Your dog was a beloved companion who played an important role in your daily routine. Now that he's departed, you feel sad, lonely, and perhaps even angry.

People who are not dog parents will probably not understand your pain and sadness. But that doesn't mean you should be ashamed of your feelings or don't have the right to grieve.

If you're desperately wondering how to cope with losing a dog, here is some advice that might help you.

Give yourself the time you need to grieve

We all grieve in different ways and at different rhythms. There is no right or wrong way to feel after losing a dog. Giving yourself the time to grieve, experience your emotions, and release them slowly matters.

If you can, take some time off work. If this is impossible, you must still allow yourself to feel those painful emotions.

Whatever you do, don't rush your grieving process or deny or hide your pain. It's never a good idea to hide your emotions, and it will eventually take a toll on your mental health.  

Talk to someone who will understand how you feel

Talking about your feelings will help you release them. But be sure to speak to someone who understands what you're going through. Do you have friends or neighbors who are happy dog owners? Talk to them, as they will surely understand the pain you feel after losing your companion.

If your friends and family can't understand why you're hurting and empty inside, you should consider seeking affordable grief counselling. Your grief counsellor will lend you a compassionate ear and provide valuable support during your grieving process.

Do your best to take good care of yourself

It's normal to feel upset and guilty. It's normal to lose your appetite and have difficulty sleeping. But be sure to take good care of yourself while grieving your dog.

Try to eat nutritious food and keep a regular sleep schedule. Spending a lot of time alone is alright if you need to, but you should also leave your home and socialize with your friends occasionally.

Try yoga or meditation if they comfort you. Do things you enjoy and find new routines that give meaning to your life.

Write a journal or create some art

Writing a journal, drawing, or painting can help you release painful emotions.

But don't just focus on your negative feelings. Writing and creating art can help you cope by bringing back all your good memories of your dog. Think about how cute he was as a playful puppy or how much fun you had playing with his favorite toy.

Reflecting on the good times you shared might bring a smile to your face and help you feel gratitude through your sorrow.

Hold a memorial ceremony for your dog

If holding a memorial ceremony for your dog feels meaningful, you must do it. You could write a letter to your dog or create a beautiful memory box with photos and items that remind you of your pet.

You could scatter his ashes in a place he loved or plant a tree or perennial flowers. A memorial can help you cope with losing your dog by giving you an occasion to say goodbye to your beloved friend.

Only sort out your dog's things when you feel able to do it

Sorting out your dog's toys and other belongings can be difficult when grieving. It's a difficult but necessary part of grieving.

Start only when you feel able to. Do it at your own pace, processing your emotions.

Don't feel rushed to get another dog

As you cope with losing a dog, your friends and family might ask when you'll get another one. Tell them there's no rush, and you'll know when the time is right.

Before you get a new dog, take all the time you need to grieve your loss. Although your loved ones might think buying another dog will replace the one you lost and put a smile back on your face, it isn't that simple.

If you adopt another dog too quickly, you'll compare him to your lost companion, which isn't fair to him. It's normal to want to share your home with another dog. Just be sure you feel ready before getting a new one.