Why losing a dog hurts as much as saying goodbye to a family member

Why losing a dog hurts as much as saying goodbye to a family member

Losing a dog or pet is like losing a family member. Those who share their home with a four-legged friend know this well

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

5 reasons why overcoming the loss of a dog is as difficult as that of a human





Losing a dog or pet is like losing a family member. Those who share their home with a four-legged friend know this well.

In the face of those who say that "it's just a dog", our furry Fido is often also our best friend, companion for long walks but also for cuddling on the sofa.

When he leaves us, due to illness or old age, it takes time to process the loss, just like it happens with a family member. It is a real mourning.

Now, science has shown that mourning the loss of a dog is not unusual and is, in fact, a real experience. According to research published inOfficial Journal of the Human Behavior and Evolution Study, overcoming the death of a pet may be even more difficult than the disappearance of a family member.

Here are 5 reasons why losing a dog is as difficult as losing a human.

Index

Chemical bond

According to the study, the bonds we create with our pets are very similar to those we form with humans. Our brain interprets them the same way and the body produces exactly the same hormones. This is the main reason that leads us to love puppies as much as the family since the same chemical processes occur.

Negative social conventions

When a canine companion dies, sadly we can't mourn it as we would for a human. In the second case, it is considered socially legitimate to seek help from a psychotherapist but when a dog dies the grief must be processed faster because this is what others find acceptable. Also, attending therapy for such a thing could have negative social repercussions.



Love and cuddles

When our pet dies, we do not lose "only" a dog but also the sensations he gave us, his love, the comfort of his presence and the company. Dogs give humans a kind of unconditional love that is often not found in people.

Memories and routines

After the loss of a dog, our habits also change. You no longer go for a walk, you don't prepare food for them, and you don't expect to see them jump on the bed in the morning. A void that is difficult to overcome.

Sense of guilt

Sometimes, we are forced to decide for our dog's life due to very serious illnesses. In this case, a sense of guilt can set in. Even though deep down we know it was the best choice, we may still suffer. Carrying this guilt with us can make goodbye even more difficult.


Losing a dog - or any pet - is heartbreaking. It seems trivial to point this out but our feelings are real, as is our pain. And if others downplay it is only because they have never experienced the unconditional love that only a puppy can give.


READ also:

  • How to deal with (and overcome) grief for the loss of a pet
  • Rainbow Bridge: the wonderful legend of our animal friends' paradise
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