How to Help Your Child Deal with the Death of a Pet

Your child’s favorite dog has died after years of bonding with your child. Your young child seems completely devastated at the loss of his or her friend. Read this article for ideas on how to help your child deal with the loss of a pet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Acknowledge your child’s feelings. If your child does not feel justified feeling sad about the death, this will make your child feel even worse. Even if the family pet was not your best friend, acknowledge that your child feels this loss of a pet as a major event.
2. Time Off. The death of a favorite pet can be a major disruption in your child’s life. Your child probably feels insecure after losing the unconditional friendship a pet can provide. Accept the disruption and make things easier for your child for a few days. As a parent it is your responsibility to be nice to your child in the days after a loss. Accept that your child will need a few days to get back into a regular schedule.
3. The Good Things. Talk to your child and remember good things about the pet. Allowing your child to reflect in a positive manner about the pet will provide your child with more closure.
4. A ceremony. Hold a mock funeral in your backyard. Allow your child to guide the ceremony. The mock funeral will also give your child more closure.
5. The Pets Things. Even if you plan to get another pet in the future to replace the deceased pet, donate your pet’s food bowl, kennel, or any toys to a local animal shelter. Bring your child with you to donate the items to show your child how your old pet can still “help other people”.
6. Time. Time heals all wounds. Allow your child to mourn for a day or a few days before redirecting your child’s attention to something else. Plan a special family outing on the weekend to take your child’s mind off the pet.
7. Thoughts. If something reminds your child of the pet, your child may start to get sad when thinking about the old pet. Tell your child that when she starts to think about the old pet, she should start pretending she is at her favorite place. This way, if something reminds your child of the pet she will be able to actively redirect her mind before dwelling on the loss. Tell your child something simple such as “when something reminds you of old rusty, pretend you are at the beach.”
8. The Replacement pet. If your dog dies on Tuesday, do not rush out and try to replace the dog on Wednesday. Your child will probably not be able to fully accept or appreciate the replacement so soon after the loss. After some time has passed, gently start introducing the idea of a new pet to your child. Even if you are planning to get a new pet anyway, make your child feel as though he or she is part of the process. Allow your child to come to the animal shelter or the pet store to help select a new pet.
9. The replacement items. Take your child with you and have her select all the new food bowls and toys for the new pet. This will help your child bond with the new animal.