Heartbreaking sign your dog is dying that owners tragically overlook

While it may never feel like the right time to say goodbye to your dog, there are signs your beloved pet may be nearing the end of their life, a pet grief counsellor says

Losing a dog can be as painful as losing a human companion, a pet grief counsellor says.

Kirsty Godsell has supported hundreds of owners through their grief over the last decade, and she understands how difficult it is to say that final goodbye. But when is it time to let go of your beloved companion? There are many signs you can look out for that indicate your pet is nearing the end of their life.

Are they going off their food? Are they sleeping more? Are everyday tasks becoming tough? If you notice these significant changes to your dog's health, it's worth noting them down. So, if it comes to it, you can make that heartbreaking decision to let your dog go peacefully.

Sharing her advice, Kirsty previously told the Mirror: "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 of four.

"You can mark down whether they like going for walks, playing with their toys, visiting their grandma etc. Over the course of weeks or months, you can physically see those numbers dropping. Sometimes, people need to see tangible evidence that their pets are declining before they have quality-of-life discussions with their vet."

Kirsty added: "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. Maybe they're sore or sleeping more. I would always suggest talking to a professional. They are there to provide the best for your pet and they will never lie to you."

After your pet has passed, it may be important to you to keep their memory alive. "I would advise putting lots of photos around the house or planting memorial trees," Kirsty said. "Roses have a varying array of names and you can often find one that is the same or similar to your pet. A lot of my clients like to turn their dog's water bowl into a succulent planter."

Kirsy warned adult pet owners not to forget about younger members of their family as they grieve. She said: "People often assume teenagers know how to deal with grief. Young adults and children between the ages of five and 10 can struggle and it can become a core memory. I encourage people to get the whole family involved in counselling, as teenagers can be very good at hiding things."

Alongside four other veterinary experts, Kirsty has launched the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors (APBC) to support grieving pet owners nationwide. The association, which is the first of its kind in the UK, aims to break the taboo of pet loss and regulate the industry with a directory of specialist counsellors.

To get in touch with Kirsty, visit APBC's website. If you have a story to share, email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

A version of this story was previously published in March.