Helping Your Clients with Grief

As a trusted vet, your client may turn to you for help and guidance after the loss of a pet. You may feel overwhelmed with questions and concerns, particularly regarding what to do after a pet dies.

Keep reading to find out how you can support your client after their pet dies, including how to tell if another pet is grieving, how inform a child about the death of a pet and when is the right time to get another pet.

Questions Your Clients May Ask

Do other pets grieve?

The short answer is: yes. Other pets may exhibit strange behaviour following the death of a pet. Your clients may even raise concern with you about their furry companion's changed behaviour, including lethargy, lack of appetite and unusual sleeping habits.

Did you know that pets can even grieve for the loss of their companions of another species? A cat might seem different after the death of their canine pal, while dogs can be receptive to the smallest of changes in the home.

How do I tell a child that their pet has died?

It’s never easy to tell a family member that their beloved pet has died. Telling a child about the death of a pet is one of the most heartbreaking conversations you may have, as this may be their first experience with death.

It’s important that children hear the truth. They don’t need to know every single detail about how their furry friend died, but they must understand that death is permanent. Using euphemisms like “pass away” or “gone to sleep” might confuse a little one and result in even more questions.

When is the right time to get another pet?

The answer to this question is different for every family. Your client must consider the impact another pet will have on every member of the family. In addition, it’s important that they take time to grieve of their loved one before making the decision to welcome another pet into their home.