End of Life Care
Pets are becoming more and more like family and we want to give them a long and happy life. Whether it is food, veterinary care, exercise, and treats, we work hard to be able to care for them as best as we can. This love and dedication carries over as our pets age and approach the end of their short lives. The best thing you can do for your pet when this time comes is to be prepared as much as possible.
Unfortunately, for many of us, this can all happen suddenly and there isn’t time to prepare. But we can still educate ourselves and make some decisions before the time comes. It is important to consider how you might want to care for your pet’s remains after they pass away. If you plan to have them cremated, it is important to keep a little bit of savings tucked away for when the time comes. You also want to consider the cost of an urn and the size you would want to keep in your home. If you plan to bury your pet, consider where you will want to do this. These things are not pleasant to consider, but deciding beforehand will help ease everyone’s stress. Your veterinarian can also help explain your options.
As your pet ages, we recommend getting routine veterinary care. Regular check-ups will help catch any illnesses early on and can help prolong your pet’s life. This can also help improve your pet’s quality of life as they age, as your vet can help you find the right food and supplements to keep them feeling well. Caring for an ailing pet can be overwhelming at times, but your veterinarian will partner with you on how to care for your pet as best you can. They can guide you through keeping your pet comfortable and also help you determine if or when euthanasia should be considered.
If your pet is less mobile, consider putting steps near your bed, couch, or other surfaces that your pet likes to sleep on. Keep their toys or blankets near them, and provide food and treats that are easier for them to eat. Their teeth may become more sensitive, ask your vet if you should switch them to a soft food diet if they seem to have trouble eating. Talk to your vet about ways to ease joint pain, such as CBD or other supplements. The main focus as your pet ages is to keep them as healthy and as comfortable as you can.
Sometimes we are able to tell when your pet is approaching their last days. During this time, work with your vet to determine if you would like your pet to pass at home or if you would like to take them in to be euthanized. More and more veterinarians are offering at home services for this, so that your pet can pass in their environment, without the fear and anxiety associated with a vet’s office.
During their last few days, we always recommend spending as much time with your pet as you can. Spoil them with their favorite foods or treats, snuggle up to them, and provide them with a quiet, peaceful environment. Keep noise levels to a minimum and maybe only allow a select few friends and family to stop by, as this can cause more stress for your pet. If you have kids, it is important to allow them to say their goodbyes, but help them try to understand that the focus is to keep your pet comfortable and calm.
Once your pet has passed, there are numerous ways to memorialize them. Keeping their ashes is a very common option. You can also purchase jewelry with their name, keep photos in a special frame, get a garden stone for your yard, some pet parents even get a tattoo to carry on the memory of their pets. For more ideas read our recent blog, “10 Ideas to Memorialize Your Pet”
The loss of a pet can cause grief similar to losing a family member. It is something to take seriously, and you should give yourself plenty of time to grieve and to heal. Even if you only had your pet a short while, take comfort in knowing that you showed them love and kindness and that you provided the best care that you could.
Pets are becoming more and more like family and we want to give them a long and happy life. Whether it is food, veterinary care, exercise, and treats, we work hard to be able to care for them as best as we can. This love and dedication carries over as our pets age and approach…