When to deal with guilt after euthanizing your pet?
Whether your pet is growing old, is injured or in pain, or is becoming a danger to themselves or others, there comes a day when you’ll face the decision to let them go. This is never an easy choice, and many of us may wrestle with guilt for days, weeks and even months after we’ve already made the decision.
How to cope with the guilt of losing a pet?
If a beloved pet goes missing or dies suddenly or traumatically, we can tear ourselves apart with guilt for not having foreseen what would happen. Euthanasia is fraught with guilt too. Was it too soon? Would they have had better days?
Do you feel guilty if you let down your pet?
Realise that your guilt is only a sign of how much you care. If you were really a bad person who let down the animals in their care, you wouldn’t be affected by guilt. You would shrug off their passing with ease. You only feel guilty because you love your pet.
Is there any way to get rid of guilt?
There’s rarely an obvious remedy for unhealthy guilt, because there’s little that you can do to improve the situation. The key is to work on your mindset instead. Feeling guilty for doing something bad may be unpleasant.
Do you feel guilt after euthanasia of a pet?
Guilt has no place after euthanasias. You had the best intentions for your pet. You wanted to put a peaceful end to their suffering. You decided to make an unselfish decision and put their needs over your own. You are suffering now so that they didn’t have to. Let go of the guilt, so you can feel the love you had between you and your pet.
What’s the best way to euthanize a pet?
Talk to your vet to get help making the decision to euthanize. While you might feel alone right now, your vet is there to help you understand your choices. Ask them about the treatments available for your pet. If they suggest euthanasia is the right choice, listen to their professional opinion about your pet’s needs.
How to deal with guilt after pet loss?
If grief or feelings of guilt are interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s okay to seek professional help. There are growing numbers of pet loss support groups, both in person and online, as well as one-on-one counseling options.
How to deal with the death of a pet?
Have a memorial service for your pet. Remembering your pet’s life will help you deal with its passing. Plan a memorial service and invite the people closest to you, if you desire. Then, talk about your favorite memories with your pet and say a final goodbye.