Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is the hardest part of pet ownership. It’s especially hard to determine when the time is right to make that decision. We understand how difficult that process is and recognize the complexity of this emotional journey. At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, our goal is to support you in finding solace and assurance when the time arrives.
Recognizing the Signs
We know our pets well and are used to observing their behaviors. While it may be hard to face, your pet will likely exhibit signs that will let you know that they’re suffering.
- Eating habits can tell you a lot about what’s going on with your pet. Ask yourself if your pet is still interested in eating or if they need assistance during mealtimes.
- It’s a big sign if your pet has a drastically different mood that persists over a long period of time. Do they still enjoy their favorite activities, or do they display a lack of interest in the things they used to love? Body language can tell you a lot about your pet’s mental state.
- Keep an eye out to see if your pet is deviating from their usual social behavior. Do they hide from you more than usual? Are they still interested in interacting with humans or other animals?
- Irregular bathroom behavior can be a sign that something is wrong. Does your pet struggle with incontinence? If so, is there a medical reason for their potty issues?
- Pain is the most important thing to consider towards the end of your pet’s life. Constant pain may cause or exacerbate the other signs.
Anything unusual that causes you to wonder about your pet is important. Some animals, like cats, are notorious for hiding their ailments from their owners. You know your pet better than anyone, so if you have any reason to be concerned, then make sure you visit your veterinarian and ask for advice.
Quality of Life Assessment
Our own quality of life is greatly improved by having a furry best friend. That can make it hard to make an objective assessment of their quality of life. There are some common things you can track to better understand if your pet is living their best, happiest life.
We recommend making a good day and bad day calendar to visually represent your pet’s quality of life. A “good day” is one when your pet is in a happy mood, is interested in playing and/or socializing, and eats all their food. A “bad day” would look very different, with your pet not having an appetite, showing signs of pain, or not being interested in things they used to enjoy. When there are more good days than bad days, then your pet still has a high quality of life. You can use this calendar to determine when it’s time to seriously consider treatments, life adjustments, or humane euthanasia.
You can also track your pet’s favorite activities to see how often they engage with them. Pick 3-5 activities that your pet loves to do, like going on walks or spending time with a favorite person or special toy. You can then mark each time they are able to do those things and mark when it’s too much of a struggle for them to enjoy them. If you notice that your pet isn’t able to enjoy their favorite activities anymore, it might be time to meet with your vet to see if you can bring more joy into their life.
Sometimes it’s obvious that a pet is suffering, while other times changes can be very subtle and occur gradually over time. Try to think about what your pet was like in their best health and compare that to how they are now. Looking at old photos or videos can help you recognize just how much they’ve changed.
Making an end-of-life decision for your pet is no easy feat. It’s important to be fully informed about their life and behaviors so you can be confident that the decision is the right thing to do. Talking with your vet is a great way to understand what all your options are when you’re facing that decision.
Make the Most of Your Final Days Together
If you’ve made the difficult decision to say goodbye to your pet, you might not be sure of what to do next. Your vet will help you prepare for the appointment and the process of saying goodbye. If you have the luxury of having some time before their appointment, try to make the most of it so you and your pet can enjoy your final days together.
Help your pet experience their favorite things one last time, whether that means treating them to a delicious meal of their favorite safe human foods or going to visit their happiest places. Quality time spent enjoying each other’s company is the best gift you can give your pet at the end, so make sure to give them your full attention during their final hours.
At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic, we understand that deciding on humane euthanasia and having the procedure are just the beginning of a longer journey. Dealing with pet loss and grief can be extremely difficult – understand that it’s normal to need time to honor your pet’s life. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system is essential, whether that’s family, friends, or a pet loss support group.
Choosing humane euthanasia is never easy, but it can be one of the most loving things you can do for your pet. Our team of vets are there for you every step of the way. If you have concerns about your pet’s health and want to discuss options, schedule a visit at one of our Jacksonville veterinary clinics.
