Discover Ways to Prepare For The Passing of Your Pet
Losing a pet can be a challenging experience, but there are things you can do in advance to make it easier. Here are four tips to help you prepare for and manage the passing of your beloved pet.
#1: Assess your pet’s quality of life
It can be difficult to know if your pet is unwell because they can’t communicate with you in words. However, they may show signs of poor mental or physical health. By using a quality of life scale, you can evaluate your pet’s well-being as they get older or experience ongoing medical issues. The scale allows for an objective assessment of your pet’s condition and can help you determine whether they are experiencing any suffering.
#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia
Losing a pet suddenly can make you wonder if you missed signs of illness, but it spares you from having to decide if euthanasia is the right choice. Deciding when it’s time to schedule euthanasia is always tough, but it’s important to remember that most pets don’t pass away quietly in their sleep. Choosing to have your suffering pet humanely euthanized can be a final act of love.
#3: Discuss how to care for your pet’s body
If your pet passes away, you may not know what to do next. Planning ahead for their after-care can help reduce stress. If you anticipate their death, talk about how you want to handle their body. Many people choose cremation and request their pet’s ashes. Aquamation is becoming more popular but is not yet widely available.
#4: Rely on grief support groups to process your pet’s death
As you grieve for your pet, seek support from not just family and friends, but also pet loss support groups. Several veterinary universities have pet loss support hotlines, and there are many pet bereavement groups on social media that can cater to your specific needs. Remember, you do not have to go through this journey of grief by yourself.
If you notice a decline in your pet’s health or happiness, reach out to our team for assistance in evaluating their quality of life and preparing for their eventual passing.