that everyone grieves in different ways. Just because someone else doesn't understand your grief, doesn't mean that it isn't valid. Grieving is a process that takes time, so be patient with yourself and don't compare your grief to anyone else's.

Closing thoughts

Grieving for a pet is a natural process and one that should be respected by those around us. If you are grieving the loss of a pet, reach out to your friends and family for support. Let them know what you are going through and why it is so important to you.

Just as it is perfectly normal to grieve the loss of a pet, it’s also perfectly ok if you don’t grieve their loss. Some people are less inclined to form a strong emotional bond with their pets, so they don’t grieve their loss. It’s also normal to feel like you have moved past the loss quite quickly. And here is some advice we wrote about losing a pet as a child.