How to Cope with Losing a Pet
Accept your pet's fate., Talk with your vet., Take pictures of your pet., Continue to spend time with your pet., Consider staying with your pet during euthanasia., Make arrangements as to what you will do with his earthly remains., Give family and...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Accept your pet's fate.
At some point, we all need to come to terms with the mortality of our beloved pets.
There are very few animals that, as pets, have the expected lifespan of humans.
If your pet is ill or is a "senior" pet, it's a good time to talk with your veterinarian about your pet's continued quality of life. -
Step 2: Talk with your vet.
When talking with your vet, ask if and how much pain your pet is experiencing.
Knowing this will help you make the right decision for your pet, and knowing that you make the best choices for your pet helps you better cope with the loss of a pet.
Consider the animal's quality of life.
Is (s)he in pain? Can the pain or illness be treated medically, and still offer your pet a good quality life? Does (s)he have a good appetite? Is your pet happy? Finally, give thought to whether medical treatment is financially viable for you.
For most of us, finances do need to be a consideration, albeit a very unpleasant one.
Based on the vet's assessment and your own judgment, make the decision, with your pet's happiness in mind.
If you're not sure, consider getting a second opinion from another vet. , You will want something to remember it by.
Even if (s)he looks sick and miserable, it is very important to take photos and video, as bittersweet as it may feel.
In the future, you may wish to boast about what a wonderful pet you had, and you may want to show people what he or she looked like.
Collect anything else you want to remember her or him by.
This includes a favorite toy, a blanket, or a decorative element from a tank or cage.
Consider taking a clipping of your pets hair.
You can also dip your pets paw in a small bit of paint and place it on a piece of paper that you can later display after the pet has died. , Let your pet know how much you love him or her, and cherish every moment.
Pet your special one in all its favorite places, and above all else make sure s/he is comfortable.
Talk and maybe even sing.
Do things that your pet has always enjoyed, when still able, like letting curling up on your lap for hours at a time, giving plenty of time to roam in the yard, and eating yummy little treats.
If there was ever a time to spoil your pet, this is it.
Discuss your pet's diet with your vet.
If your pet is at an advanced age, a change in diet may make your pet happier on many levels
- offering a diversity of foods and/or foods that are easier to eat or digest (and help prevent weight loss).
At the same time, respect your pet's wishes; if (s)he wants to be left alone, don't violate your pet's comfort.
Let your pet have his or her way. , It is usually a painless and peaceful process for your pet, but most important, you will be with your beloved pet in its last moments, helping to ease its way along.
Remind the Vet to give an anesthetizing agent so that your pet goes to sleep BEFORE the actual injection occurs that ends his/her life.
Holding and petting your animal can give you as much comfort as it gives your pet, and though it's a sad experience, it's one that will help you to feel you did all you could for your pet in this world. , When preparing for the loss of a pet, you also need to prepare for all the practicalities that follow.
They are an absolute nightmare if you're unprepared
- and may add to your grief and stress at the time.
You want to ensure you've taken care of all arrangements before hand.
You may wish to bury it in your yard with or without a grave marker.
You can also have it buried in a cemetery or cremated. , Before your beloved pet leaves your home forever, let the people who've enjoyed his/her presence know that it's not going to be around for much longer.
You've been given a chance to say goodbye, and so should they.
Assuming your pet feels comfortable with people, getting attention from various sources will make you and your pet feel more loved. -
Step 3: Take pictures of your pet.
-
Step 4: Continue to spend time with your pet.
-
Step 5: Consider staying with your pet during euthanasia.
-
Step 6: Make arrangements as to what you will do with his earthly remains.
-
Step 7: Give family and friends a chance to say goodbye.
Detailed Guide
At some point, we all need to come to terms with the mortality of our beloved pets.
There are very few animals that, as pets, have the expected lifespan of humans.
If your pet is ill or is a "senior" pet, it's a good time to talk with your veterinarian about your pet's continued quality of life.
When talking with your vet, ask if and how much pain your pet is experiencing.
Knowing this will help you make the right decision for your pet, and knowing that you make the best choices for your pet helps you better cope with the loss of a pet.
Consider the animal's quality of life.
Is (s)he in pain? Can the pain or illness be treated medically, and still offer your pet a good quality life? Does (s)he have a good appetite? Is your pet happy? Finally, give thought to whether medical treatment is financially viable for you.
For most of us, finances do need to be a consideration, albeit a very unpleasant one.
Based on the vet's assessment and your own judgment, make the decision, with your pet's happiness in mind.
If you're not sure, consider getting a second opinion from another vet. , You will want something to remember it by.
Even if (s)he looks sick and miserable, it is very important to take photos and video, as bittersweet as it may feel.
In the future, you may wish to boast about what a wonderful pet you had, and you may want to show people what he or she looked like.
Collect anything else you want to remember her or him by.
This includes a favorite toy, a blanket, or a decorative element from a tank or cage.
Consider taking a clipping of your pets hair.
You can also dip your pets paw in a small bit of paint and place it on a piece of paper that you can later display after the pet has died. , Let your pet know how much you love him or her, and cherish every moment.
Pet your special one in all its favorite places, and above all else make sure s/he is comfortable.
Talk and maybe even sing.
Do things that your pet has always enjoyed, when still able, like letting curling up on your lap for hours at a time, giving plenty of time to roam in the yard, and eating yummy little treats.
If there was ever a time to spoil your pet, this is it.
Discuss your pet's diet with your vet.
If your pet is at an advanced age, a change in diet may make your pet happier on many levels
- offering a diversity of foods and/or foods that are easier to eat or digest (and help prevent weight loss).
At the same time, respect your pet's wishes; if (s)he wants to be left alone, don't violate your pet's comfort.
Let your pet have his or her way. , It is usually a painless and peaceful process for your pet, but most important, you will be with your beloved pet in its last moments, helping to ease its way along.
Remind the Vet to give an anesthetizing agent so that your pet goes to sleep BEFORE the actual injection occurs that ends his/her life.
Holding and petting your animal can give you as much comfort as it gives your pet, and though it's a sad experience, it's one that will help you to feel you did all you could for your pet in this world. , When preparing for the loss of a pet, you also need to prepare for all the practicalities that follow.
They are an absolute nightmare if you're unprepared
- and may add to your grief and stress at the time.
You want to ensure you've taken care of all arrangements before hand.
You may wish to bury it in your yard with or without a grave marker.
You can also have it buried in a cemetery or cremated. , Before your beloved pet leaves your home forever, let the people who've enjoyed his/her presence know that it's not going to be around for much longer.
You've been given a chance to say goodbye, and so should they.
Assuming your pet feels comfortable with people, getting attention from various sources will make you and your pet feel more loved.
About the Author
Martha Price
Writer and educator with a focus on practical hobbies knowledge.
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