To say that our pets are just like family members may sound trite to those who don’t share their lives with cats or dogs. For those of us who do, however, the loss of a beloved pet can be devastating. Some dogs and cats can live well into their late teens and early twenties, which is the same amount of time we have our children with us at home. The loss of a pet after that many years can be emotionally traumatic, even life-changing. If your pet is ill or aging, there are ways you can prepare to make that dreaded day a little less painful.
Decide on your criteria for euthanasia in advance.
Many times our pets’ health deteriorates to the point where their quality of life is very poor. They may no longer be able to walk or eat, or they may be in extreme pain. When this happens, we are very emotional and not in the best frame of mind to make serious decisions. Talk with your vet and find out what the progression of symptoms is likely to be. Know which symptoms are painful and which are indicative of major organ function breakdown. Decide with your vet in advance at what point it might be best to consider euthanasia. Setting the criteria ahead of time will take some of the emotional stress out of the decision, should you ever have to make it.
Find out if your vet’s office has a back entrance.
The last thing you want to do when taking your pet to be euthanized is have to check in at the front desk and then sit in the waiting room. Call in advance and get permission to come in through the back. Every vet I’ve ever had is very compassionate and would go out of their way to make this time as comfortable for you as possible. Many vets will also come to your home if that is what you prefer. Again, get the details in advance so that you are prepared.
Know what you want done with the remains.
Today we have several options for our deceased pets. They can be buried in a pet cemetery, be cremated and their ashes kept in an urn, or the vet can arrange disposal for you. This is another decision you don’t want to make when you’re grieving. Research your options in advance. Check out feasibility and pricing, and have your decision made before the time comes.
Be sure to get plenty of remembrances.
Since we don’t know how much longer we will have with our pets, it is important to take lots of pictures and video while we still have them in our lives. I have two aging miniature schnauzers, and I had their hair spun into yarn and made into a wall hanging to remember them by. Some people have family portraits taken, and others make scrapbooks. Whatever type of remembrance you prefer, be sure to get what you need now.
No one really wants to think about these things, but they are inevitable. It’s better to address them and make your decisions now, while you still have valuable quality time with your pet. Believe it or not, it will make that dreaded day a little easier to bear.
More from Cherri:
Who’s chasing whom? The truth about cats and dogs
House guests and your pets – Avoiding the great divide
How to approach a shy or timid pet