Discover Methods to Prepare For Your Pet’s Passing
Losing a pet is always hard, but you can ease your emotional stress by preparing for it. Here are four ways to prepare for and cope with the eventual passing of your pet.
#1: Assess your pet’s quality of life
Pets cannot communicate directly when they are feeling unwell, but they may display signs of poor mental or physical health. One way to evaluate your pet’s well-being is by using a quality of life scale. This tool can help assess your pet’s happiness and health as they age or experience ongoing medical conditions. By using the scale, you can objectively evaluate your pet’s situation and determine whether they are undergoing suffering.
#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia
Losing a pet suddenly through death can make you wonder if you missed any signs of illness, but it eliminates the tough decision of deciding when to euthanize. However, it is always challenging to determine when it is time to schedule euthanasia and let them go peacefully. Keep in mind that most pets do not pass away peacefully in their sleep, so choosing humane euthanasia may be the final act of love you can do for your beloved pet’s suffering.
#3: Discuss how to care for your pet’s body
If you are not ready for your pet’s after-care when they die, having a chat in advance about how to handle their remains can help reduce some anxiety. Cremation is a common choice, and you can opt to receive your pet’s ashes. Aquamation, on the other hand, is a rising after-care option, but it is not readily available.
#4: Rely on grief support groups to process your pet’s death
When you are grieving for your pet, don’t hesitate to seek comfort from support groups as well as your loved ones. Veterinary universities often have hotlines dedicated to pet loss support, and you can find various pet bereavement groups on social media that might suit your specific needs. Remember that you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone.
If you notice that your pet’s health or happiness is deteriorating, reach out to our team for assistance in evaluating their quality of life and planning for their eventual end-of-life care.