How to Plan for Your Pet’s Death
Although the loss of a pet is never easy, planning for it might help alleviate your mental and emotional anguish. Here are four strategies to prepare for and grieve the death of your pet.
#1: Determine your pet’s quality of life
Your pet cannot tell you when they are sick, but they might show signs of poor mental and physical health. You can assess your pet’s health and happiness as they age or decline from a chronic medical condition by using a quality of life scale. The quality of life scale allows you to evaluate your pet objectively and can help you determine if they are suffering.
#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia
While a pet’s untimely death relieves you of the stress of selecting when—and if—euthanasia is the right option, you may wonder if you missed your pet’s condition. However, recognizing when your pet is ready to go and when to plan euthanasia is never easy. However, because few pets die peacefully in their sleep, humane euthanasia might be your final act of love for your suffering pet.
#3: Talk about how to care for your pet’s body
You may be unprepared for your pet’s aftercare if they die. If you know the end is near, talking about how you want to care for your pet’s corpse might relieve some of the burden. Cremation is a common option, and you can request that your pet’s ashes be returned to you. Aquamation is also becoming more popular as an after-care alternative, but it is still not generally available.
#4: Use grief support groups to help you cope with your pet’s passing.
As you grieve, reach out to support groups in addition to family and friends. Many veterinary schools provide pet loss support hotlines, and there are numerous pet grief groups on social media that may be appropriate for your specific scenario. You are never alone on your path through bereavement.
If your pet’s health or happiness is deteriorating, contact us for assistance in determining their quality of life and planning for their final death.