When determining a pet’s quality of life an objective scale (example below) is often used to help make their end-of-life decision easier.
But just using an objective scale doesn’t always help us to prepare as human beings at this emotional time.
Quality of life can go up as well as down once pets reach their senior years or if they have suffered a trauma.
Some of our patients come to us with a professional opinion that there is nothing more that can be done and yet they still bless our lives with their undying will to live for another 18 months*.
We have put together a few tips here to help when you are preparing to say goodbye.
Tips to help you through the pre-grieving and grieving process for your fur baby
Bucket list
If you have been given an estimate of how much time you have left together and it is 1 month or more, plan a bucket list of your pet’s favourite things to do.
Look through old photos
Look through your photos of your pet for the happiest ones to remember the good times.
Get together
When the day is imminent plan a goodbye "party" for your family and friends to say farewell too. This helps other family members who often hide their feelings for your pet, or may not be aware of how strong your bond is.
The best meal ever!
Although dogs often think every meal is the best meal ever, let them eat whatever they want, or their favourite food, just before their farewell.
Happy places
Once they have passed put “happy times” pictures in all their favourite spots, so when you look there they are happily looking back at you instead of emptiness.
Be kind to yourself
Allow yourself time to grieve. Everyone’s experience is different.
Pet carers can use the Quality of Life Scale to help determine if it is time to say goodbye (for now) to their pet.
If you are unsure if it may be time to say goodbye you can also book a consultation or a phone consultation with your vet who will be able to give advice and guide you through the next steps.
If you have been in this sad situation before and have a different tip that helped you, please share it in the comments section below to support other grieving pet owners.
If you are still struggling with making this difficult decision, or the loss of a pet previously, these organizations are available to help.
Pets and People - 1300 431 450
Passing Paws - 9306 2736
Lawnswood - 9248 6464
Pet Eden - 0410 411 714
Lifeline - 13 11 14
* This figure is based on experience from previous patients and is not a guarantee of longevity for individual pets.