I've been struggling with this for a few weeks now and am hoping to find some comfort or advice on how to deal with these feelings. My sweet dog Max was with me for over 15 years, and saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. We tried to manage his pain and discomfort, but looking back, I feel like I failed him in his final days. He deserved so much better, and I can't shake off this overwhelming sense of guilt. Despite working closely with our vet, it feels like I missed something, or maybe I didn’t advocate strongly enough for him when it mattered most. Did I wait too long to make decisions? How do I come to terms with these doubts gnawing at me? If anyone has gone through something similar, I’d really appreciate any insight or reassurance you might be able to offer.
I'm truly sorry to hear about your disappointment with your dog's end-of-life care. Losing a beloved pet is incredibly difficult, and it's understandable that you'd want their final days to be as comfortable and loving as possible. Let's talk about what might have happened and how we can learn from this experience.
End-of-life issues can be due to various factors like age-related illnesses, cancer, or chronic pain, and sometimes things don't go as smoothly as we hope. Dogs can show signs of discomfort or distress, such as decreased appetite, difficulty moving, increased sleeping, or labored breathing.
At home, acts of comfort like creating a cozy resting spot, offering soft foods, and keeping water within easy reach can help make a pet's final days more peaceful. Paying attention to changes in behavior, like increased restlessness or vocalizations, might indicate discomfort.
However, if you notice severe signs, such as persistent pain despite your efforts, heavy breathing, or a significant decline in quality of life, it’s important to seek help. These can indicate that a pet is suffering or that there are issues that might need immediate attention.
I encourage you to book a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet if you need to talk through this more. They can provide support and advice tailored to your situation to help ensure your pet's comfort in difficult times.
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