Ways to Prepare for Your Pet’s Passing
Even though losing a pet is never easy, getting ready for it can lessen your mental and emotional pain. Here are four suggestions to help you prepare for and grieve the eventual loss of your pet.
#1: Assess your pet’s quality of life
Although they can’t express it to you, pets can show signs of poor physical and mental health. You can evaluate your pet’s wellbeing as they age or deteriorate due to a chronic medical condition by using a quality of life scale. The quality of life scale enables you to assess your pet objectively and can assist in determining whether they are in pain.
#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia
While the burden of determining when—and if—euthanasia is the best course of action is lifted by a pet’s unexpected death, you might wonder if you failed to notice your pet’s illness. On the other hand, figuring out your pet’s readiness to die and when to schedule euthanasia is never easy. However, keep in mind that few animals die peacefully while they are sleeping, so humane euthanasia can be your final act of compassion for your suffering pet.
#3: Discuss how to care for your pet’s body
You might not be ready for your pet’s aftercare when they pass away. If you are aware that your pet’s time is running out, talking about how you want to handle their body can reduce your stress. It’s common to choose cremation, and you can decide to receive your pet’s cremated remains. Aquamation is becoming more and more well-liked as a form of post-care, but it is still not widely accessible.
#4: Rely on grief support groups to process your pet’s death
Reach out to support groups in addition to relying on your loved ones and friends during this difficult time. Numerous veterinary schools provide pet loss support hotlines, and a plethora of pet bereavement groups on social media may be suitable for your particular circumstance. You never have to go through grief on your own.
If your pet is declining in health or happiness, ask our team for help in assessing their quality of life and preparing for their eventual passing.