Pet Loss & Rage Syndrome

Not everyone can understand the significance of owning a pet. For many, pets just simply don't fit into their daily lives. For others, however, a pet is very much a family member--sometimes, more so. Pets provide their owners with an unconditional love that is rarely found. Having a pet helps many with loneliness, as no matter what, a pet will be there for them when they return home. Owning a pet creates such a strong bond that when an individual is faced with the issue of losing their pet, it can create a strong state of psychological despair that can result in the individual exhibiting signs of rage that may endanger himself or possibly even others.

Understanding the Effects of Owning a Pet

• In order to begin to understand the causes of rage due to pet loss, one must first try to understand the strong bond that is created between a pet and his owner. Having a pet is as strong of a relationship as any other and, in some cases, stronger. A pet owner is the center of her pet's life. Pets rely on their owners for every aspect of their lives, including food, companionship and housing. Owners are rewarded with a love that only a pet can give. They provide unconditional, constant love and become a huge part of the owner's life. The most common pets--dogs and cats--have relatively short life spans, some as short as six years (i.e., bulldogs, larger dog breeds). These animals are so much more than a friend-- they are always there and never hold a grudge. For all their years, they provide their owners with all the love and compassion humans could only hope to get from another.

Losing a Pet

• When your best friend passes (and yes, for many, pets are exactly that), you are constantly reminded of them. They are no longer following you around, napping with you, going out for walks or sitting by you watching TV. There is clearly a void in your life as your friend is gone. As with all deaths, losing a pet imposes on you a finality that you will never again see them in this lifetime.

Coping with Pet Loss

• People deal with death differently. Some turn to their faith for help in coping with the loss, while some do not. For lonely individuals who relied on their pet for everyday interaction, a pet loss can be extremely difficult. Some may experience such trauma that it imposes on them a feeling of rage that they are unable to control, resulting in life-threatening situations for them and, possibly, others in their lives.

Rage: A Description

• To understand rage, it is imperative that one understand the definition of anger provided by the American Psychological Association, which states "an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage." Rage is extreme anger that encompasses one's being, as the anger experienced is extremely difficult to dissipate. This uncontrollable anger stems from the individual not being able to understand why his pet has been taken from him. He longs for answers that, in turn, can make him more angry as he demands to know why this has happened to him.

Treating Rage Related to Pet Loss

• In most cases, the owner continues to live in the home that he shared with his pet, which will bring back constant memories and, ultimately, can result in further rage. In extreme cases, medication may be necessary. An anti-anxiety medication or sleep aid may be required to help the owner relax and sleep shortly after her pet's passing. Once her anger is in check, reaching out to others who not only understand her loss but have been through it can be helpful. Going to a group meeting with others who have lost a pet or seeing a therapist is the best method for treating the anger and sadness related to losing a pet. Getnet.com is one resource for finding therapists specializing in dealing with those who have lost a pet.

  As not everyone has the ability to or financial opportunity to see a therapist, the Internet can be a good source for those who have lost a pet. Petloss.com offers a wealth of knowledge, including personal stories of loss and explanations of the stages of bereavement, as well as the poem "Rainbow Bridge," which depicts the voyage a pet takes after death.

Pet Loss Rage: An Overview

• One cannot underestimate the loss a pet lover experiences when their friend passes. It is unfair and unwise to say to them that it was "just an animal." This will no doubt result in heightened anxiety and rage. Empathy and understanding are the most effective ways of dealing with someone who has lost a pet. Pet owners have lost a member of their family, and their feelings should not be discounted. Like all losses, only the passing of time truly helps alleviate their pain and anger.