[Health Tip] 'Pet Loss Syndrome' Experienced After Losing a Companion Animal... "Professional Treatment Needed"

Do Not Hide Sad Emotions and Allow Sufficient Mourning Period

Editor's NoteKim (30), who lives in Seoul, has been busy taking care of his pet dog Coco after work these days. As Coco has reached 15 years old and become a senior dog, he has lost his eyesight and has difficulty moving, so he cannot eat by himself. What worries Kim as much as Coco's pain, who is like a younger sibling, is his parents. Kim is very concerned about how sad and distressed his parents, who devotedly cared for Coco for 15 years, would be if Coco were to pass away.

[Image provided by Pixabay]

'Pet loss syndrome' refers to the grief, sense of loss, and distress experienced when a pet, who is like family, dies. It is estimated that there are 15 million pet owners in South Korea, meaning that one in every four households in the country lives with a pet. As the number of people raising pets increases, many also experience mental difficulties due to the death and loss of their pets.

Those who have lost a pet may feel depressed for as long as six months or more. If daily life becomes difficult or the depression persists for a long time, it can become chronic, so it is advisable to visit a psychiatrist and receive appropriate treatment. If recovery through psychological counseling alone is difficult, taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may sometimes help.

Furthermore, even if those around do not empathize with the grief, they should acknowledge the sorrow of losing a family member and offer comfort without hesitation. However, indiscreet advice such as "just get another pet" should be avoided. It is necessary to have a mindset that empathizes with and acknowledges the grief of losing a pet who was like family.

Professor Cho Cheol-hyun of the Department of Psychiatry at Korea University Anam Hospital advised, "Losing a pet causes a mental sense of loss similar to losing a family member, so it is helpful not to suppress sad and painful emotions but to allow yourself enough time to grieve and miss them."

Professor Cho added, "It is also important to accept the pet's death and not feel guilty. Keeping items that remind you of your pet, such as an urn, at home or communicating with people who can share the grief of losing a pet can be a great help."

Professor Cho Cheol-hyun, Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital. [Photo by Korea University Anam Hospital]

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