How to give your pet the best last day

Giving our pets the best possible lives is something each of us want for our dogs, cats, and horses. We do everything in our power to ensure the animals we welcome into our homes and families get the most out of their time with us. 

Therefore, as the final page of their last chapter approaches, it’s only natural to want to gift our dog, cat, or horse the most special of goodbyes.

You know your pet better than anyone else, so, you’ll likely already have an idea of what they find fun, enjoyable, and fulfilling. However, in case you need some inspiration, here are a few of our ideas for planning the best last day for your dog, cat, or horse…

Remember: Each animal is an individual with a unique situation – your pet’s health and mobility will influence how you plan their best last day. If you need help to plan your pet’s last day to align with their current condition, please speak to your vet. 

Ideas for giving your dog the best last day

They’re a loyal companion and much-loved part of your family, so, to give your dog the most wonderful last day, you could:

Take them to their favourite place

Depending on their ability to walk, you may want to take your dog along their favourite walking route, to the beach, or for a picnic in the park. Perhaps, if there’s time, you could watch a sunrise or sunset together, in a place that’s packed with magical memories for both of you. 

Give them lots of their favourite food

Providing they don’t eat anything toxic, and your vet says it’s safe to do so, you could let your dog enjoy some special snacks, including ingredients such as:

• Cooked meats like chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb.
• Smoked salmon.
• Mashed potatoes.
• Roast vegetables in gravy.
• Buttered bread or toast.
• Peanut butter (xylitol free).
• Cheddar cheese.
• Bacon.
• Ice cream.
• Whipped cream.

Make sure they have their favourite toys

Whether they can play with their favourite toys will depend on your dog’s condition, though cuddling up with the toys they love most could mean a lot to them. Plus, if there’s a toy they absolutely adore and can’t be without, they might find a sense of comfort on their final journey to have their toy by their side. 

Ideas for giving your cat the best last day

Your cat may have provided comfort on your darkest days and been there through life’s biggest changes, so, to give them an idyllic last day, you could: 

Give them plenty of special treats

Food is often the route to a cat’s heart – it’s only fitting that they get to enjoy the best feast of their lives before it’s time to say goodbye. As long as they don’t eat something poisonous (that could result in toxic ingestion), and your vet agrees it’d be a good idea, your cat could feast on:

• Cooked meats like chicken and turkey.
• Cooked, boneless fish, like salmon and cod.
• Tinned tuna.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Mashed sweet potato.
• Roasted vegetables in gravy.
• Apple slices.
• Strawberries.
• Cheddar cheese.
• Whipped cream.

Get their favourite family members around for cuddles

Many cats are known for being aloof and independent, though others love the company of their human family and friends. If your cat thrives as the centre of attention, try to get their favourite people (and pets) around for a day full of cuddles. 

Play calming music

Simply spending time in their company, by cuddling your cat while listening to calming music, could mean the world to your feline friend at the end of their story.

Ideas for giving your horse the best last day

Since they’ve been your escape from stress and a partner throughout life’s greatest adventures, to give your horse the perfect last day, you could:

Spend time grooming and pampering them

Grooming your horse until their coat shimmers in the sun is a wonderful way to spend quality time with them as their final page draws near. Activities like bathing them and plaiting their mane can remind you both of the amazing adventures you’ve experienced together. 

Plus, the time you spend pampering your horse offers an opportunity to trim pieces of their tail, so you can have their hair transformed into beautiful keepsakes. 

Treat them to a feast of their favourites

For lots of horses, a restricted diet becomes part of their usual routine due to health conditions – like laminitis – that are affected by what they eat. However, following the advice of an equine vet, you could use your horse’s last day as the best excuse to let them have all those tasty treats they’ve been denied:

• Carrots.
• Apples.
• Swede.
• Strawberries.
• Banana.
• Watermelon.
• Oats.
• Mints.
• Bread.
• Sweet treats like scones and hot cross buns.

Let them spend quality time with their best friend

Allowing your horse to spend the day grazing beside their best equine friend is a simple yet meaningful way to let them spend their last day.

We understand that losing a dog, cat, or horse who means the world to you is devastating – since many of us, here at Animal Friends, have been through it, too. So, for access to free resources and advice, please visit our Pet Bereavement Hub and make sure you reach out if you need further support.