West Texas Study Equates Losing A Pet to Losing A Family Member

Anyone who has owned a dog knows that they slowly become part of the family. They stop being an animal and instead become a daughter or son. Owners know the emotional depth and "personality" that their dog has that many guests may find strange.

This is why new studies show that, when dogs die, their owners often treat it as if they lost a family member, with all the emotional baggage attached. So, let's dig deeper into what the study found.

Dogs Are Family, and Science Proves It!

According to researchers at Texas A&M University in the veterinary sciences department, two studies confirmed that the death of a dog influences owner's end-of-life decisions.

For example, the most common reasons that owners decided to put their dogs down were pain and suffering. Poor quality of life and a poor prognosis from the doctor were runners up.

Is Your Dog Dying or Just Old?

Key signs of suffering that owners notice in their pet dogs include vocalizations, strange movements or lack of mobility, and changes in facial expressions.

One major problem with dog owners is that they often misinterpret signs of suffering for natural age-related changes. This is why it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian to help differentiate the two.

Read More: Is Texas a Dog-Person or Cat-Person State?

A second study revealed that feelings of guilt, grief, and blame—similar to when a family member or close friend passes—were seen among dog owners who chose euthanasia.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

This isn't all doom and gloom, however. Many owners also chose to focus on the joy their pets brought them throughout their lives. Not to mention the relief of knowing they aren't suffering anymore.

Researchers hope that the information gathered through these studies can help veterinarians across Texas handle the emotional loss that comes from saying goodbye to family pets.

Having pets, especially ones as faithful as dogs, can give you the best years of your life. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and it's important your dog's final day is handled appropriately, both for them and for you.