Recognizing when a furry companion is nearing the end of their life can be one of the most difficult parts of pet ownership.
Knowing what signs to look for and when to seek guidance from a veterinarian can help owners navigate those final days. Dan Ellis, veterinarian at Seward Animal Hospital, said signs that a pet may be nearing the end of its life include a significant decline in activity level, appetite or mobility.
For example, pets may begin having increased difficulty getting up and lying down.
Mobility issues are an especially common indicator in large breeds, Ellis said. Other signs include a pet struggling with house training or behavior changes.
Veterinarian Justin Hennessy of Cross Creek Animal Health Center said owners should also watch for pets that distance themselves from their owners more than usual, shy away from food or water or stop acting like themselves.
While these changes can indicate that a pet is nearing the end of its life, owners must decide when it is time to say goodbye on a case-by-case basis. Ellis recommends they talk with their veterinarians about any concerns and evaluate their pets’ overall quality of life.
“When I have those conversations with clients, it’s about quality of life and making sure that there’s not unnecessary suffering,” he said. “If there is pain present for the patient, is it something we can minimize with therapy or medications? If not, how significant is that pain? If we’re having significant pain issues that we aren’t able to control, that becomes a welfare situation, and we have to have that conversation about what is humane for the pet.”
Hennessy said reassuring pet owners that they are making the right decisions and supporting them throughout the process is a priority for him as a veterinarian. Ellis agreed.
“End of life is a tough discussion, but it's one that needs to be had because these dogs have given you their whole life, and the only thing you can do for them at this time sometimes is just to give them a decent crossing over to the other side,” Hennessy said.
If a pet has more difficult days than good ones, it may indicate that the end is approaching. For pets that are stable enough, Hennessy encourages owners to make the most of their remaining time together.
He recommends taking pets to their favorite places and giving them their favorite foods for one last special day, if they are able.
“Sometimes, I’ll have a little piece of chocolate waiting for them when it’s their time, just because I’m a firm believer that no dog should ever die without tasting chocolate once, even if it is in their last moment,” he said.
Although saying goodbye is never easy, experts emphasize the importance of having conversations early, recognizing changes in pets’ behavior and seeking guidance when concerns arise.
“Absolutely the toughest part of being a pet owner is having to go and make that final caretaking decision that it’s time to say, ‘Goodbye,’” Ellis said. “Nobody wants to have to do that, and at the same time, nobody wants their pet to go through unnecessary suffering, either. It’s a very emotional time, and definitely not a decision that people arrive at easily.”
