The heart of pet ownership is a seemingly unbreakable bond built on love, companionship, and shared memories. Yet, amidst the days of shared joy and love, comes an inevitable time when we are faced with the heart-wrenching decision to let go. Determining when to say “Goodbye” to a beloved pet is perhaps one of the most challenging decisions you will ever make, but one that is also the most selfless act of love you can give your pet.

In this article, our Flora Family Vet team explains how you can evaluate your pet’s quality of life, understand the risks of waiting too long, and acknowledge grief as a necessary part of loss. With this information and our caring team’s compassionate support, we hope you can find peace during this difficult time.

One more day with your pet: The risk of waiting too long

As a devoted owner, you naturally want to hold on to every precious moment with your beloved pet. However, delaying the decision to say “Goodbye” can inadvertently prolong or worsen your pet’s suffering and deprive them of a peaceful and dignified farewell. 

Pets often mask their discomfort or pain, and you may have difficulty recognizing when the time is appropriate to say “Goodbye.” While your pet’s condition may not look critical, our veterinarian can provide a knowledgeable and unbiased perspective regarding your furry pal’s quality of life.

How to assess your pet’s quality of life

Your pet’s overall quality of life is a key indicator of their well-being and should be routinely assessed when deciding on end-of-life care. Quality of life is a multifaceted concept that involves a pet’s health, comfort, and ability to enjoy life. Key considerations include:

  • Pain and suffering — Is your pet experiencing chronic (i.e., ongoing) pain or discomfort that cannot be adequately managed with medication or therapy? Are they suffering mentally or emotionally from anxiety, confusion, or fear? If your pet’s physical or mental suffering affects their daily life, despite treatment, their quality of life has declined.
  • Mobility and daily functions — Does your pet have good mobility or do they tire easily, fall often, or struggle to rise or lie down? Do they have difficulty performing basic tasks such as eating, drinking, posturing to eliminate, walking outside, or using the litter box? Without their mobility and autonomy, pets can experience rapid physical and mental decline (e.g., muscle wasting leads to further mobility loss, which leads to anxiety or depression).
  • Health — If your pet has a terminal illness or degenerative condition, you must consider their prognosis and potential treatment options. While some pets respond well to treatment, others continue to deteriorate. In other cases, treatment may be cost-prohibitive. Open and honest discussions with our veterinarian are the best way to understand your pet’s prognosis and weigh all the options. Anticipating the future can help you minimize your pet’s suffering and preserve their dignity.
  • Joy — Does your pet still enjoy their favorite activities? Do they show interest in their surroundings and want to engage with you, or do they seem distant and fail to recognize family and friends? Pets who have lost the glint in their eye or their enthusiasm for beloved games and toys may be suffering physically or mentally.
  • Care needs and personal considerations — Consider your emotional well-being and ability to care for your pet. Caregiving for a terminal or suffering pet can be emotionally and physically draining. In some cases, treatments can also become a significant financial burden. Although it may seem impossible, you need to assess your pet’s health from a practical standpoint and consider whether you have the resources, support, and ability to continue providing care.

If your pet is experiencing a decline in any category listed above, discuss these concerns with our Flora Family Vet veterinarian. We may recommend scheduling an appointment to assess your pet’s health or be able to advise you on end-of-life care.

Pet loss grief support resources and guidance 

Finally, as you navigate this challenging time, you naturally experience significant guilt, anxiety, anger, and sorrow. This preemptive sadness is known as anticipatory grief, an emotional response to the impending loss of a loved one or pet. Allow yourself to acknowledge and process these emotions as you prepare to say ”Goodbye.” Seek support from friends, family, or a pet loss counselor or support group who understands the difficulty of pet loss. 

The decision to say ”Goodbye” to a beloved pet is one of pet ownership’s most challenging aspects. By prioritizing your pet’s well-being and quality of life, and setting aside your own wants and desires, you can ensure your pet receives the love and compassion they deserve until their final breath. If you’re struggling with end-of-life care decisions for your pet, let our Flora Family Vet team help. Our compassionate team is here for you—all you have to do is call.