Any animal lover can relate to how life changes when living alongside a dog. Dogs are more than just pets; they become close friends, loyal companions, and cherished family members. Sharing your life with them enriches your daily routine with each happy walk, frisbee game, and snuggle on the couch. 

Often, our furry friends teach us responsibility and how to care for another living creature that depends on us, and in exchange, they give us unconditional love and support. You learn alongside your pet and keep each other company in the good times and the bad. Yet, no dog’s lifespan is as long as ours, and they will inevitably pass away. So, what happens when they are nearing their final days? On paper, we know what we want—for them to have a long and wonderful life, to not be in pain, to leave this world peacefully with us by their side. But the reality is that making these things happen requires some planning and forethought. 

Making your dog’s final days pain-free and filled with cuddles and love can help ease the pain of the inevitable goodbye. By making a few simple preparations, you can give your dog the best last days, creating precious memories and easing the sadness of losing such a cherished part of your life.

How Do You Know Your Dog Is Reaching Its Final Days?

There are no exact guidelines for how to be the best pet owner for your specific dog. You must learn with them and discover what works best for both of you. With our dogs by our side, we discover how best to feed them, cuddle them, and recognize when something is wrong just by looking at them. Although no single, distinctive sign lets you know your dog is going through its final days, there are some common changes in their health conditions that may be telltale indicators that your dog is dying.

Decreased Appetite

Dogs are notorious for their enthusiasm for food. They perk up at the crinkle of a bag or the clinking of a can, eager for a tasty treat. So, when your furry friend suddenly loses interest in mealtime, it can cause concern. A decreased appetite, which can lead to steady weight loss, is often one of the first warning signs that something might be wrong with your dog's health.

Prolonged Lethargy

While some breeds of dogs naturally sleep more than others, if you notice an increase in sleepiness and lethargy, it can be a cause for concern. Remember how excited they used to get for their leash? If playtime or favorite activities no longer interest them, it could be a sign that they are experiencing health issues like kidney failure or joint pain.

Pain and discomfort

These are some of the hardest signs to witness in our furry companions. You might notice physical changes such as labored breathing, whimpering, trembling, or struggling to get up or lie down. Seeing a loved one suffer from persistent pain is incredibly difficult, so at this stage, consulting veterinary technicians for pain medication and the best course of care is the most compassionate choice. 

We all know how difficult it is to acknowledge that your dog is dying. Whether our dogs have reached old age or we were starting our life together, we never want to say goodbye.

How Do You Know When It's Time To Say Goodbye?

Letting go is hard. However, when your dog starts suffering, creating a plan for end-of-life care is a way of helping them leave the earth peacefully. You're the one who knows your dog best, so you’ll know it is time to reach out for support when you see they’re having more bad days than good ones. 

Rely On Your Veterinarian's Expertise

Veterinary practitioners can help you understand your dog's feelings during its final days. Are they in pain? Do they lack the energy for a good quality of life? In addition to reviewing their physical exam, diagnostic test findings, and prognosis, there are a few questions your veterinarian will probably ask you. To assess a dog's quality of life, pet parents should consider the following factors: hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and whether they have more good or bad days. 

While these questions can feel overwhelming, and you may still be wondering, "How do I know for sure?" your vet can help guide you so you can make the most compassionate choice for your pet. Deciding to end the suffering of your beloved dog can make you feel a range of emotions—guilt for ending their life mixed with relief that they can finally rest, nostalgia for bygone memories combined with thankfulness for having shared them. This is normal. 

Veterinary medicine allows your dog to fall asleep forever without suffering. Euthanasia is a heavy word, one we probably don't want to hear, but it can be a compassionate way to give a peaceful death to our furry family member.

When it comes to the actual process, consider how you want it to happen. Do you want to do it at home or at the vet's office? Do you want your pet cremated or buried? Take time to think about some of these logistics, so you take care of the planning and focus on spending quality time with your furry buddy. 

At-home Euthanasia for Pets

Vet hospitals may be noisy and stressful, making it challenging to create a peaceful and tranquil environment for your dog to feel safe. Planning at-home dog euthanasia allows you to keep your dog comfortable in a place that feels familiar and doesn't disturb them with car rides to the vet or encountering other pets.

We know it's difficult to experience, but being present can help your dog feel protected and comfortable, and it can be therapeutic for your mental well-being to take responsibility and gain closure. 

Veterinarian and at-home euthanasia specialist Dr. Jessica Fragola of Paws at Peace says it best, “As a hospice and pet euthanasia veterinarian, I have come to believe it is our duty to do everything we can to ensure those last moments are peaceful and happy for them. It’s difficult to think about, but with a little planning, we can make your pet’s send off beautiful instead of full of pain and fear in a scary hospital.”

5 Loving Ways to Cherish Your Dog's Last Day

How can pet parents make their dog's final days amazing? Well, no one knows your dog like you, so think about what they like and what you enjoy doing together. But, if you need some help, here are some ideas for celebrating a lifetime of love with your dog. 

Take them for a walk to their favorite place

Nature can be healing and restorative for both you and your dog. Even if it's just for a short time, getting outside will allow you and your dog to disconnect from the pain they may be going through. If they are still up for it, take them on a short walk to their favorite park and let them recognize the sounds, smells, and textures they love. Give them a chance to sniff around and enjoy the fresh air. If your dog is sick or can no longer walk, you could arrange to get a wagon that allows them to get out and experience enjoyable things. 

Treat them to their favorite foods

Let them enjoy those foods they always look at you longingly when you're eating. Whether it’s steak, chicken, or whatever else they like, it will bring them immense happiness to enjoy a delicious they wouldn’t usually get. If you've gotten approval from your vet, you might also want to let them try a juicy burger or your favorite vanilla dessert. Following dog-friendly recipes, you can even make special homemade treats like peanut butter and banana biscuits. 

Give them a relaxing massage

Many dogs are in pain at the end of their lives, so comforting them is vital. You can play soothing music, dim the lights, and consider letting them cuddle on your bed for extra closeness, even if they are not usually allowed.

To further relax your dog, you can give them a gentle massage. Focus on their paws, ears, and back, using light pressure to help ease any tension or pain they might be feeling.

Spend quality time with them

Being present with your dog during their final days is likely the most important thing you can do. Cuddle together on the couch or their favorite bed in the house, and give them plenty of loving pets. Talk to them, and let them know they are forever loved. Your faithful companion has been by your side throughout their life, and they deserve nothing but your company during these final days. 

Finding Healing And Closure

Whether the process happens through medical intervention or natural death, saying goodbye to your dog is a complicated process. Unlike human losses, society does not provide many considerations and coping mechanisms for pet loss. There is usually no formal time off work or funeral services, which may force you to face this grief on your own. Still, this loss can be as profound and painful as a human loss. 

Allow yourself to grieve after saying goodbye to your furry companion. Take time to process the complex and powerful emotions. This heart-wrenching experience alone can be tough, so seeking support and guidance is essential. Talk to friends and family about your dog, and cherish those unique memories and funny stories you shared. 

If you need more help, seek professional guidance or join pet bereavement support groups. Animal foundations create profound spaces for sharing your feelings with others who understand the emotions involved in your dog’s last days.

Celebrate Your Dog's Life

Continuing to celebrate their lives after their beloved dog passes away can take on different forms for different pet owners. Finding personal ways to honor their memory can significantly help your healing journey. 

First, keep holding on to those happy memories that bring a smile to your face. Never forget those muddy days when your dog returned from the park with its cute face covered or how excited they were the first time they walked in the sand and touched the sea.

Celebrating their lives is part of the grieving process; you can also take the time to create tangible expressions of these memories. Some ideas include creating a memory box with their photos, toys, and collars or painting a picture of them to hang in the house.

Create a Memorial Diamond

Turning your pet's remains into diamonds creates a unique, everlasting memory of them. A specialized process turns a small amount of their cremation ashes or fur into a diamond that can be kept close to your heart.

Memorial diamonds will forever symbolize the unbreakable bond between dog owners and furry family members. Their brilliance will illuminate your day and give you the strength to continue your life without your beloved pet.

It's important to remember that a memorial diamond is a very personal choice. You can customize the color, size, shape, and jewelry setting. You also decide when and where to wear it and whether you want to keep it personal or share it with the world.

Just remember, your bond is truly personal, and you are the one who knows the best way to enhance its eternity.

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