For most people, pets are more than just animals; they are part of the family. So it hits us all the harder when our beloved pet has reached the end of its life. By recognising the usual signs that a pet is about to die, the shock of loss is often less heartbreaking and the transition period can be made much easier for the animal. How can you tell if a pet is about to die?

 

 

Most pets have a much shorter life expectancy than humans. Pet owners can count themselves lucky if their pets die of old age and not through illness or accident. 

 

Old animals usually sleep a lot. The more their life draws to a close, the more time they need to rest. They move little and only when necessary. A few days before death, many animals stop eating and drinking because they have difficulty swallowing. Very old animals often suffer from incontinence, diarrhoea and occasionally vomiting. Other signs are a lack of grooming, dull fur and hair loss. The animal's formerly animated gaze becomes clouded and gradually loses its inner glow. 

 

If you realise that your pet doesn't have long to live, you should prepare yourself mentally and possibly talk to your vet about how to alleviate nervousness and pain. 

 

 

The best way to help a dying animal is to stroke it gently and talk to it. However, if the animal is suffering considerably, euthanasia should be considered. 

 

Everyone has their own way of dealing with the loss of their pet. The death of a pet takes time to get over. If you have the chance to gradually say goodbye to your animal friend when you realise that it will soon be over, the grief is often eased a little. However, it is never easy.