It is never easy to lose a pet. Doesn’t matter if you’re an adult or a child, the loss of a pet is difficult to deal with, regardless of your age. But, the concept of mortality is more confusing and traumatic in the eyes of a child. While adults can grieve and later accept the reality, a child may carry an event like this while growing up, and even into adulthood.

Adults involved in the care of animals, such as parents and veterinary professionals, play an important role in guiding children through such emotional times. Here are ways adults can help children cope with pet loss.

For Parents

As a parent, it’s important to be both physically and emotionally present. As an adult, you’re probably more accepting of death, due to past experiences. Your child, on the other hand, may just be experiencing it for the first time.

Children are naturally curious, so you need to be prepared to answer questions about death. It’s important to allow them to express their emotions, so never scold them when they are crying or showing aggressive or antisocial behaviors. If you need guidance, you can contact  pet loss support programs in your area.

Know that whatever your child experiences while growing up will have implications in the future . Let your child know how much you loved your pet and that it’s okay to be sad. And, make sure your child gets enough sleep and returns to his or her daily routine.

For Veterinary Professionals

Doctors and employees at veterinary clinics face tough situations daily, with so many pet owners counting on them. When the pet doesn’t survive, they must go through the difficult process of breaking the news to the owner and arranging pet memorial services.

This job requires a lot of empathy and control, especially when a child is involved. It’s best to avoid making jokes to shift the mood, because children also need to realize that grief and sadness are valid emotions that should be felt.

As children appreciate affection and kind gestures, you can offer personalized sympathy cards with inspirational words or memorial products, such as paw print castings or markers, keepsakes, or cremation jewelry.

At Positive Impressions, LLC, we understand how pet loss can be hard for both children and adults. Get in touch with us today, to learn more about our personalized pet memorial products.