How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Passing

While it can be difficult to handle a pet’s passing, taking steps to prepare ahead of time can alleviate some of the emotional burdens. Check out these four suggestions for getting ready and coping with your pet’s inevitable passing.

#1: Please evaluate the quality of life of your pet

Your pet is unable to verbally express discomfort but may exhibit signs of poor mental and physical health. To gauge their well-being as they age or deal with a chronic medical condition, you can utilize a quality-of-life scale. This scale helps you remain impartial when assessing your pet’s state and can ascertain if they are experiencing any distress.

#2: Let’s talk about how to take care of your pet’s physical health

If your pet dies, you may not be prepared for what to do next. It’s best to plan ahead and discuss your preferred after-care method before your pet passes away to reduce stress. Options include cremation, which is common, and aquamation, a newer option that may not be widely available yet. You can also choose to receive your pet’s ashes.

#3: Determine the appropriate time to schedule your pet’s euthanasia

Losing a pet unexpectedly can relieve the stress of having to decide if euthanasia is necessary, but it can also cause you to doubt if you were aware of your pet’s illness. On the other hand, it’s always challenging to know when it’s time for your pet to pass away and schedule euthanasia. However, keep in mind that most pets don’t die peacefully in their sleep, so opting for humane euthanasia can be a final act of kindness for your pet who is suffering.

#4: Consider joining a grief support group to help you cope with the loss of your pet

During your grieving process, it’s helpful to seek support from not just family and friends but also from support groups. You can find pet loss support hotlines from various veterinary universities, and there are many pet bereavement groups on social media that may cater to your specific situation. Remember that you don’t have to go through the grief journey alone.

If you notice that your pet’s health or happiness is deteriorating, reach out to our team for assistance in evaluating their overall well-being and preparing for their eventual end-of-life needs.