Ways to Prepare for Your Pet’s Passing
Although losing a pet is never easy, preparing 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 poor physical and mental health signs. Using a quality-of-life scale, you can evaluate your pet’s well-being as they age or decline due to a chronic medical condition. 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 an unexpected pet death alleviates the burden of determining when—and if—euthanasia is the right course of action, you might wonder if you failed to notice your pet’s sickness. On the other hand, deciding when to plan euthanasia and when your pet is ready to pass away is never easy. Keep in mind that very few pets pass away gently while they are sleeping. Humane euthanasia, however, can be your final act of love 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 know that the end is approaching, talking about how you want to handle their body can reduce your worry. It’s common to choose cremation, and you can decide to receive your pet’s cremated remains. Aquamation is becoming increasingly well-liked as a form of post-care, although it is still not readily accessible.
#4: Use grief counseling services to cope with the loss of your pet
Reach out to support groups in addition to relying on your loved ones and friends during this difficult time. Most veterinary schools have pet loss support hotlines, and many pet bereavement organizations on social media may suit your particular circumstance. You never have to go through grief on your own.
Ask our staff for assistance in determining your pet’s quality of life and making arrangements for their eventual passing if their health or happiness is deteriorating.