How do you help grieve loss of a pet?
A small 2019 study of 82 people found that the length of intense grief experienced by bereaved pet owners varies —with 25 % taking between 3 months to a year, 50% between one year and 19 months, and 25 % between two and six years. It's no wonder that pet loss therapy is an emerging field.
How long does grief last after losing a pet?
Animals love their owners unconditionally — and the loss of that acceptance can devastate people, Bartels says. And losing the physical affection from cuddling or sleeping beside a pet is a big loss when the animal is no longer around.
Why is losing a pet so hard?
Why do humans feel such a deep loss for their pups? Because dogs are so much more than pets. The loss of a dog is so painful because people are losing a little life that we were responsible for as well as a source of unconditional love and companionship. There's a reason that most emotional support animals are dogs.
Why does pet loss hurt so much?
Can pets feel sadness?