Grieving Pets After Home Euthanasia in Brisbane: What to Expect and How to Help Your Pet Cope with Loss
By Love & Toe Beans | In-Home Pet Euthanasia Brisbane
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. Choosing to let your furry friend pass peacefully at home can bring comfort in such a difficult time, but it also comes with many emotions. At Love & Toe Beans, we’re honoured to support countless Brisbane families through compassionate home euthanasia and provide gentle grief support for both families and their pets. While you’re grieving, it’s important to remember that your other pets may be feeling the loss too.
Pets form deep, meaningful bonds with each other, whether they were inseparable friends or simply shared the same space. When one passes, the others often experience grief, confusion, sadness, anxiety, and many more difficult emotions. This can affect their behaviour and wellbeing in ways that might surprise you.
🐾 Signs Your Pet May Be Grieving After Pet Loss at Home
Every pet grieves differently. Some show clear signs, while others might seem quietly out of sorts. Common ways pets show grief include:
Loss of appetite: Turning away from meals or favourite treats or having a reduced appetite.
Searching behaviour: Sniffing around empty beds or familiar spots, searching around the home for their lost friend
Being clingy or withdrawn: Following you more closely or hiding away
Changes in sleep: Sleeping more than usual or seeming restless
Vocalising more: Whining, howling, or vocalising more
If these signs continue for several days or weeks, it’s a good idea to check in with your trusted Brisbane vet to make sure there’s nothing else affecting their health.
💛 Feeling Unsure? That’s Completely Normal
It’s hard to know how to help when your other pets start grieving after the loss of a companion. Remember, you’re grieving too, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
Here’s some gentle reassurance:
You’re doing your best. Grief doesn’t follow a set plan or timeline, sometimes just being there, quietly present, is what your pet needs most.
It’s okay to let your pet be sad. Healing takes time, patience, and lots of love.
You’re allowed to grieve alongside them. Talking, cuddling, or simply sitting together can be comforting for both of you.
If it ever feels too much, reaching out to your vet or a local pet loss support group in Brisbane can help.
Your pets take cues from you-your calm, caring presence is one of the most healing things you can offer.
How to Support Your Grieving Pet After Home Euthanasia in Brisbane
1. Keep to a familiar routine
Regular meal times, walks, and play can help your pet feel safe and secure during this confusing time.
2. Be patient and offer comfort
Some pets may want extra cuddles or quiet time with you. Let them guide you on how much affection they need.
3. Engage their minds
Introduce gentle new activities like puzzle feeders or extra sniffy walks to keep their spirits up.
4. Take your time before introducing a new pet
Every pet is different, some find comfort in new companionship eventually, others need more time to heal without change.
5. Help them say goodbye, if possible
Allowing your pet to be with their friend during the home euthanasia or allowing them see or smell their friend after passing can help with closure.
💛 Healing Together
Our pets feel our feelings deeply. It’s natural to cry, talk, and share your sadness with them, they’re grieving too, just in their own way.
Grief isn’t something to rush or fix, it’s something to hold gently with love and care. You’re not alone, and neither is your pet.
At Love & Toe Beans, we understand how heartbreaking pet loss is. Whether you need someone to listen, guidance on saying goodbye, or support through the grieving process, we’re here for you and your furry family.
If you need support, reach out to the Love & Toe Beans Team or visit our Love & Toe Beans Blog for useful resources.
With love (and all the toe beans),
The Love & Toe Beans Team 💛