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Explaining the Loss of A Pet to Children

Death and dying are two of the hardest facts of life to explain to children. Very often, the death of a family pet is a child's first encounter with this immutable law of nature. How we handle this event can have a far-reaching impact on our children's understanding of death and dying.

The worst course of action is to lie (to say the animal went away) or to use confusing euphemisms, such as the phrase 'put to sleep'. Children will eventually learn the truth, and lying can breed resentment and destroy trust between parent and child. Later in life, when the child learns the truth, they'll wonder what else the parent lied about.

Likewise, euphemisms can cause anxiety or confusion because children take what you say literally. If you say a pet is 'put to sleep', the child may suffer sleep anxiety.

If you say 'God has taken your pet because he was special,' the child may resent God, and fear who might be next.

Just be open and honest.

About the Author:

This article is one in a series of pet tips from FETCH a Cure to help conscious pet owners become more aware and educated on simple things they can do to keep their animals happy, healthy, and free from danger. FETCH a Cure is a from-the-heart, 501c3 non-profit organization; created and run by those who have been faced with cancer and inevitable aging in their own pets.