What to Say or Do When Saying Goodbye to Your Dog At the End of Their Life
You gave your dog a great life. Training sessions; chewed-up toys; naps; that time you had to take them to the vet because they swallowed an entire pack of gum — It’s the little memories about your dog that sometimes make their advanced age or terminal health condition difficult to take.
Saying goodbye to your pets is a painful inevitability, but it’s not a burden you need to bear alone. Let Paradise Point Animal Hospital help guide you through this difficult time. Here are some of our tips for making this time with your beloved dog all the more special.
Keep Them Comfortable
Oftentimes, your dog is in physical pain, especially if they’re approaching an advanced age. One of the most compassionate things you can do for your pet is to make sure they’re in physical comfort. For example, if your dog has difficulty moving, be sure to accompany them up and down stairs (if they still can use them), and be sure to watch for slips or falls on hardwood floors or other slippery surfaces. The most important thing right now is to make sure they’re not in pain and that they know you’re behind them.
Give Them a Day to Remember
When it’s time to say goodbye, it may be a good idea to spend a day or two pampering your dog. Give them whatever they want, whenever they want it; and don’t be afraid to break the rules or go out of your way to give them whatever it is they want. Your pet will love it, and you’ll get the chance to make more memories with them.
Plan a Burial or Cremation
The painful process of planning your goodbye to your dog has to take into account your pet’s remains. We recommend you plan for burial or cremation ahead of time, so you’re not making any financial decisions during a difficult, emotional period. Additionally, this allows you to make the proper arrangements for your pet, if you so desire.
Bring the Vet Home
Finally, the best thing you can do to say goodbye is to have their final day at home. Many vet services, if requested, will come to your home to administer euthanasia. This service allows your pet to rest in a comfortable, familiar environment, and it allows your family to say their goodbyes. Additionally, many dogs are frightened of going to the vet, so this service allows your dog to have some peace in their final moments.
Saying goodbye to a beloved family friend is always hard. Paradise Point Animal Hospital knows how important compassion and empathy are during this time; that’s why we strive to make your dog’s final days as comfortable and as happy as possible and handle everything about the end-of-life process with the utmost respect — for you and your dog.