‘Some angels choose fur instead of wings’ - Anonymous
Hello guys!
I have been contemplating on writing this post for a very
long time. I really hope it helps you and your pet.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the fact that it’s a
pet doesn’t make it any different. Knowing
that her end is near is the most painful emotion I have ever felt. There were a
few mistakes that I should have avoided, but I was in denial. I didn’t want to
accept that she won’t be around. It’s been 8 years since she passed away and I
can still feel the lump forming in my throat while writing this article.
Although it’s a very hard time,
being able to take care of your dog for their last few days of life can
actually be a blessing in disguise. It gives you time to calm your pet and help them
to feel loved and appreciated before they pass away. It gives them the opportunity
to spend their last days with the family that they love.
See a veterinarian
As obvious as it may sound, at times we may tend to neglect
our pet’s behavior. The first thing you should do when you notice that they
aren’t acting quite right is to see a veterinarian and then provide your pet
with plenty of follow-up care in the days, weeks or months after that initial
appointment. This will give you an opportunity to ensure that they aren’t
suffering needlessly and it will also give you the peace of mind of knowing
that you really are doing everything you can for them.
Follow all instructions
Depending on your dog’s condition, your veterinarian might
give you instructions that are to be followed to the letter. It is imperative
that you don’t deviate from these instructions, even one time. Doing so could
significantly exacerbate the condition and make things worse for your pet.
Be vigilant about medications
If your pet has been prescribed medications or injections,
make sure that you give the appropriate dose at the appropriate time. It is
just as important to keep up with medication intervals, so do your best not to
miss a dose or even be late for one.
Manage pain effectively
One of the most important things you can do for your dog at
this stage of his life is to manage his pain effectively. If it seems like it
is impossible to do so, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further
instructions. The last thing you want to allow to happen is for your pet to be
in constant pain.
Feed a healthy diet
It’s important to feed your pet a healthy diet that is
easily digestible when they are unwell. If you have any doubts about what type
of food you should be feeding, speak with your veterinarian about it.
When my baby was unwell, she wouldn’t eat anything and I
remember how my mom used to force her to eat some rice gruel. It’s important to
feed and water them, they need all the strength possible. Don’t feed them left
overs. It angers me so much when I see people feeding their pet’s leftover
scraps! Please don’t do that.
Make them comfortable
You can make your dog comfortable by creating a quiet place
for them that allows them to be with the family. He/she would have a favourite
place or toy, ensure that they have it around and they are as comfortable as
you can possibly make them.
Spend time with them
Even if they aren’t able to express it, they will appreciate
the fact that you are nearby and that some of their last moments are spent with
you. You may or may not be able to pet them, depending on what is wrong but
even if he doesn’t want your hands on them, let them know that you are there by
speaking to them softly and simply spending time sitting next to them for long
periods of time. Nothing is worse than watching someone you love slowly slip
away, but the last thing you want to do is pull back and begin to isolate
yourself from them. Remember, at this point in time, it is more about what he
needs from you than about your own emotions. That is something you will be able
to deal with later on.
Deal With Your Shock, Denial and Grief
This is where I Faltered. And it’s not easy at
all.
I was in denial, I just didn’t want to accept
that she was going away. That I won’t see her when I come home. That I won’t be
able to hug and smother her and tell her how much I love her.
You
will probably go through a number of emotions as you say goodbye to your
beloved dog and all of them are understandable and natural.
The
process of grief begins as soon as you hear your pup’s diagnosis, not just
after your dog dies. It might not even seem real. Guilt, anger and depression
are common, as well as bargaining and looking for ways to control what’s going
on.
Accept That Some People around You Won’t Understand
This is very important.
I lost her when I was in college and had some
horrible professors who were unaware of a very important emotion – EMPATHY. A
loss is a loss. You cannot put a label on it, neither can you sum it up.
What
I realized is that not everyone is lucky enough to experience the kind of bond
that I had with my girl. Not everyone is lucky enough to experience
unconditional love.
Help Your Dog Say Goodbye Too
My second mistake!
I
only focused on my feelings. Loss is never one-sided. Your dog probably knew
something was wrong even before you did. Even if that isn’t the case, they are definitely
sensitive to their family’s emotions.
You
don’t want your dog to think that it’s their fault you’re sad, or that they
have done something wrong. Talk to them, and let them know it’s okay to let go.
Tell them what’s going to happen, and that they’ll always be in your heart.
Preparing
for the inevitable can give you a way of dealing with the coming loss of your
dog. You can’t control how long they are going to live or solve all
of his inherent health problems, but making choices where you can will
give you a certain sense of control during this difficult period.
Give
yourself permission to feel exactly how you’re feeling and time to process
what’s going to be a big change in your life. The sadness associated with a
loss of a dog we feel is because of how much we love our pets, and
when we think about it that way, it’s a beautiful thing.
‘Until one has loved an animal a part of
one’s soul remains unawakened’ – Anatole France
Image Courtesy: Pixabay
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