How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Passing
Losing a pet can be extremely difficult, but taking steps to prepare yourself beforehand can help alleviate some of the emotional pain. Below are four tips to help you prepare for and cope with the loss of your pet.
#1: Take care of your pet’s physical health
If your pet passes away, you may not know how to handle their body. To avoid added stress, it’s helpful to discuss arrangements beforehand if you think the end is near. Many people choose cremation and can receive the ashes. Another option gaining popularity is aquamation, but it may not be widely available yet.
#2: Evaluate the quality of life of your pet
It can be challenging to know when your pet is unwell since they can’t communicate it to you directly. However, your pet may display signs of poor mental or physical health that can clue you in. To assess your pet’s overall well-being as they get older or experience chronic illnesses, you can use a quality-of-life scale. This tool helps you evaluate your pet’s condition objectively, which can be useful in determining if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort.
#3: Determine the appropriate time to set up a euthanasia appointment for your pet
Losing a pet suddenly may relieve the burden of having to decide whether euthanasia is the right choice, but it can also lead to questioning whether you missed signs of illness. Alternatively, it is always a challenge to determine when it is time for your pet to pass away and when to schedule euthanasia. It is important to remember that very few pets pass away peacefully in their sleep. Therefore, choosing humane euthanasia can be a final act of love for your pet who is suffering.
#4: Consider seeking support from grief support groups to help you cope with the passing of your beloved pet
To receive support during your grieving process, consider contacting pet loss support hotlines offered by veterinary universities or joining social media pet bereavement groups that can relate to your situation. Remember that you don’t have to go through this journey alone, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help from family, friends, or support groups.
If you notice that your pet’s health or happiness is declining, reach out to our team for assistance in evaluating their quality of life and preparing for their eventual passing.