Considering Your Pet’s Perspective: Understanding Animal Comfort
Understanding “How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Pet” is difficult, but do we omit the animal’s perspective when working through the decisions? While you may want what is best for your animal, many people are guilty of projecting their own wants onto the other-than-human world in the absence of clear communication across species.
Part 5: Considering Your Pet’s Perspective: Understanding Animal Comfort
When a pet nears the end of life, their needs and experiences may shift in ways that aren’t always obvious. Animals have evolved to mask discomfort, making it challenging for pet owners to assess their pain. While humans and companion animals such as dogs and cats have cohabitated for thousands of years (most of human history), we still do not have a direct form of communication with them. People often create a “short-hand” pattern of call-and-response with their animals, but this is not communication in the same way that two people who speak the same language and come from the same cultural background can communicate. It is therefore tremendously important for humans to understand the signs pets use to indicate distress and provide a peaceful environment to help ease their transition while ensuring their final days are filled with comfort and care.
Signs of Pain or Discomfort
Pets express pain differently than humans. Subtle changes in behavior—such as increased restlessness, labored breathing, or altered vocalization—can indicate distress (Grandin, 2006). Other signs include decreased appetite, reluctance to move, and changes in grooming habits. Dogs may pant excessively, while cats often withdraw and become less social.
Why Pets Hide Their Symptoms
In the wild, showing weakness can make an animal vulnerable. This instinct remains even in domesticated pets (Hawhee, 2020). Because of this, many pets will continue their routines despite discomfort, making it essential for owners to recognize minor shifts in their behavior. A pet that once greeted you eagerly but now hesitates to rise may be experiencing pain that isn’t immediately obvious.
Creating a Peaceful Environment
As pets near the end of life, ensuring their comfort is key. Soft bedding, reduced noise, and gentle handling can make a significant difference. Some pets find comfort in familiar scents or the presence of their favorite humans. Veterinary hospice and palliative care can also provide guidance in managing pain and improving quality of life in these final moments (IAAHPC, n.d.).
At Eternal Tides, we understand the deep connection between pets and their families. If you’re considering options such as aquamation or cremation in Fargo, our goal is to provide compassionate support throughout this journey.
References
Grandin, T. (2006). Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior. Scribner.
Hawhee, D. (2020). Rhetoric of Tooth and Claw: Animals, Language, Sensation. University of Chicago Press.International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). (n.d.). Guidelines for Animal Hospice Care. Retrieved from iaahpc.org.
