Pets

As dog owners, nothing is more important than knowing that your best pal is happy and comfortable during his last days in the world. However, dogs are experts at hiding their discomfort, illnesses and pain, which oftentimes result in old pets suffering more than we are aware of.

So what can you do to make sure that your pet’s last days are as comfortable as they can possibly be?

1. Visit a Veterinarian
This may not be fun for your pet, but seeing a veterinarian helps manage your dog’s condition better. Regardless of the reason, the first thing you should do when you start noticing something different in your dog is to see an expert. This ensures that he is not suffering needlessly.

2. Go All Out On Food
If the vet agrees that some human foods are okay for your dog, give your pup the most delicious food possible. As long as the vet is okay with it, let your dog have steamed rice, steak or any gourmet meals you can provide to your Fido. Let him enjoy his last few days by serving him with decadent meals every single day.

3. Pamper Your Dog
Indulge in all forms of dog pampering, especially anything that helps your dog relax. Pet him in parts of the body where he likes to be touched. You can even go an extra mile by doing things like taking your dog to a pet communicator to hear and understand what they are really feeling.

4. Inform Yourself on Pet Pain
As mentioned, pets can hide feelings of discomfort, pain and illnesses. This may be a boring subject to study, but remember that there are roughly around 60 different signs of pain in pets, which may vary in severity, from less obvious signs like tucking their tail, losing interest to favourite activities, and being unenthusiastic to being carried to more obvious signs like unusual moaning, panting, lack of appetite, and howling in pain.

5. Let the Children Get Involved
Older children can already understand illnesses, age and dying process. By allowing more participation from your children, you give them a chance to express their goodbyes. When visiting the vet, let your kids ask questions if they have any. Be honest about any of your decisions you are going to make about your dog’s treatments, including about euthanasia. This is an unfortunate event, but learning how to cope with sadness like this is a critical part of growing up.

For the time being, focus more on the comfort of your fury friend. Give your pet all the love and care he needs in order to remain calm and comfortable as possible.

Adopting a pet requires a much bigger responsibility than you think. However, many people make impulsive buys and decisions, and adopt a pet only to leave them on the streets when the interest fades away. The pet that’s left behind might refuse to eat street foods or fail to adapt to its new environment, and eventually die. This is why we find it essential to ask yourself these five questions if you’re planning to adopt a new companion at home.

1. Do I have sustainable income?
Adopting a pet means more expense, since you will have to provide for its food and other needs. Pets require constant care and attention. If you can’t afford its needs, perhaps it would best not to even think about adopting one at all.

2. Is everyone in the house okay with having a pet?
If you’re living alone, good for you; you have no one to consider if you’re planning to get a dog. However, if you’re living with your family or a housemate, you may want to consider them before getting a new pet. Check for allergy possibilities and personal preferences. If there’s someone in the house with allergy or just don’t want animals around, your pet may end up feeling unwanted and miserable.

3. How often do I stay at home?
Most younger animals don’t do well being always alone by themselves. Most of them try to escape, keep barking o become destructive. Older animals, on the other hand, are more settled and happy to sleep the entire day until you’re back from work.

4. Am I patient enough?
Are you prepared to clean up lots of accidents and okay with the possibility of broken and damaged furniture due to hyperactive pets? The common age dogs are surrendered to public pet facilities is between six and 18 months, when they are at their adolescent and hyperactive stage. Adopting an older dog would be much lesser hassle than adopting younger ones.

5. What changes do I expect in the future?
Regardless of the type of pet you will get, you will be on a multi-year commitment. It is important that your lifestyle in the next 5, 10 or 15 years will be just as pet-friendly as today.

Getting a new furry companion to have at home requires some serious thought. Objectively consider your situation, and whether your lifestyle would better suit a younger or an older pet.