Focusing on Peace for Your Pet

We all truly adore our pets. In fact, there probably aren’t really any words deep enough to describe that precious relationship we share. And as they age - as they begin to move more slowly - we start to think about how we can help them through those tougher times. 

Those moments when they can’t stand up as well as they used to, and they struggle slowly to their feet, shuffling their paws into position under their bodyweight. Or they can’t jump up into the car, so they need a ramp or an extra hand with their back end. These are the days we need to focus more on their comfort in day-to-day activities. It’s when you need to take a step back, love them a little differently, and focus on peace for your pet.

When your dog or cat reaches this stage, they need a different kind of care.

There’s always the thought that you could be doing more. But you’ve taken them to the veterinarian, they’ve been diagnosed, you’ve given them meds, altered their diet, and done everything in your power to keep them healthy. 

They’ve reached the time when old age has taken them over, and there’s not much more you can do to help. It’s a simple fact of life.

The treatments have helped as much as they could. It’s time to treat them with tenderness and respect their needs as they slow down.

This article discusses how you can create peace for your pet as they grow older, when they prefer comfort over fun, and where love and presence are the best gifts you can give.

Choose Peace Over The Power To Fix

Of course, our instinct is to care for those we love so much, and do as much as we possibly can to ease their pain, giving them the best life we can provide. We’ve been trained to explore every possible avenue to help extend life, and hardest of all, we want to be sure we personally don’t regret having tried everything in our power.

We put so much pressure on ourselves and want to just take away the pain, turn back time, and spend even more precious moments with our best buddies. This is one way to look at love, but another is to consider choosing their physical and emotional comfort in your presence rather than continuing to try to fix things. 

We must accept that we’ve tried our best to help in every way possible, and that now, we’re choosing to love them right where they are.

When Comfort Becomes Priority

Choosing comfort is not a form of giving up. It’s about allowing ease in schedules, familiarity in surroundings and daily activities, and calm when it’s needed.

It’s about allowing your aging cat or dog the time and space they need to feel supported. They’ll want to feel comfortable and secure throughout their days, knowing that you’re there if they need you. This season of their life is about quality, not quantity.

It’s not about giving up, it’s about giving them the grace of time and space when their energy is wavering and their body is weakening.

Is “Enough” Already Enough?

As time moves along, you’ll notice small changes. 

You’ll see how peaceful they are at home in your company, just dozing whenever they can. 

You’ll spot tensions rise if you push more appointments or treatments.

You’ll see your aging cat or dog physically relax when you offer them simple, zero-pressure routines.

Once you notice how comfortable they are in themselves when you’re peaceful too, you’ll see that days filled with relaxation and comfort are all they really need. 

Existing in peace and contentment is enough.

You’re Not Giving Up On Them

Giving up on them is not the idea - you’re choosing peace for your pet. You’re allowing them the space and dignity to slow down and live at their own pace. You know what it’s like when you’re sick, when you don’t feel like doing much at all? They’re feeling the same way.

If you’re a younger pet owner who hasn’t yet experienced the slowdown of old age, think about your parents or grandparents, how they feel, what they do, and how their lives look at their stage of life.

This isn’t the time to think of regrets and squeeze in one last road trip. Protect their dignity and don’t make them try to do something they just can’t handle anymore. It’s time to drop the pressure to have fun and choose to spend peaceful moments together, enjoying life as it is for them now. When they see you relax, they feel allowed to relax too.

Everyday Peace For Your Pet

Use any experience you’ve already had or understand to gauge how your best friend feels. They’re not in tip-top shape anymore, and can’t handle faster paces, or don’t get excited at the suggestion of a walk the way they used to. So think about keeping your day-to-day activities low-key, simple, easy, and gentle

. 

If they’re taking a nap but it’s time for them to go out, don’t wake them up, but give them a little longer to enjoy their rest. Don’t make them feel guilty for taking the rest they need right now.

Try to make them as comfortable as possible. Manage any pain they may have with their prescribed medications, and keep everything as steady and stable as you can with a comfortable, flexible routine.

We Know It’s Not Easy

When you’re so emotionally attached to your long-time animal friend, it becomes harder and harder to deal with what’s happening to them. You wish you could just snap your fingers and have them back to the way they used to be, but you know that can’t happen.

You’re tired, anxious, and wondering if you’re really doing the right thing. Know that by just being there to support your pet and not pushing them to do things they can no longer do, you’re giving them the space they need.

Even though you know there’s sadness coming, don’t start second-guessing your decisions, or thinking “Could I have done more?” Just slow down, spend time with them, and enjoy the time you still have. It’s okay to just be, exist, and not have any agenda. 

Your time is the most precious gift you have to give.

Where Can I Find Help?

If you need help assessing your aging cat or dog’s quality of life, we offer a step-by-step in-home quality-of-life assessment you can follow yourself. Read through this blog post, then use the assessment to gauge your pet's comfort right now.

Search for hospice-support veterinarian clinics where you can take your pet to receive hospice care. Or there are home-support hospice care veterinarians who will come to your home to administer painkillers if your pet won't take pills, or to advise you on your pet’s condition.

Sometimes it’s just nice to know that you have someone you can call, and that you’re not alone in wondering what you can or should do. The older they are, the more important it becomes to create peace for your pet.

Love Isn’t Always Doing More

They’ve given you the best of themselves. It’s time for you to return the favor. 

If comfort is what your pet needs most right now, that doesn’t mean you’ve stopped loving them. It means you’re listening to them.

Choose comfort for them. 

Show them how much you care by allowing them peace and contentment.

And, just be present for them - your love and presence are enough to create peace for your pet.