The happiness of being surrounded by the loved ones is greatly overshadowed by a constant fear, experienced by all pet owners of losing their dear friend and companion. You could have a healthy young pet, or a senior who seems to be on their last days. It is natural and completely understandable for these thoughts to leech into your soul on the quickest streams of sadness. Though it feels natural, you can also have some control over these feelings and emotionally prepare for the inevitable. So how do you deal with this anxiety but still enjoy the time left with your pet?
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How to Manage Anxiety About Future Pet Loss Tip #1: Acknowledge Your Feelings
The very first step in managing anxiety about future pet loss is simply to acknowledge it. Many people are concerned about the day their pet passes which is understandable, but it is important not to allow those thoughts to take over. Knowing that all this anxiety is only because you love your pet more than anything in the world helps a lot. Accept and allow the emotions you feel that way you do not feel guilty about your worries. -
Living In The Now
When you are scared about what might be happening in the future, it can be hard to think about anything else. Consider spending time with your pet and making memories that can help you take some of the hefty brain space allocated to thinking about negative futures and convert it into present thankfulness. Partake in your pet’s favorite activities, such as going on a walk, playing with their favorite toy, or just simply cuddling. These moments will only bring you closer and provide much-needed solace when the time comes to say goodbye. Mindfulness can also be of great help in anxiety reduction. When you concentrate on the present, you discipline your mind to be in the moment, relieving anxieties for what is or what will happen next. -
Allow Yourself Time To Plan
In advance, because then you will feel as though you have more control and it can help reduce anxiety. It may seem awkward, but returning to the topic of how you wish to honor your pet in death could eventually help make adjusting a little easier. The mere fact that a service like Pet in Peace or pet cremation exists can sometimes be of some comfort. Pet Urns and Mementos If you know for a fact your pet will be cremated, you could start looking into options ahead of time. Having a physical memorial can be an option for you to keep in mind when that day comes so that you also have something to help with the grieving process. -
Develop a Support System
Talk to other pet parents who have gone through loss, and derive strength from their experiences. Connecting with other pet lovers such as yourself, via online forums or local pet loss support groups and simply talking to friends that are aware of the strong bond established between a loyal companion and their human, can help calm anxiety about perceived future harm. If you already have a support system in place, when your turn comes—and it will—you will be able to lean on people who truly understand. -
Be Self-Aware
This concept is difficult and overwhelming when it comes to losing a pet, so practice self-compassion. Oh, fretting about tomorrow will never change today. Feel anxious, and don’t make any judgments about it—just do something to deal with the anxiety. Other self-care practices such as meditation, exercise, or journaling can help with managing your emotions. Self-compassion helps you to feel your emotions without guilt or shame.
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with experiencing anxiety about this, but that does not mean that you should not enjoy all of the time you get to spend with them right now. For me, the best way of approaching it is to just experience those feelings and do my best at focusing on the now, before planning my future. The same goes for you—simply facing your anxiety head-on can help relieve some of the stress and get you in a better psychological state. Finding solace in the company of people who truly care about you, and some self-compassion will be incredibly important as well in regards to one day taking this journey head-on. You can remember that because of your love for them, they have truly lived their life with you, and one day in the future when that memory fades, you will be standing there with peace and grace to continue to cherish them.
