A pet’s end of life

Different animals have a different lifespan, ranging from a few weeks up to several years and even decades depending on their overall health. However, pet owners are able to notice signs of an animal’s death no matter its age.

• The overall health of the patient is declining, with a lower resistance to illness or difficulty healing.
• Loss or reduced mobility as a result of joint disorders, decreased muscle strength or decreased agility
• Other changes to the animal’s senses, such as hearing and vision loss or other sensory impairments.
• Changes to appetite, activity levels, and overall behavior
• Weight loss or loss in muscle tone and body condition such as poor position
• Reduced energy levels can cause you to sleep more and lose interest in things.

Pet owners should plan to provide compassionate, nurturing care, and a peaceful end for their pets as they approach the natural end of their lives.

Making the Hard Choice

When a pet is in declining health, it can be heartbreaking. This leads many pet owners to consider options that will humanely slow down the decline. If your pet is showing signs that its end is close, you should consult a veterinarian to get an overview and a prognosis. In some cases, the condition of the pet could be temporary and treatable. A veterinarian familiar with aging pets can recommend different options for aging pets, including medication, home modification, dietary adjustments, and activity changes.

If there is no option to prolong a pet’s lifespan, and the animal’s quality of death is being affected by increasing pain, confusion or other factors, owners may choose to euthanize their pet to make it easier to die. A veterinarian is able to provide advice and guidance on how this type of treatment can be delivered with minimal stress for the animal as well as the family. The vet may even arrange a house call so that the pet can spend its last moments in a familiar, comfortable environment. A decision like this should not be made without much thought or care. Many veterinarians offer appointments within days of the pet’s death so that family members can spend their last moments with them.

Hospice is an option.

Hospice care could be an alternative for your pet in its last days, depending on his or her overall health. This is especially true when the pet’s condition rapidly deteriorates or has a terminal illness. Hospice care is an option for euthanasia. But it must be provided by a veterinarian who can provide the best medical care to the animal to alleviate any pain. Hospice care should ideally be provided in the home of the pet, so that it can be with family. Some veterinary hospitals offer hospice pet services, depending on the situation and the final needs of the pet.

Memorializing Your Pet

After your pet has passed, you can memorialize this beloved member of the family in a meaningful and comforting way. Pet owners have a number of options when deciding whether to bury or cremate their beloved pet.

• Grave markers are grave markers that include stones, statues and memorial trees.
• Urns featuring the pet’s name or pawprint engraved on the surface
• Photo session with a professional photographer during your pet’s final days
• Paw print framed sculptures or framed ink and paint paw prints
• A clipping from your pet’s coat in a locket frame or another keepsake
• Jewelry created from a small portion of pet ashes

The most important thing to remember is that grief for your pet is just as normal as it is for you or any member of your family. Accepting grief can be difficult when a beloved pet is nearing its end. For this reason, pet owners should consider joining pet grief groups or bereavement support through their local veterinarians, animal-lovers’ groups, humane societies or other organizations.

The loss of a beloved pet can be incredibly painful. Pet owners work hard to make sure their family members are happy and healthy. Plan for your pet’s final days to ensure that they are comfortable, at ease and have a peaceful end.