This article was co-authored by Lauren Baker, DVM, PhD. Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Your dog is a member of your family, so you probably want him to be as happy and comfortable as possible, especially as he approaches the end of his life. There are lots of ways that you can increase the chances that your dog’s final days will be happy days. Doing special things for your dog like preparing his favorite foods, playing his favorite games, and even treating him to massage can help. You can also modify your dog’s environment to ensure that he is comfortable. As your dog enjoys his final days, make sure that you are also doing all that you can to minimize his pain and discomfort.
Steps
Doing Special Things for Your Dog
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1Make a bucket list for your dog. Many people create bucket lists to help them navigate the last years of their lives. These lists include things that they have always wanted to do, but never got the chance or didn’t get to do as often as they wanted to. Try to think of some things that your dog might enjoy doing and add them to his bucket list.[1] For example, you might include things like:
- Taking a long car ride with the windows rolled down partway.
- Playing fetch on the beach.
- Visiting a pet store and picking out a special toy.
- Frolicking with friends at a dog park.
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2Prepare your dog’s favorite foods and treats. Most pet parents restrict their dog’s food and limit human foods, which is in the dog’s best interest. After all, everyone deserves to have a nice meal before they die, even your dog. To make your dog’s final days really special, try easing up on these restrictions a bit.[2]
- For example, if your dog licks the bowl clean every time you feed him, then give him a little extra food a few times per week. Or, if your dog drools whenever you cook bacon on the weekend, set aside a few strips just for him. However, be careful not to give your dog too many rich, fatty foods, as this could upset his stomach.
- You might even consider cooking some special meals for your dog. For example, you could make him a dish of cooked ground hamburger and brown rice with a few carrots tossed in.
- If you are not a fan of cooking, then look for a dog bakery or a pet store that carries gourmet dog treats and buy something special for your dog.[3]
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3Play with your dog whenever he is up to it. Even if your dog is nearing the end of his life, he will probably still find joy in some of his favorite games, like playing fetch or keep away in your backyard. If your dog seems like he wants to play, don’t refuse him. Play with him whenever he seems up to it.
- Watch your dog for cues that he is becoming tired. Some dogs will keep playing even if they are exhausted. For example, if your dog starts to pant, move more slowly, or lay down, then that is a sign that he is getting tired.[4] Stop the game or at least give him a break before continuing.
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4Arrange visits with your dog’s favorite human and canine friends.[5] Just like you, your dog probably has some special canine and human friends. To make his last days special, try to arrange some visits with these special people.
- For example, you could arrange a special play date for your dog and some of his best friends, or invite some of your dog’s favorite people over for a visit.
- You might even go to your favorite place with his best friends!
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5Hire a pet masseuse to soothe your dog. Your dog may be experiencing some anxiety during his final days, so it might be worthwhile to do something extra special to help him relax. There are massage therapists who specialize in dog massage, which might be a nice treat for your dog.[6] Look for a dog masseuse in your area and treat your dog to a relaxing massage.
- Try asking your vet or a local groomer about any pet masseuses in your area.
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6Consider visiting an animal behaviorist with your dog. An animal behaviorist will be able to interpret your dog’s behavior to better understand how he is feeling. They can give you insight into things your dog enjoys and factors that are causing him stress. It might be worthwhile to visit an animal behaviorist if you are looking for different ways to improve your dog’s quality of life during his final days.
- Try asking your veterinarian for a recommendation.
Creating a Pleasant Environment for Your Dog
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1Ensure that your dog’s bed is warm and cozy. Towards the end of life, your dog may require more cushioning and warmth due to weight loss or aches and pains.[7] To enhance your dog’s comfort, you can:
- Add some extra cushioning to his bed. You can do this by adding an extra blanket or two to his bed, or by getting an extra cushy dog bed for him.
- Place his bed in a warm spot, such as near a heating vent, or get a small space heater to increase the temperature where your dog normally sleeps.
- Get him a dog sweater for going outdoors, or just to wear on chilly days around the house.
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2Surround your dog with his favorite toys.[8] Your dog probably has a favorite toy, or several favorites. To help him feel more comfortable while he is resting, try placing one or more of these toys near him.
- For example, if your dog absolutely loves his stuffed rabbit, then place the stuffed rabbit next to him in his bed.
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3Modify your dog’s environment as needed. Towards the end of your dog’s life, some daily activities may be harder than they once were. Your dog may have trouble doing things like getting into a car, going up and down stairs, or even going to the bathroom. To make things easier for your dog, you can:
- Provide a ramp to help him go upstairs, get into a car, or get up on the sofa.
- Place puppy pads around in case your dog can’t make it outside in time to go potty.
- Get a raised food and water bowl if your dog has a hard time bending over to eat.
Increasing Your Dog’s Comfort Towards the End
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1Talk with your dog’s veterinarian about pain control. It is important to find ways to manage your dog’s pain towards the end of his life. Make sure that you know what to look for to tell if your dog is in pain and discuss your dog’s pain control options with your dog’s veterinarian.[9]
- You may also want to ask your vet about your dog’s limitations regarding exercise.
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2Ask your veterinarian about pet hospice care. Like hospice for humans, pet hospice is a service available to dogs that can help to promote comfort and quality of life as they spend their last days at home. Talk to your dog’s veterinarian about whether or not pet hospice is appropriate for your dog.[10]
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3Discuss euthanasia with your dog’s veterinarian. Although this may be difficult for you to consider, sometimes opting to have your dog euthanized is the most humane option.[11] If your dog is suffering and there is nothing your vet can do to improve his quality of life, then you may want to consider euthanasia.
- Discuss euthanasia with your veterinarian to find out when this option may be appropriate for your pet.
References
- ↑ http://dogtime.com/lifestyle/28517-dogs-last-days
- ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/heavy_petting/2011/09/the_perfect_day.html
- ↑ http://dogtime.com/lifestyle/28517-dogs-last-days
- ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/heavy_petting/2011/09/the_perfect_day.html
- ↑ http://dogtime.com/lifestyle/28517-dogs-last-days
- ↑ http://dogtime.com/lifestyle/28517-dogs-last-days
- ↑ http://dogtime.com/lifestyle/28517-dogs-last-days
- ↑ http://dogtime.com/lifestyle/28517-dogs-last-days
- ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care
About This Article
You can make your dog’s final days special by making its meals extra tasty. To do this, try adding a yummy treat, like cooked ground hamburger or bacon to its regular food. Alternatively, you can get your pup something special from a dog bakery in your area or simply offer it its favorite dog treats. Just make sure you don’t give it too much so it doesn’t get a stomach ache. When your dog is resting, surround it with its favorite toys to keep it content. You might also try adding some extra blankets to its bed to keep it warm and soothe its aches and pains. Besides giving it treats and toys, you can arrange a time when its favorite human and canine friends can come over for a play date. When they come over, try playing a relaxed game of fetch or keep away together. To learn how to talk to your vet about euthanasia, read more from our Veterinary co-author.
