Caring for Your Sick or Elderly Pekingese: Coping with Loss and Making the Decision to Euthanize
Introduction:
As pet parents, we all want to give our furry family members the best possible care, especially when they're sick or elderly. However, caring for a Pekingese in such a situation can be emotionally and physically taxing. Coping with their loss can be overwhelming. This article will explore ways to provide empathy, sympathy, and love to our furry companions during their most vulnerable times, and to cope with our loss when they pass away.
Taking Care of a Sick or Elderly Pekingese:
When it comes to taking care of your sick or elderly Pekingese,
providing them with proper nutrition, exercise, medication, and mental
stimulation is crucial. You can follow these tips to make sure they are as
comfortable as possible:
Nutrition: Ensure that your Pekingese is getting adequate nutrition by giving them high-quality food that is easy for them to digest. For elderly Pekingese, it's important to provide them with food that has lower calorie and protein levels to help manage their health.
Remember to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you are choosing a dog food that meets the specific needs of your elderly Pekingese.
Exercise: Physical exercise is essential for keeping your Pekingese healthy and happy. However, as they get older or sick, their mobility may be reduced. Take them on short, gentle walks, and provide them with puzzle toys and gentle playtime to keep their mind and body active.
Remember to supervise your dog when they are playing with puzzle toys, and always choose toys that are appropriate for their age, size, and abilities.
Medication:
Make sure to follow your veterinarian's prescribed medication for your
Pekingese. Monitor their symptoms, behavior, and physical changes, and provide
regular updates to your veterinarian.
Mental Stimulation: Pekingese can easily become bored or anxious when they're sick or elderly. Engage them with interactive toys, treats, and games that challenge their mental abilities.
Making the Decision to Euthanize:
As pet parents, deciding to euthanize our
Pekingese is never an easy choice. However, when they are suffering from a
chronic or terminal illness and are no longer able to enjoy their daily
activities, or are in constant pain, humane euthanasia may be the best option.
Here are some steps to consider when making this tough decision:
Speak with Your Veterinarian: Consult your
veterinarian about your Pekingese's condition and ask for their opinion on
whether euthanasia is a viable option. Be transparent about your thoughts and
feelings.
Consider your Pekingese's quality of life and ask
yourself whether they're still enjoying their daily activities or experiencing
any discomfort.
Discuss with Your Loved Ones: Talk with your loved
ones about your thoughts and feelings regarding your Pekingese's condition and
your decision to euthanize.
Give Your Pekingese a Goodbye: Consider setting up a farewell ritual with your Pekingese to give them a proper goodbye.
Coping with Loss:
When it comes to coping with the loss of our beloved
furry friends, it's important to honor their memory and give ourselves time to
grieve. Here are some suggestions to help you cope:
Seek Support: Reach out to family, friends, or a
professional counselor for emotional support during this difficult time.
Create a Memory Box: Create a memory box filled with
their favorite toys, photos, and mementos. This will help you remember the love
and joy they brought into your life.
Plant a Tree: Plant a tree or dedicate a special spot
in your home or yard in their memory.
Join a Pet Loss Support Group: Join a pet loss support
group to connect with others who have experienced similar losses.
Conclusion:
Caring for a sick or elderly Pekingese and coping with
the loss of our beloved furry friends can be emotionally and physically taxing.
However, providing empathy, sympathy, and love to our furry companions during
their most vulnerable times, and coping with our loss when they pass away, can
help us through these difficult times. Remember that you are not alone, and
there are resources available to help you and your Pekingese through this
challenging journey.
References and Suggested Reading: (Click the link to view online):
- American Kennel Club Pekingese Breed Standard: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/
- Pekingese Club of America: https://pekingeseclubofamerica.com/pekingese-breed-standard/
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: https://www.ofa.org/
- Traveling with your dog or cat. American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cvi/traveling-your-dog-or-cat
- 10 tips for the first 30 days after adopting a dog. PetMD. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/10-tips-first-30-days-after-adopting-dog
- The ultimate guide to traveling with dogs. The Social Movement. (2018, August 31). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://blog.konversai.com/ultimate-guide-traveling-dogs/
- WebMD. (n.d.). Traveling with dogs: Tips for safety and security. WebMD. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/how-to-travel-with-your-dog American Kennel Club. "Pekingese Dog Breed Information." https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/
- PetMD. "Pekingese Dog Breed Profile." https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_pekingese
- Friends, M. F. (n.d.). Grooming a Pekingese. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://petgroomingthegoodthebadthefurry.blogspot.com/2011/05/grooming-pekingese.html
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- Dog training: How to train a dog & dog obedience training. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2023, from https://www.akc.org/training
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- Pisano, B., & Krieger, G. A. (1990). Pekingese. T.F.H. Publications. Pekingese by Beverly Pisano
- Sife, W. (2014). The loss of a pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies. Howell Book House. The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies
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- Bendersky, J. (2014). Diy Dog Grooming, from puppy cuts to best in Show: Everything you need to know, step by step. Quarry. Diy Dog Grooming, from puppy cuts to best in Show: Everything your need to know, step by step
- Coile, D. C., & Earle-Bridges, M. (2006). Pekingese: Everything about purchase, care, nutrition, behavior, and training. Barron's. Pekingese: Everything about purchase, care, nutrition, behavior, and training. Barron's
- Yin, S. A., & Deamer, M. (2010). How to behave so your dog behaves. T.F.H. Publications. How to behave so your dog behaves
- McConnell, P. B. (2003). The other end of the leash: Why we do what we do around dogs. Ballantine Books. The other end of the leash why we do what we do around dogs
- Pryor, K. (2019). Don't shoot the dog: The art of teaching and training. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks. Don't Shoot the Dog: he Art of Teaching and Traini
- Fox Sports. (2021). Westminister Kennel Club Show 2021. YouTube. Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://youtu.be/GZSIFekthRM.
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