Dallas Vet Clinic

Dealing with the loss of a pet

Dealing with the loss of a pet is never an easy process to go through. Ironically, the process does not always begin after a pet has died. If you know that a pet is going to die or may die soon, the grieving process can begin before the actual death. While the process is longer and more drawn out in this scenario, it is really a blessing to know that an animal (or any loved one) is likely to die before they actually die. This period of time allows you to say goodbye to the pet by spending more time with it than usual.

The Grieving Process

It's also important to understand that the grieving process in this scenario is not just difficult for humans, but it can be very difficult for animals as well. Pets can be very perceptive, and they are likely to know that they are going to die soon if they are suffering in some way. If your pet has heartworms and is experiencing serious symptoms that are getting worse rather than improving, they likely know just as well as you do that they may not live very much longer. As you soothe yourself while spending special time with them and pet them, you are helping to soothe them as well. This is a special bonding process that should be cherished because it will not last.

Decisions to Make

Putting a Pet to Sleep
There may be many decisions for you to make as your pet's health fails increasingly. The decision to have a pet "put down" or "put to sleep" is a very difficult decision for pet owners because they are reluctant to say goodbye. Pet owners also often have deep feelings of guilt before and after they put their pet to sleep because they feel like they are committing murder, and even murder of a loved one. This decision is especially difficult if your pet is considered a member of your family, which is the way most pet owners feel about their cats and dogs.

How to Decide When to Put a Pet to Sleep
If you have to consider whether or not to put your pet to sleep, the decision needs to be based primarily on the benefits for the pet. This will help alleviate feelings of guilt because the decision is being consciously made for the pet, and not for you. The number one thing to consider is how sick the animal will become before it dies. If it must become progressively sicker and it is already very sick and unhappy, consider how unhappy it will be as its illness progresses. Putting an animal to sleep is often the most humane decision to make, although it is always difficult to say goodbye to a pet that you love.

Should I Stay With My Pet While It’s Put to Sleep?