It is strange how man and animal can adapt to each other. When a household pet first comes to your home, it is nothing but a small strange little animal. But it very soon becomes a part and parcel of the household. It easily blends into the family and becomes an integral part of it. Hence, if you have to cope with the loss of a pet, it can be as painful as the loss of a loved one. This period can be one of great mental stress for adults and children alike. While the adult may be able to come to terms with the fact sooner or later, children are the one who undergo a lot of emotional distress during the loss of a pet. If you are the parent of a child who has to go through pet loss, then you need to be as honest to the child as possible.
For most children, the death of their pet is often their first encounter with death. For them, the pet is the ultimate companion that gives them unconditional love and attention, so the loss of such a companion may cause them to react unpredictably. Many show signs of withdrawal and extreme sadness. The best way to cope with this period is to tell them that death is an inevitable part of life. If you tell them the truth in a simple and straightforward way, they usually understand. Do not try to replace the pet with a new one too soon. Let your child accept the fact that the pet is dead and is not coming back. Give them the time that they need.
In some cases, the child might need some counseling before it is able to cope with the loss of a pet. If you feel that you are not able to deal with the situation, then please seek professional help.
© 2008 My Healthy Pets.