Our pets are some of our most beloved family members. They are part of our emotional ecosystems, daily routines, and fondest memories.

But unfortunately, the circle of life is inevitable. More often than not, our pets will pass on before we do, and navigating the grief surrounding a pet loss is complex, confusing, and completely natural. It is a nonlinear path with many ups and downs.

Grief is also particularly strong during the holiday season, when people are yearning for joy and emotional connection at every turn. This can be an even more difficult time for families experiencing loss. Use this resource as a tool during the grieving period: how to prepare when a dog is nearing end of life, coping strategies, and meaningful ways to remember them.

Preparing for The Possibility That Your Dog Is Nearing the End  

Aside from sudden loss, there may be signs that your dog is nearing the end of their life. It is important to recognize these signs so that you can get them the proper palliative care and mentally prepare for their decline and passing.

Any changes to your dog’s usual behavior may be a red flag. Use the “HHHHHMM” scale as a guide: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More good days than bad. Consult your veterinarian if any of these factors change dramatically in one direction or another, ie. extreme thirst or avoidance of water, clinginess or isolation, etc.

Make sure that your pet is comfortable and cared for during their decline by providing soft bedding, incontinence support, and familiar blankets/toys, and support yourself by using these tips:

• Acknowledge your emotions early
• Have an honest conversation with your veterinarian
• Create intentional and meaningful time together
• Recognize and honor anticipatory grief
• Prepare practical and logistical end-of-life plans in advance
• Center your decisions around your dog’s peace

Tips for Coping with The Death of a Pet

After your pet has passed, it’s important to give yourself time and space to seek the strategies that will work best for you:

1. Give yourself permission to grieve. Grief can manifest in many different ways: physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. There’s no “right” way to go through the process, and you may go through a rollercoaster of good days and bad days before you reach a place of peace. Be gentle to yourself, and don’t take it too hard if you feel yourself going “backwards.” It’s ok to say no to social commitments and take care of yourself first, even if it is the holiday season.

2. Seek support. Lean on your close loved ones to support you, especially if they are experiencing the same loss or have experienced pet loss in the past. If you need additional help, consider joining a pet loss support group, either online or in person. And, if the grief is severely impacting your mental health, daily life, or identity, consider seeing a mental health professional for counselling. The New Year is a great time to hit a reset button and reevaluate how you’re supporting yourself.

3. Maintain gentle routines. Stick to daily rituals, whether they have to do with sleep, eating, or exercise. Even if your companion is no longer beside you, it is important to preserve structure for your own health. It may be helpful to fill the void of time by taking up a new hobby, like cooking, gardening, or volunteering. Exercise your body and mind.

Ways to Commemorate Your Pup & Keep Their Memory Alive

Just because your pet is gone does not mean they are forgotten. Honoring your dog’s life can be a powerful part of the healing process, helping transform your grief into a connective, directed, and gratitude-filled process. While nothing can replace the bond you shared, these heartfelt ideas can help keep their spirit present in your life:

• Create a keepsake like a scrapbook, shadow box, or other art project. Etsy can be a great source of custom, commemorative gifts like plaques or engraved stones.
• Donate or volunteer in their honor. You can donate their toys, unopened food, sweaters, or beds to a local animal shelter. Or, you could volunteer your time at a rescue organization and help other animals in need.
• Plant a living tribute like a tree, shrub, or garden to give you a peaceful place to reflect. Watching it bloom year after year can feel like a symbol of growth and continued love.
• Celebrate a birthday or “gotcha day” as you would do when they were still alive. Marking important dates can transform sadness into remembrance.

Ultimate Takeaways

While grieving a pet is a difficult, emotionally taxing, and lengthy process, you can ease the burden on yourself by preparing in advance and taking it easy on yourself. There’s no correct, straightforward path to take, and you need to be kind to yourself when you are having low moments. Give yourself grace during the holidays: find the same compassion for yourself as you would for your pup.