How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Passing

Losing a pet is always difficult, but being prepared can help reduce the emotional and mental burden. Here are four ways to prepare for, and cope with, the eventual passing of your pet.

#1: Evaluate your pet’s quality of life

It can be challenging to know if your pet is unwell since they can’t communicate their discomfort. Nevertheless, pets can show signs of poor mental and physical health. To monitor your pet’s overall wellness and happiness, you can employ a quality-of-life scale as they age or deal with a chronic disease. Evaluating your pet objectively using the quality-of-life scale can assist you in deciding whether they are in distress.

#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia

Losing a pet unexpectedly means you don’t have to make the difficult decision of choosing euthanasia for them. However, you may begin to wonder if you missed signs of their illness. Figuring out the right time for euthanasia is always a challenge, but it’s important to remember that many pets don’t pass away peacefully in their sleep. Choosing humane euthanasia can be a final act of love for your beloved pet who is experiencing suffering.

#3: Plan for after-care for your pet’s body

If your pet passes away, you might not be ready for what comes next. However, if you anticipate their passing, it is wise to talk about the after-care of their body to reduce anxiety. You can select cremation as an option and also choose to receive the ashes. Another growing option is aquamation, but it is not yet widely accessible.

#4: Join grief support groups to process your furry friend’s passing

When you’re grieving the loss of a pet, seek support from support groups in addition to relying on your family and friends. Many veterinary universities offer pet loss support hotlines, and there are numerous pet bereavement groups on social media that can meet your specific needs. Remember that you don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.

If you notice that your pet’s health or happiness is deteriorating, reach out to us for assistance in evaluating their quality of life and preparing for their eventual passing.