When It's Time - Mobile Vet in Delaware

How to know when it is time

Are There Signs?

This is a difficult topic to discuss as there is not a blanket answer that can account for all the unique situations pet parents encounter with their furry loved ones. However, there are some good guidelines to follow and questions to reflect on. We always tell owners that if your furry family member is having more bad days then good then this may be a sign it is time. A bad day would be not eating, not drinking, copious amounts of vomiting and/or diarrhea ,acting lethargic, seems to be in pain, change in their sleep pattern and overall not themselves. They do not need to experience all of the above signs listed but enough that they are not themselves. If your furry family member has cancer or a chronic illness but is still eating, still drinking, has a good energy level and is urinating and defecating normally then this sounds like a good quality of life. Another scenario is if your furry family member’s mental health is failing or their body is failing. This is the case usually with arthritis, severe neurological diseases that affect the spinal cord/brain or dementia. In these instances you should reflect how your beloved furry family member was just a few months ago.

What Should I Do?

If you notice a rapid change in declining health then it may be time. If you need to contact us directly to better understand if it’s time for your furry family member then the best way to reach us would be email, text or scheduling a zoom call. Please do not hesitate to reach out. We know this time is extremely stressful and we want to help provide clarity, support and guidance during this difficult time.

Cindy Saltzman, MS
Pet Support Specialist
By Your Side
Email: byspetloss@gmail.com
Website: byspetloss.wixsite.com/by-your-side
Lori Roehrig
Owner, Certified Dog Trainer, Pet Grief Specialist
Direction for Dogs, LLC
Call/Text: 610-400-3206
Website: www.DirectionForDogs.com/pet-grief
Goodbye For Now: An excellent reference for children and adults written by an esteemed veterinarian to aid in understanding the grieving process and how to heal from losing a furry family member.
24/7 Pet Compassion Careline: Staffed 24/7 exclusively by Master’s and Ph.D. level clinicians with at least 5 years’ experience in the counseling field.
Pet Parent Grief Support: Navigating Loss with Understanding: Pet Parent Grief Support Resources
Pet loss support groups
How Do I Know When It Is Time? Quality of Life Scale From The Ohio State University

Grief Resources