How to Cope With Guilt After a Dog's Death

Acknowledge guilt as part of the grieving process. Once you realize that guilt is a natural and fleeting part of the grieving process, it will be easier to overcome.

Force yourself to switch thoughts if your guilt is overwhelming. Guilty thoughts can preoccupy pet owners who have prematurely lost their pets. Train yourself to shift your thinking patterns if you catch yourself dwelling on negative thoughts. Think of positive scenarios instead, like the fun times you shared with your pet.

Forgive anyone who may have been involved in the dog's death. Forgiveness is an important part of the coping process. If you feel like you are the person who is primarily to blame for your dog's death, learn how to forgive yourself by first realizing that you wouldn't feel guilty if you weren't a loving and compassionate pet owner.

Realize that as a responsible pet owner, you acted as soundly as you thought you could while your dog was your companion. People who suffer from guilt after pet loss often believe that they hadn't done enough for the pet while it was still living. Know that if you feel this way, you probably did at least what was necessary while the dog was alive.

Allow yourself to let go of the responsibility for your dog after a suitable grieving period. Realize that your pet's passing is a past event. Make a concentrated effort to move forward in your life.

Open yourself up to the possibility of acquiring a new dog without the fear of making the same "mistakes" again. Look at a new dog as an opportunity to put positivity and love into your life again.