4 Things You Can Do to Prepare For the Loss of Your Pet
Losing a pet is always difficult, but being prepared can assist in lessening the mental and emotional turmoil. Here are four suggestions to aid in preparing for and coping with the eventual loss of your pet.
#1: Assess your pet’s quality of life
Although your pet cannot verbally communicate when they are feeling unwell, they may display signs of 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 assess your pet’s condition objectively and determine whether they are experiencing any discomfort.
#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia
Losing a pet suddenly may make you wonder if you missed any signs of illness. On the other hand, making the decision to euthanize a pet can be very challenging. It’s important to remember that very few pets pass away naturally in their sleep, so opting for humane euthanasia may be the kindest thing you can do for a suffering pet.
#3: Discuss how to care for your pet’s body
If your pet passes away, it can be difficult to know how to handle their remains. You can ease some of the stress by discussing options for after-care before your pet passes. Cremation is a common choice that allows you to receive your pet’s ashes. Aquamation is another option that is becoming more popular, but it may not be widely available yet.
#4: Rely on grief support groups to process your pet’s death
During the process of grieving, you can seek support from family and friends as well as from support groups. Many veterinary universities offer pet loss support hotlines, and you can find several pet bereavement groups that match your individual needs on social media. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
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.