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Pet grief counselor reveals signs your senior dog is nearing life’s end — and when to make the heartbreaking choice to say goodbye

Kirsty Godsell, who has worked in the industry for a decade, has helped and supported countless pet owners grieving over the loss of their dog.

BY TIYASA BISWAS

PUBLISHED 4 HOURS AGO

(L) Sad young woman crying and hugging a pillow, (R) Close-up on a veterinarian examining a sick dog at home. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) milorad kravic, (R) Hispanolistic)

Losing their beloved furry pal forever can be heartbreaking for humans. Oftentimes, owners face the painful decision of putting down their aging dogs for a peaceful ending. There are no qualms about how difficult that choice can be, and the preparation that goes behind it. Pet grief counselor Kirsty Godsell strives to help those struggling to navigate this challenging moment by offering resources. She shared expert advice for owners to be attuned to their senior dogs’ needs and how they can identify when it's time to say goodbye.

A senior dog sitting on the floor (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Griffin Wooldridge)

Godsell, who has worked in the industry for a decade, has helped and supported countless pet owners grieving over the loss of their dog. Despite her experience, she acknowledges that it never gets easy, as reported by The Mirror. However, the decision to put down their senior and ailing dog is always influenced by the intent to end the pet’s suffering and allow them to pass away surrounded by love. To make the right choice, she suggests observing signs in the dog’s behavior. Firstly, they may not be enjoying their favorite food or showing a lack of excitement for treats. This hints at a decreased appetite related to aging.

A sad pet owner with her dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Solovyova)

Secondly, older dogs are likely to sleep more as their bodies need to rest to regain enough energy for activities. Owners must take note of these changes and base their decisions on the evidence. Finally, as dogs age and weaken, everyday tasks become difficult to accomplish, even basic ones like climbing stairs or playing. These signs offer clarification on the senior dog’s declining health and indicate that they might be nearing the end of their life. To monitor their dog’s well-being, Godsell recommends using a rating approach.

An elderly Labrador is dozing in his bed. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Anna_Belova)

"I always recommend noting down your pet's daily activities from one to 10. So if they are super food-orientated, are they starting to go off their meals? If they're not enjoying it anymore, they're a three or four,” the expert told the outlet. The items on the rating list can include daily walks, playing with toys, visiting family, and other activities their pet enjoys. "If you know your pet, and they are part of your family, then you can see when they aren't enjoying life and everyday tasks are becoming tough for them.” However, she advises consulting with a professional before making the tough choice. Owners can also honor their dog’s memory by framing photos or, as some people do, turning their dog’s bowl into a planter.

A sad-looking owner with her pet dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Eugenio Marongiu)

Godsell notes how pet grief is still a “taboo” in many parts of society and is often taken less seriously than human grief. In an effort to change that, she, along with four other vet experts, launched the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors (APBC) to offer relief to grieving pet owners across the UK. It is aimed at regulating the industry with a directory of specialist counselors. According to PetMD, the average lifespan for dogs is between 10 and 13 years. Mixed-breed dogs tend to live longer than purebred ones, with genetics playing a major role in their longevity.