10 Things You Can Do For Your Dog During His Last Days

There are few things worse than losing your best friend. Many people consider their dogs to be their best friends and when it comes time for them to pass, either because of illness such as autoimmune diseases in dogs or old age, it can be extremely difficult to deal with. I know; I’ve been there.

However, in this article, you will find 10 things that you can do for your pet that will make both him and you feel a little better. It also ensures that you are doing everything possible for your beloved friend for as long as you can.

1. See a veterinarian

It might sound counterproductive, especially if your pet is suffering from a chronic illness or he is very old. Regardless of the possibilities, the first thing you should do when you notice that he isn’t acting quite right is to see a veterinarian and then provide your pet with plenty of follow-up care in the days, weeks or months after that initial appointment. This will give you an opportunity to ensure that he isn’t suffering needlessly and it will also give you the peace of mind of knowing that you really are doing everything you can for him.

This will give you an opportunity to ensure that he isn’t suffering needlessly and it will also give you the peace of mind of knowing that you really are doing everything you can for him.

2. Follow any and all special instructions

Depending on what is wrong with your dog, your veterinarian might give you special instructions that are to be followed to the letter. It is imperative that you don’t deviate from these instructions, even one time. Doing so could significantly exacerbate the condition and make everything worse for your pet.

It is imperative that you don’t deviate from these instructions, even one time. Doing so could significantly exacerbate the condition and make everything worse for your pet.

3. Be vigilant about medications

If your pet has been prescribed medications, make sure that you give the appropriate dose at the appropriate time. It is just as important to keep up with medication intervals, so do your best not to miss a dose or even be late for one.

4. Manage pain effectively

One of the most important things you can do for your dog at this stage of his life is to manage his pain effectively. If it seems like it is impossible to do so, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further instructions. The last thing you want to allow to happen is for your pet to be in constant pain.

If it seems like it is impossible to do so, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further instructions. The last thing you want to allow to happen is for your pet to be in constant pain.

5. Feed a healthy diet

Just as people need to eat a healthy diet, so do dogs. However, a healthy diet is not one in the same for both human and dog. Hence, you should take care to ensure that you are feeding a high-quality food that is easily digestible and that provides your dog with the things that he needs most. If you have any doubts about what type of food you should be feeding, speak with your veterinarian about it or find a reliable site about

If you have any doubts about what type of food you should be feeding, speak with your veterinarian about it or find a reliable site about what kind of foods dogs can eat.

6. Stay away from low-quality food and table scraps

The last thing you want to do is feed an already ailing pet a low-quality food that provides virtually no nutritional value whatsoever. By the same token, avoid feeding table scraps, as there are a lot of foods that humans eat which can cause problems for dogs.

7. Make him comfortable

You can make your dog comfortable by creating a quiet place for him that allows him to be with the family. You might also want to take out the microchip from him or any dog identification methods if that makes him uncomfortable.

Make sure that you have a comfortable bed for him to lay on and a favorite toy or blanket nearby. If he is bothered by the noise level in the home, do your best to keep noise to a minimum without isolating your dog from everyone in the family.

8. Sit and spend time with him

Even if he isn’t capable of expressing it, your dog will appreciate the fact that you are nearby and that some of his last moments are spent with you.

You may or may not be able to pet him, depending on what is wrong but even if he doesn’t want your hands on him, let him know that you are there by speaking to him softly and simply spending time sitting next to him for long periods of time. Remember, this is your best friend and this is when he needs you the most.

9. Have someone you trust watch him if you can’t be there

Obviously, you would probably prefer to be there no matter what. However, you still have to go to work and take care of family obligations even when your pet is sick.

That doesn’t mean that he should ever be left alone. Instead, have someone you trust watch him whenever you are not capable of being there for him yourself.

10. Give plenty of love

Nothing is worse than watching someone you love slowly slip away, but the last thing you want to do is pull back and begin to isolate yourself from him while he is still alive. Remember, at this point in time, it is more about what he needs from you than about your own emotions. That is something you will be able to deal with later on.

For the time being, give him all the love he can handle and reassure him that he is okay no matter what he is facing. He needs to hear that from you in order to remain as calm as possible.

The post 10 Things You Can Do For Your Dog During His Last Days appeared first on Lifehack.