How to Prepare for a Dog's Death
Preparing for a dog's death can be heart-wrenching, but is often necessary. Make sure your dog is as comfortable as it can be for the last days of its life while making arrangements for its burial to ease the pain of losing your pet.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Have a realistic outlook on your pet's diagnoses. If a veterinarian has given you a time frame in which to expect a loss, use it to your advantage by planning ahead for the loss.
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2
Allow yourself to go through the stages of grief. Grieving your dog before it has actually passed is totally normal and may even help you overcome grief faster.
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3
Make the most of your time with your pet. Ease your dog's suffering by making him as comfortable as possible. Lavish him with lots of love and attention.
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4
Consult with a veterinarian. Keep tabs on your pet's health by regularly talking to your veterinarian. Ask questions about treatment and care options.
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5
Strike a balance between your dog's health and its general happiness. Sometimes, treatments for diseases or injuries can substantially lower your dog's perceived quality of life. For example, a dog may refuse to eat because of a medically-restrictive diet. Consider allowing him to eat special treats and to enjoy his last days if the end is near.
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6
Decide on preliminary arrangements for your dog's burial. Familiarize yourself with your options. If you choose an option beforehand, you'll have one less thing on your mind when your beloved pet passes on.
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7
Get support from family and friends. Find people you can talk to about your concerns and feelings. A good friend or family member can help you through the bereavement process.
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8
Keep a positive attitude while you are around your dog. Dogs are highly sensitive creatures and can sense when their owners are upset. Find ways to lift your spirits so that your dog can be happy and comfortable during this period. This is also a good time to make great memories with your pet; take your dog to do all the special things that he enjoys.
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Comments
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drunk
Sep 09, 2010
Very nice and thoughtful article. Thanks for your effort and wisdom :) -
lacefullone
Apr 14, 2008
With step 8-it's so true! Dogs will be much calmer and less worried if you don't freak out around them. If you have to freak, make sure your pet can't see or hear you.No reason to stress them out, it's already hard enough. When the time came for my greyhound, and she was starting to be miserable, I chose to end her suffering before it was unbearable for her (inoperable cancer)It's a gift to be able to let them go peacefully. Get a GOOD vet that will do a three step process sedation, anestitize, then the last shot. It was very peaceful and so the right thing for her- but so very hard for the humans. But the right thing to do. 15 year old greyhound, wouldn't have made it thru another surgery.
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lacefullone
Apr 14, 2008
With step 8-it's so true! Dogs will be much calmer and less worried if you don't freak out around them. If you have to freak, make sure your pet can't see or hear you.No reason to stress them out, it's already hard enough. When the time came for my greyhound, and she was starting to be miserable, I chose to end her suffering before it was unbearable for her (inoperable cancer)It's a gift to be able to let them go peacefully. Get a GOOD vet that will do a three step process sedation, anestitize, then the last shot. It was very peaceful and so the right thing for her- but so very hard for the humans. But the right thing to do. 15 year old greyhound, wouldn't have made it thru another surgery.
