HELPING A CHILD COPE

The loss of a family pet is often a child’s first encounter with death. Helping them through this process can teach them about a difficult part of life while also guiding them toward healing.

If possible, talk with your children about the pet’s health and any upcoming decisions before the pet passes away.

• Be honest and use age-appropriate language when discussing the situation. Younger children may not fully grasp the concept of death but will still feel the loss deeply. Older children might want to discuss the pet’s declining health, what will happen after the pet passes, and even ask questions about death itself.
• Avoid phrases like “putting to sleep,” which can confuse and even frighten young children, especially when it comes to their own bedtime.
• You can also explain the idea of “dog years” or the lifespan of your pet’s species, but make sure to reassure your children that their parents live in “people years” and aren’t going anywhere.
• Your veterinarian can help answer any medical questions your children might have, especially for older kids who may want to know more about euthanasia and what happens to the pet’s body.
• Allow your family to say goodbye to the pet, perhaps with a small ceremony.
• Find a special way to memorialize your pet. This could involve planting a tree, writing about happy memories with your pet, drawing pictures, or hanging a photo in your home.
• It’s also important to express your own grief. Children will understand their emotions better when they see that other family members share in the sadness.
• Let your child’s teacher or counselor know about the loss to help explain any changes in behavior.