Anticipatory Grief
When You're Already Grieving, But Your Dog Is Still Here
If you're here reading this, your heart might already be aching.
You’re watching your dog slow down… maybe you're navigating a diagnosis, or sensing that your time together is getting shorter.
And while they're still here—snoring in their bed, greeting you at the door—it feels like you’re already starting to grieve.
That’s anticipatory grief. And yes, it’s real. And yes, it matters.
Let’s talk about what it is, what it does to us and our dogs, and how natural tools like essential oils, herbs, and homeopathy might help support both of you through it.
What Is Anticipatory Grief?
Anticipatory grief is the emotional pain we feel before a loss happens.
It can show up when a dog has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, when age is catching up with them, or even when your gut just knows things are shifting.
This type of grief is unique. It’s full of what-ifs, slow goodbyes, and emotional whiplash. One day you’re soaking in every tail wag. The next, you’re sobbing over something as small as a skipped meal.
It's grief with a heartbeat. And it can feel incredibly isolating.
Why It Matters (and What It Does to Us and Our Dogs)
Unprocessed anticipatory grief can quietly chip away at your well-being—and your dog's.
For pet parents, it often leads to:
Sleep issues, digestive upset, anxiety
Guilt or second-guessing decisions
Emotional shutdown or burnout from caregiving
Raised cortisol levels
For dogs, your grief can be felt through energy and behavior changes:
Clinginess or withdrawal
Pacing, vocalizing, or restlessness
Picking up on your sadness, stress, or fear
Energetically, animals absorb more than we realize. So caring for your own emotional state is one of the kindest things you can do for your dog.
How It Shows Up Day-to-Day
Standing at the food bowl wondering, “Is she eating less? Or am I overthinking it?”
Wanting to “do more” but not knowing where to start
Feeling guilt for feeling sad when your dog is still here
Googling constantly and second-guessing your every choice
Validation is powerful. Pet parents need to hear, “Yes, this is grief. Yes, it’s real.”
🧡 Top 5 Things to Do Right Now for Anticipatory Grief
Name it. Say the words out loud: “I’m grieving, and that’s okay.”
Stay present. Watch the sunrise together. Take slow walks. Soak in the little moments.
Share your emotions. Don’t bottle it up—write it out, speak it aloud, or talk to a friend. Talk To your dog.
Notice changes, don’t obsess. Jot things down calmly, without spiraling. You’ll spot patterns over panic.
Prepare the path forward. Join support groups, create a memory plan, or start learning how to say goodbye—gently.
This is a great place to bring in emotional release work with essential oils, homeopathy remedies, herbs, and better nutrition — for you both.