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How to deal with anticipatory grief for a terminally ill or elderly petIf we’re lucky, our pets will live long and healthy lives but, sadly, the end must come eventually.
If you have a terminally ill or elderly pet, the grief can start a long time before you actually lose them. This is known as anticipatory grief and can bring its own particular pain and heartache.
Living on borrowed timeWith anticipatory grief, you know that your pet is living their last months, weeks or even days.
You may enter this phase of grief at the moment the vet gives your companion a terminal diagnosis or it can creep up slowly, making its presence known the first time your senior cat stumbles on the stairs or when your elderly dog suddenly doesn’t hear you arrive home.
Anticipatory grief can be traumatic and exhausting because it’s often associated with an unknown time frame, as well as uncertainty and questions about the future.
Many pet carers describe feelings of anxiety and even depression when they have a terminally ill or senior pet. The responsibility of caring for another life takes on a new dimension when you have to start talking about the end of that life.
When you see your pet go into a slow decline, it can be hard to determine when enough is enough – to identify the tipping point when there are more bad days than good – and this can be very distressing.
Naturally, you will want to grab every moment and fill your pet’s days with as much happiness as possible. Yet, at the same time, you probably feel like you’re waiting for a train to hit – preparing yourself for the blow you know is coming. This can leave you feeling sad and frightened at a time when everyone is telling you to enjoy the time you have left with your pet.
The biggest question on your mind may be, “How will I cope without them?”
 Strategies for coping with anticipatory griefSit with your feelingsYou may feel as though you shouldn’t be grieving while your animal companion is still with you. But anticipatory grief plays a really important role in helping us to prepare for the loss of a loved one.
You have every right to grieve, to feel angry, scared, sad, or even to accept that the end is coming. Your pet, someone you love, is dying – of course, you are grieving.
Ask for help if you need itLiving with a terminally ill or elderly pet can be exhausting – you may be living around a regimen of medication or having to clean up accidents around the house. Your pet may be unsettled and vocal during the night (common in older cats with ‘dementia’) or you may have to attend regular veterinary appointments. Each circumstance presents its own challenges.
If you need help, please reach out to your friends and family, if possible. They may be able to help on a practical and emotional level.
Plan aheadKnowing that the end of your pet’s life is approaching presents the opportunity – however unwelcome - to plan in advance.
Some people decide to spoil their pet by giving them their favourite treats or taking them to their favourite places. This can be a lovely way to create more memories together.
You might also want to talk to your vet in advance about end-of-life decisions for your pet. For example, if euthanasia is being discussed, is there a possibility that your vet – or another vet they recommend – could come to your home if that would be less stressful for you and your pet? Finding out in advance could help you to prepare and know what to expect.
As difficult as it is, this might be a suitable time to talk about your wishes for after your pet’s death. For example, do you want them to be cremated and their ashes returned to you or do you want to bury them in the garden? It’s worth exploring your options ahead of time.
Talk to your vetAs much as we would all like our pets to pass peacefully and painlessly in their sleep at a great age, this is rarely the case. Euthanasia is typically the most humane option to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering.
However, knowing when the time is right to say goodbye can be a major source of anxiety.
If this is an issue that’s worrying you, do have a chat with your vet in advance. They are there to advocate for your pet and may have a clearer view of when euthanasia is an appropriate choice. Your vet can’t force you to take a particular course of action but they can tell you when they think your pet has had enough, even if it comes at a time when you don’t want to see it.
It can be reassuring to have this safety net in place. Your vet may also be able to reassure you that the time hasn’t come yet, which can be a huge relief.
There is useful information on this page.
Take lots of pictures and videosSome people resist taking pictures of their elderly or ill pets because they don’t want their lasting memories to be of when their loved one was poorly. This is completely understandable.
For other people though, pictures and videos can be a great source of comfort. As well as taking pictures of your pet doing what they love or with the people closest to them, you may one day take pleasure from photos that show a close up for your pet’s paws or their special markings or the shape of their nose. These little personal details can bring precious memories flooding back.
One day at a timeAbove all, try to take things one day at a time. As with a terminally ill person or someone who is very old, your pet will have good days and bad days. As their carer, you’ll have good days and bad days too.
Anticipatory grief, like every other kind of grief, has no timeline, no rules and looks different for every person. But it is so very normal, an integral part of loving a pet and not wanting to face the future without them.
If this is an issue you’re struggling with right now, support and understanding are available via The Ralph Site. We have a number of people in our Facebook group who have terminally ill or elderly pets or who have been through the pain of anticipatory grief.
You are not alone.
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