Preparing to say goodbye to your dog is the hardest part about having a dog, and knowing that their lifespans are much shorter than our own. As your dog shows signs of aging, or if your dog has recently been diagnosed with a terminal diagnosis, it’s likely that your vet has told you it’s time to start thinking about what it will be like to say goodbye. In the best situations, dog owners will have some advanced warning that their dog is declining and that the time to say goodbye is nearing. In these moments, you have some time to be intentional about saying goodbye to your dog and can plan what you want those final days and hours to be like.
Veterinary Advice:
When you know that your dog is declining it’s important to have regular conversations with your dog’s veterinarian. Your veterinarian will help you understand what signs and symptoms to be watching for to know if your dog is in pain. Your vet will likely give you an estimate about how much good time you can hope to have with your dog given their prognosis. As you discuss end-of-life plans with your vet it’s important to talk about what you want your dog’s passing to be like. Specifically, discuss if you’re going to be saying goodbye via euthanasia and if the procedure is happening in the clinic or at home. Most vets don’t do house calls, but there are mobile vets in many communities who will come to your home for a variety of types of appointments including euthanasia. If your dog’s euthanasia has been scheduled you’ll also want to ask your veterinarian if there are limits on what your dog can and can’t do in their final days, and if there are special things you can do or give to keep your dog comfortable.
End-of-Life Photos:
One aspect of preparing for your dog’s passing that has become an increasingly popular way to say goodbye is to arrange an end-of-life photo session. A skilled pet photographer will help you organize a professional photoshoot to capture some of your last memories with your dog in your home or in a favorite location. Even if you don’t want to hire a professional photographer, or don’t have time to arrange a professional photo session it can be comforting to do a photoshoot yourself with your dog. As they are nearing the end of life, most dogs will have days that are better or easier than others. If that’s the case for your dog, try to arrange to take end-of-life photos on a good day when your dog will be most engaged, expressive, and looking the best possible.
Take Last Adventures:
As you are preparing to say goodbye, try to find ways to give your dog the chance to do some of the things they have most enjoyed. If mobility is a challenge, consider finding ways to push your dog in a stroller or a wagon to some of your favorite places. That way even if your dog isn’t well enough to walk, they can still visit places they have loved and experience the sights, smells, and/or sounds of those spaces. These final adventures give you the chance to start to process your dog’s passing and create some special final moments together. If there are friends or family members who your dog has close relationships with, consider letting them know about your dog’s health deteriorating and give them an opportunity to join you on final adventures, or come to visit your dog to say their goodbyes.
Indulge in Your Dog’s Favorite Foods:
Assuming your dog’s health condition is stable and your veterinarian doesn’t have any objections, spend your dog’s last days allowing them to indulge in all their favorite special foods (foods you may have limited at other times in their life). As dogs near the end of life, many will go off food or be reluctant to eat, but sometimes a dog’s favorite foods and treats can inspire your dog to eat a little bit.
Be Together:
Saying goodbye to your dog is one of the hardest things that a dog owner will ever do. Try to spend as much time as possible with your dog during their final days. Most importantly, make preparations to be with your dog as they pass away. Even though it can feel overwhelming to be with your dog as they pass, it’s important to share that time with your dog. These will be your dog’s last moments and they will take comfort in you being there with them. Before your appointment, say all the things you want to make sure your dog hears from you. During your dog’s final moments, your veterinarian will come into the exam room (if you are saying goodbye at a veterinary clinic) to check your dog’s vitals and walk you through the euthanasia procedures. Generally, your veterinarian will give your dog a sedative and then leave you with your dog for a few minutes. They then enter the room, inject the final medication and again leave you to say final goodbyes as your dog peacefully passes.
Prioritize Self-Care:
Try to decide in advance what you want to have happen with your dog’s remains. In most instances, you’ll be given the option of your dog being cremated with other animals, or a private cremation where you will be getting your dog’s ashes back. These ashes can be buried, kept, or used as part of memorial keepsakes like glass art. As you’re preparing to say goodbye to your dog if possible try to plan ways to provide self-care for yourself. Lean on friends, family, and other supports as you are making final arrangements for your dog. Let people support and care for you as you are grieving. If possible, have family or friends bring or send you meals, and spend quality time with you after you say your final goodbyes to your dog. If possible try to take some time off of work, some workplaces will even offer bereavement leave when pets pass.
Saying goodbye to your dog is devastating but with careful planning and preparation, you’ll be able to make your dog’s last days comforting and special. Focus on keeping your dog comfortable, showering them with attention, and anything that brings them joy and comfort. Try to spend your dog’s final moments allowing them to enjoy their favorite things, and be surrounded by the people they love the most. Remember the most important part of saying goodbye is cherishing and honoring the relationship you have with your dog. Your dog doesn’t care if you do anything fancy, they just want to spend their final moments with you.
