NEW YORK — When a pet dies, owners lose companionship, affection and “just plain unconditional love,” said Dr Sherry Cormier, a psychologist and author of “Sweet Sorrow: Finding Enduring Wholeness After Loss and Grief.”

Dr Cormier and other experts shared ways to help a loved one through the loss of a pet.

VALIDATE THE OWNER’S LOSS. Pet loss can lead to disenfranchised grief, meaning it is not validated or acknowledged by the wider world, said Dr Michelle Crossley, an associate professor at Rhode Island College and vice-president of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.

Therefore, “a lot of individuals end up grieving in isolation because of fear of rejection from other people,” she said.

Keep it simple when expressing your sympathies. Dr Cormier suggested something like: “I know your animal was such an important part of your life and family. I can see how much he meant to you and how much you’re already missing him.”

ASK HOW YOU CAN HELP HONOUR THE PET. Rituals are an important part of the grieving process, Dr Crossley said, but they are sometimes overlooked when an animal dies.

Perhaps your friend would welcome a memorial service, or would like to make a memento box with photos and a few of their pet’s favorite toys.

REMINISCE WITH YOUR LOVED ONE. The fact that people sometimes feel embarrassed to open up about how much they are missing their pet can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation, Dr Cormier said.

Simply encouraging them to share stories, photos or videos of their pet if they are up for it can help them feel less alone in their suffering. And, if possible, listen more than you talk.

BE THERE FOR THE LONG HAUL. The experts noted the common misconception that pet-related grief doesn’t last as long as other types of grief. But it is cyclical, Dr Cormier said, and she urged people to check in with friends and loved ones not just days or weeks after a loss, but for months or even years after the fact.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.