Preparing for the Passing of a Pet

It’s never going to be easy preparing for the passing of a pet but here are a few tips to help make the process a little easier.

Anyone who has owned a pet would agree that they are certainly more than just animals; they become a member of the family, providing endless unconditional love and support.

As pets age and start to slow down, it becomes apparent that the inevitable is approaching.  Whilst having to think and prepare for a pet’s passing is sad, the reality is that we will usually outlive them and have to say goodbye. It’s important to remember that all living creatures do pass on and we need to acknowledge and plan for it. 

Social support and rituals are a large part of the grieving process for human beings, but the same cannot always be said when the loss is a beloved pet. Due to this, many people find the grief to be quite lonely and isolating.

As the time approaches to say goodbye, here are some ideas to help prepare and comfort you.

Spend quality time with your pet

Spending time with your pet allows you to start the grieving process in a way that you can control.  At this time, you can allow a few extra indulgences and treats and incorporate visits to favourite outdoor spaces.

Talk to family members about the passing

Talking to family, especially children, and explaining that a pet is sick/old and that they may not be around much longer can reduce the shock when they finally do pass. Answering questions and providing them with appropriate details before the death happens will have everyone better prepared.

Have a trusted vet to assist with the passing of a pet

There are times when a pet may need to be euthanised to prevent them from suffering.  Ensuring you have a good relationship with your vet will allow you to feel comfortable making that decision when the time is right.

Take photos and gather mementos

Now is the time to make sure you have all the photos that you want of your pet as well as maybe getting a paw print to remember them by. When your pet does pass, you can put together a collage of photos and memories to remind you of the good times.

Make arrangements for burial

What will happen after your pet passes? There are lots of options and having this put in place beforehand, saves you from having to make difficult decisions when the time comes.  They can be buried or cremated, though you will have to check that you comply with your local council rules.  If you decide to have them cremated, you could choose a pet urn for their ashes, so you can keep them at your home or other special place.

A place of remembrance

Whatever you decide to do with their remains, having a place to go to reflect and remember your beloved pet is a fantastic way to deal with the grief. A special spot, seat or tree could be used to spark joy.

Preparing for the passing of a pet

There’s no way to remove the sadness and grief that comes when you lose a beloved fur baby. But taking control of the process means that you will be better prepared when the time does come for them to cross that rainbow bridge.

‘Everyone thinks they have the best dog.  And none of them is wrong’.  W.R Purche

How To Maintain Cleanliness In Your Home Even With Pets

Problems that a lot of pet owners regularly struggle with include droppings, urine stains in the carpet, balls of pet hair and feathers that get into the most unusual places of the house. Here’s how to maintain cleanliness in your home even with pets..

Yes, pets can really be fantastic company, but you can’t deny the fact that they can also be dirty and smelly. Some of them even carry parasites, such as germs and fleas

Don’t let these things put you off taking care of a pet at home though. The truth is you can be a pet-loving homeowner without your house smelling and looking bad.

Read on for eight tips on how to maintain cleanliness in your home, even with pets.

Invest In A Quality Vacuum Cleaner

If you’ve got a shedder at home, you’ll definitely need to vacuum every day. That’ why it’s important to look for the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair. If your pet loves to go on your furniture, look for one that’s capable of tackling upholstery. You should also consider your home’s flooring type.

Don’t forget to clean the filter out regularly to not only pick up pesky hairs but also banish odors. A filter that’s clogged with hair and dirt will only spread pet hair’s smell wherever you vacuum.

Groom Your Pet

Regular grooming is so important, especially if your pet is a shedding breed. Grooming keeps your pet shedding less frequently and, of course, smelling good.

Also, regularly trimming your pet’s nails ensures that your dog or cat won’t scratch up your wood floors. Indeed, one of the best ways to stop your pet’s hair from making your life difficult is making sure that there’s less of it.

Make Sure The Stain Remover Is Easily Accessible

Always keep a cleaner or a stain remover that’s designed for tackling pet odors and stains close by. Follow package directions and use it to remove stains immediately as you see one. Doing so increases your chance for removal.

Even the most healthy dog or cat can have an issue, especially when they ate something they shouldn’t have eaten.

Upgrade Your Sofa

The wrong material on a couch can act as a magnet for your pet’s hair, hold undesirable odors, and quickly show up even the slightest stain. If you can’t bare pushing your beloved dog or cat off the couch, consider upgrading your current sofa.

Woman relaxing on the sofa at home and cuddling her beautiful long hair cat

When looking for one, look for tightly woven materials or leather. You can also try to look for a sofa that has the same color as your pet. Another option you can take, though, if you don’t have the budget for a new sofa, is adding a pet-friendly throw that you can quickly throw in the washing machine when needed.

Use An Old Towel For Your Pet’s Spot

Try putting down a pet blanket or an old towel in your pet’s favourite resting spot in your home. Pick a towel that matches your decor. It’ll probably encourage your dog or cat to go to that same spot to rest during the day. More importantly, though, it’ll keep your sofa or carpet clear from pet hair and cleaner.

Clean Your Pet’s Dishes Everyday

If you’re not cleaning your pet’s dishes regularly, you’ll surely be surprised by how much cleaner your pet’s eating area in your home feels once you start doing it.

The truth is that you should really be cleaning the dishes of your beloved dog or cat every single day. Rinse them, at least, and wipe them down regularly if you’re one of those busy parents who feel that deep cleaning and organizing are too heavy of a task. Also, don’t forget to wipe the walls and floors and trim around the eating area.

Keep On Top of Laundry

Washing your pet’s items regularly, whether it’s the bedding they use to sleep on or the throw blanket you placed on the couch, goes a long way in keeping your home smelling good all the time.

Keep in mind that anytime your cat or dog lounges on the blanket, they actually transfer their hair to that item.

Air Out Your House

A blast of fresh air, even for just 10 minutes, works wonders at deodorizing your home even on cold days. Persistent pet smells can affect your home’s energy, so open your windows to let some fresh air from time to time.

Final Thoughts

There will be times when you’ll be left with little surprises from your pet. They can be around the house and you, of course, have to deal with them. It’s true even how much you stay proactive in keeping your home clean.

Do yourself a huge favor and prepare a system on how to deal with these things. That way, you could have the mess cleaned up right away, preventing it from becoming too big of a hassle. Strike a balance between entertaining your pet and keeping your home looking and smelling clean.

Saving money on pet food & supplies

"Willy"

This post contains sponsored links and content.

Did I ever mention I love dogs? I absolutely adore my two, Willy (aka Pynzavale William "Braveheart" Wallace) a Miniature Pinscher and Bonnie a Mini Fox Terrier. Willy is turning 12 on the 20th of this month and Bonnie is a spritely young 14 years of age. They've been through so much with me and me with them. I really don't know where I'd be without them and don't even want to think about the day they leave me. I'll be absolutely heartbroken. They are everything to me but, boy, can they be expensive. Willy just had 9 teeth removed and and it cost over $1,000. I don't even hesitate spending the money but I try to save money where ever I can on daily expenses.

"Bonnie"

Having such small dogs, they don't eat much although Willy does love his Scmackos snacks. They both get a chewy snack every morning and if we're trying to sleep in, he'll certainly let you know that it's snack time and to get out of bed. I usually buy a one kilo pack at a time, which lasts forever but unless you get them on special, they can be quite expensive. Pet Circle's range of dog food and snacks is on 'special' all the time.

Shipping is free in most capital cities and suburbs so when I start to see the packet dwindling, I jump online and place an order. Orders are received within 1 to 3 days. Happy pups!

Our pets do get treated pretty special around here and even more so when they're unwell. Nothing stings more than a visit to the vet but we keep up with the dog's regular supplements, especially after this long, hot, wet summer. A perfect breeding ground for mosquitos, fleas and ticks. The vet clinic's prices are exorbitant but Pet Circle have a range of flea, tick and worming products at heavily discounted prices. 

They do love our family vacations.

Not only are you saving money on pet supplies with Pet Circle, you've got the convenience of 24 hour ordering and fast delivery. I know what it's like when we run out of dog snacks. We've got two angry little furry friends and you wouldn't want to mess with them when they're in that mood! Don't forget your other pets. Pet Circle provides also for cats, birds, fish and reptiles.



Disclaimer:  I received financial compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.