How to Counsel Kids on Helping Dying Pets

Discussing the topic of death with children can be a difficult prospect. Since pets are considered, by most households, to be family members, trying to explain to kids that the animals they love are dying can be challenging. Still, it's important for them to know that they can provide care, support and assistance to help these beloved pets be happier in their final days.

Things You'll Need

• Tact
• Understanding

Instructions

1. Find out what knowledge your child may already have about the concept of death. Children may have already seen and/or heard references to death on television, in cartoons or from peers.

2. Build upon what they are already aware of by relating it to something they can better understand. Be honest in your explanation, but use simple language that a child can easily relate to. For example, you might tell your child that his pet is feeling very sick and that there is no medicine to help make it feel better. You can tell your child that when a pet's body can't get better, it will eventually stop breathing, but that this is something that happens in all of nature. Answer any questions your child has and let him know that it's okay to feel sad or angry.

3. Discuss with your child what things she might do to make her pet feel more comfortable. Make sure she understands that this does not mean that the animal is going to get well, but that it does mean that things can be done to help relieve pain and suffering and reassure the pet that it is loved. Encourage your child to keep trying to communicate with her pet. Even if it is in such bad physical condition that it can barely move, your child can still provide comfort by talking kindly to the animal or gently stroking it.

4. Ask your veterinarian to help. He can answer any questions your child may have regarding his pet's physical condition and may be better able to explain the cycle of life and death. Your vet can also recommend some things that can be done to help make the animal feel comforted in the days to come.

5. Explain to your child that it is important to keep as "normal" a routine as possible with her pet. She can help bring it water and food and make sure that its surroundings are pleasant. Participating in the care of a dying pet can help your child cope better, if she knows that she is aiding in doing something positive.

6. Let your child know that sometimes the best thing he can do to help his pet is to allow it to be put out of its suffering. Euthanasia is a term way over children's heads, but explain to your child that his pet is in terrible pain and discomfort and that a veterinarian can give them "special medicine" that will help take away its pain and help it to fall asleep, until it stops breathing and dies. Let them know that this will not cause it any hurt, but will keep it from being in pain anymore.

Tips & Warnings

• Be honest with your child.

• Explain things in simple terms.

• Be prepared for your child to express anger.