Yes

by Brenda Nelson

Created on: August 17, 2011

If you have lost your dog you may be wondering if it is right to replace it, or not. To be totally fair, the word “replace” is not a good word to use here, you can replace an old car, you cannot replace a pet. As such it is better to look at it as though you are getting a new dog, rather than replacing a previous one.

The loss of a beloved dog leaves a hole in its owner's heart. If you have lost a dog you probably feel as though you want to fill that hole but may have some guilt. You need not worry, dogs are pack animals, they know how important companionship is. If it were possible to find out what your dog would have wanted, very likely he, or she, would have wanted you to have another companion.

When to Get a New Dog

The trick to getting a new dog, after the death of another one, is not to rush it. You must allow time for yourself to grieve. The grieving period can be different for each person. Only you will know when you are ready to get a new dog. For some people this might be within a week, for others it could be a couple of months.
Before you Get a New Dog

If your dog passed away from a contagious illness, such as parvovirus, it is very important to take the time to clean your home and yard. Bleach is an effective cleaning agent against most viruses, but you can also talk to your veterinarian about any other cleaning tips they may have. If you had a wooden dog house, it should be destroyed, and all plastic bowls, and toys that cannot be washed, should be thrown out.

What Dog to Get

While you may want to rush out and get one that looked just like the one you lost, this is not a good idea. If you get a dog that looks too much like the one you lost you may find yourself unfairly comparing it to your deceased companion. You should select one that is either a different breed, different color, or at least a different gender, from the dog you had previously.

If you lost your dog due to illness you will want to make sure any new dog you bring into your home is fully vaccinated first.

New Dog

When you have your new dog do not consider it as a replacement for the one you lost. You will always have memories of your earlier dog, and now have a new dog to build new memories with. Remember that this new dog is not the same as the one you lost. It does not know the same things your last dog knows, and will be unfamiliar with your expectations for it. Try to find some ways to bond with it, such as going to obedience lessons, or playing in the park. Remember every dog is different, love this one for who it is rather than always comparing it to the one you lost.

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