24. The Grief All Pet Parents Face with Special Guest Dr. Jenn of Sage Paws

Have you felt sad about losing your pet while they're still here? That's what Dr. Amanda and her special guest, Dr. Jen, a veterinarian and expert in end-of-life pet care, dig into today. They cover anticipatory grief, how pet parents can recognize it in themselves, and ways to stay present and support their pets through this difficult time. Their discussion focuses on: What anticipatory grief is, and how it differs from post-loss grief Signs pet parents can recognize in themselves that they're grieving Tools and techniques to stay present with your pet The importance of creating a plan for end-of-life care and aftercare Cultural and personal beliefs about death, and how they shape pet care decisions Supporting family members and partners through pet loss The role of community and support networks in grief management This episode is for anyone caring for a senior pet or facing end-of-life decisions. LINKS Connect with Dr. Jenn on Instagram or on her website https://www.sagepaws.com/! Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen. Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to anticipatory grief in pets 01:04 - What anticipatory grief is and how it differs from post-loss grief 03:35 - The emotions and uncertainty that come with anticipatory grief 07:13 - Signs you might be grieving before the loss 10:10 - Tools to stay present with your pet 15:12 - The role of rituals and memories 20:35 - Supporting yourself and your pet during end-of-life 27:14 - Planning for end-of-life and aftercare 33:59 - Personal beliefs and cultural perspectives on death 43:44 - Creating a meaningful goodbye Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.