Pets light up the world around us, and they are our closest companions and most loving friends. As pets age and their physical abilities begin to slow, death is something every pet owner must face, and it can be difficult to come to terms with. Thankfully, as you walk alongside your pet in their senior years, you can prepare yourself for what’s to come. Although it may feel overwhelming to think about your pet’s death, let’s look at a few practices you can start now to emotionally prepare for your pet’s eventual passing.
1. Allow Yourself to Feel
When you see your pet’s health deteriorating, first and foremost, allow yourself to feel sad. Your feelings do matter, and they are valid. Some people may think it’s silly to grieve the death of a pet deeply, but ignore them. Grief is grief. There’s no timeline for your grief, nor is there a step-by-step process.
Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a nationally respected grief expert, has a lot to say about pet death, including, “Allow your feelings to find expression.” Although it may be tempting to push your feelings down and avoid thinking about your pet’s passing, doing so can do more harm than good. While people process their feelings differently, it’s important not to repress or ignore them.
As you prepare to say farewell to your pet, remember that your friends and family are available to support and empathize with you as you experience this inevitable point in your life. Your loved ones also love and appreciate your pet and can sympathize with you over their decline.
2. Spend Time Together
Another way you can emotionally prepare for your pet’s death is to spend some quality time with them. They are one of your best friends, so you’ve experienced a lot together! Whether you’ve scaled impressive hiking trails or curled up together on a cloudy day, the bond you share with your pet is irreplaceable. These are memories you will never forget.
There’s also still time to do everything you’ve wanted to do with your companion! Make some memories before they pass by doing things together that you’ve been putting off. You can buy them a fun outfit or make a pet-friendly treat for them. Maybe you’ve always wanted to show them a favorite spot of yours, or you’re looking to introduce them to a friend’s pet.
More than likely, your loved ones have also grown to love and appreciate your pet. They will understand if you want to take time out of your schedule to enjoy your remaining time with them.
3. Plan Your Pet’s Final Days
Enjoying the last special moments with your pet also means taking care of their health. As you come to terms with your pet’s eventual loss of life, consider taking your pet to the vet clinic for a professional opinion. Your veterinarian may give you several options about what to do for your pet moving forward. Remember that you should make the best decision for you, your family, and your pet’s health.
Two common choices that you could be presented with are euthanasia or enjoying the time you have left.
- Euthanasia: Some pets pass away from natural causes, but most of the time, it is up to the owner to decide when their quality of life has deteriorated. It’s not an easy choice to make, but it could mean preventing your pet from experiencing further pain.
- Enjoy the Time Left: After a checkup, the vet may recommend that you enjoy the time you have left together. It may sound sad, but if there’s nothing you can do now, the best thing may be to show your pet unconditional love and support in their final days.
These three practices won’t take away your grief, but they can help you prepare for the emotional impact your pet’s passing will have on you.
4. Remember You’re Not Alone
People struggle with pet death every day because it’s natural to miss a companion that was with you through thick and thin. The emotions you’re experiencing have been felt by countless pet owners everywhere. Not only can you reach out to family and friends for support, but you can also reach out to other pet owners.
Facebook groups and local support groups are popular ways to connect with others over a shared experience. Online support groups like the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement and Paws Whiskers & Wags are also available.
No one will understand you more than someone else who has lost their animal friend. You can find comfort in other people’s stories because they know exactly what you’re going through. Finding a community of support like this can be so helpful in your upcoming grief journey. Amidst it all, remember that you’re not alone in your grief.
5. Reach Out to a Professional
If you find yourself struggling with pet death, you may want to seek out a grief counselor. Sometimes, processing heavy emotions requires professional guidance.
Grief counselors allow us to talk about our feelings in a healthy way in a neutral space. You can share your experience with your pet and how their impact on your life affected you. A grief counselor can help you form and maintain healthy coping skills as you come to terms with your loss.
To learn more about preparing for the loss of a pet, explore these additional resources.
7 Pet Memorial Options
What You Need to Know About Pet Burial and Cremation
Helping a Friend Grieving the Loss of a Pet
Why Do We Feel the Loss of Pets so Deeply?
