The worst part about loving a pet is that though they may live into their teens, they never live long enough. And, if your pet is suffering from a terminal illness, they likely will depart sooner. If your beloved companion is elderly or has been given a poor prognosis, the grief of losing your pet can begin long before their final moments. The sadness you experience prior to the actual loss of your pet is known as anticipatory grief. If you’re experiencing anticipatory grief, try the following coping strategies.

#1: Own your emotions

Although your family members or friends may say that you are foolish to grieve for your pet while they’re still alive, own your emotions and understand there is no wrong way to feel. Anticipatory grief plays an important role in helping you prepare for your pet’s loss, so allow yourself to feel angry, scared, sad, or accepting of the end.

#2: Ask for help if you need it

Caring for a terminally ill or senior pet can be challenging, exhausting, and emotionally draining. Whether you’re administering medications multiple times a day or cleaning up accidents around the clock, you probably need some help to ensure your pet receives the best care through their final days. By recruiting your friends and family to provide physical and emotional support, you can rest assured you did everything in your power to make your pet’s end as comfortable and happy as possible, leaving you with no regrets.

#3: Create a bucket list for your pet

While your anticipatory grief may sink you into a puddle of sadness, knowing your pet’s end is coming provides an unexpected opportunity - the ability to plan ahead. If you know your pet only has weeks or days left, you can design the ultimate bucket list based on their favorite activities. Spoiling your pet by taking them to special places or sharing delicious treats allows you to create wonderful memories together, despite this difficult time. This time together also provides perfect picture-taking opportunities, to remind you of your furry companion long after they’re gone.

#4: Discuss end-of-life options for your pet

Depending on your pet’s condition, they may pass quietly in their sleep, or they may reach a point where their quality of life is suffering, and they require humane euthanasia. Discuss your pet’s particular case with your veterinarian to help prevent the unexpected and allow you to better prepare. During their final days, your pet may be an excellent candidate for hospice care, which can keep them comfortable until it’s time to say goodbye. 

#5: Decide on your pet’s care-of-body arrangements

Knowing your pet is going to pass away soon allows you time to consider your options about their after-death care. Rather than having to immediately jump to cremation or burial when you are in shock after your pet’s sudden death, you can meet with your family to decide what everyone would like most. Would you like your pet’s ashes returned to you, or do you want them buried under their favorite tree? There are many wonderful ways to memorialize your pet, and during your anticipatory grief stage, you can decide what is most meaningful for you and your family.

#6: Take one day at a time

We understand that knowing your pet’s end is near is extremely difficult. But take one day at a time, whether it’s a good or bad day for your pet and yourself. Focus on the best parts of that day, and how you and your beloved companion enjoyed your time together. Try not to become bogged down with a poor prognosis, saddening laboratory results, or a ruined carpet at home. Cherish each and every day you have with your pet and understand that the time you two have together is a blessing. 

Like every other type of grief, anticipatory grief affects each person differently. It doesn’t follow any rules or a set timeline. Reach out for support and guidance during this difficult time by using our telehospice service. And, when your pet’s final moments come, consider in-home euthanasia to ensure your beloved companion passes peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.