osing a pet is never easy. When facing the sudden loss of a furry companion, pet owners might not know what to do if their pet dies at home. While it may be unclear what best to do when experiencing such an ordeal, experts stress that it is important to take a second and grieve the loss.
“Acknowledge your feelings about that loss,” says Dr. Jennie Rubenstein, veterinarian and member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society. “Nothing that needs to be done [is urgent].
” Here’s what to know about losing a pet unexpectedly at home. Many pet owners might be unfamiliar with the processes that might occur when an animal dies. “Death has some stages to it,” notes Rubenstein.
“As a pet is dying, it can be terrifying to watch, because we're not used to seeing the signs of death.” A pet may begin to show ragged or erratic breathing and some animals might begin to vocalize, but it is important to remain calm. “The best thing is to just sit and be with the pet and not to panic,” says Rubenstein.
There are several indications that might show if an animal has passed. Rest your head on your pet’s chest to check their heartbeat or look for signs that their pupil has dilated. The most obvious sign is a stiff body and cold feet.
After an animal passes, it might leak fluid from the nose or mouth, or excrete urine or stool. When you begin to see changes develop, call your veterinarian or an emergency pet hospital to help you confirm if the animal has passed. “Alw.
