Tips for Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet
Losing a pet is always difficult, but planning ahead can alleviate some of the emotional strain. Here are four ways to prepare for and cope with your pet’s eventual passing.
#1: Assess your pet’s quality of life
Pets are unable to communicate when they are not feeling well, but they may display behavioral and physical changes that signal their poor mental and physical health. Using a quality of life scale, you can assess your pet’s health and happiness as they age or deteriorate from a chronic medical condition. You can use the quality of life scale to objectively assess your pet and determine whether they are experiencing any suffering.
#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia
Losing a pet suddenly can bring relief from the difficult decision of choosing euthanasia, but it may also make you wonder if you missed any signs of illness. On the other hand, deciding on when to euthanize your pet and putting a schedule in place is always a tough choice. Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that most pets do not pass away peacefully while asleep, so opting for humane euthanasia could be your ultimate act of love for your beloved pet who is in pain.
#3: Discuss how to care for your pet’s body
If you’re unprepared for your pet’s after-care when they pass away, it can be overwhelming. However, discussing how you’d like to care for your pet’s body beforehand can help. Many people opt for cremation and choose to receive their pet’s ashes. Aquamation has also gained popularity as an after-care option, but it’s not widely available yet.
#4: Rely on grief support groups to process your pet’s death
When you’re grieving, don’t hesitate to seek help from support groups besides relying on your loved ones. Various veterinary universities have their pet loss support hotlines, and there are several pet bereavement groups on social media that might suit your needs. Remember, you don’t have to go through the grieving process on your own.
If you notice any signs of your pet’s declining health or happiness, reach out to our team for assistance. We can help you evaluate the quality of life of your pet and prepare for their eventual passing.