Coping With Pet Loss, Dr. Stayer’s Advice From The Point On KPOV

Losing a pet is one of the hardest parts of loving one, and most pet owners eventually wonder how they will know when the time has come to say goodbye. The quiet moments afterward and unfamiliar routines are part of a grief that is just as real as any other loss. If you have a senior pet or one facing a serious illness, thinking through this in advance can make a hard day a little easier to face.

Dr. Lauren Stayer, co-owner of Pawtown Veterinary Care, recently sat down with The Point on KPOV to discuss pet loss, quality of life, and what pet parents can expect during the euthanasia and end-of-life care process. Our team believes these are conversations worth having before they become urgent, which is why our services are built around guiding you through this decision with honesty and compassion. You can listen to the full interview on KPOV’s website.

Recognizing When Quality of Life Has Changed

One of the hardest parts of this decision is that pets cannot tell us when they are struggling. Dr. Stayer explained that she encourages pet parents to think about specific, observable changes rather than a single moment of clarity. Is your pet spending time with the family, or withdrawing to a quiet corner of the house? Are they pacing, whining, or having trouble getting comfortable?

Beyond behavior, changes in breathing, appetite, or digestion can point to a more significant health issue. Dr. Stayer suggested a simple exercise: think of four or five things your pet enjoyed six months ago, and ask whether they can still do them today. If your pet has stopped wanting a short walk or time in the sun, that shift matters as much as any single symptom, which is why a wellness check with our team can catch what is not always obvious from the couch.

What to Expect During the Appointment

Understanding what happens during euthanasia can ease some of the fear around the day itself. Dr. Stayer noted that a sedation injection is given first, which may sting briefly, but the euthanasia injection itself does not cause pain. The goal, she explained, is to offer a peaceful and dignified end for a pet who might otherwise experience a longer, more uncomfortable natural decline.

It is also reasonable to ask your vet questions beforehand. Will your pet have an IV catheter placed? Can you be in the room? What does the process look like at this specific office? Dr. Stayer encouraged pet parents to ask these questions directly, since knowing what to expect can make the day feel less overwhelming. A national survey of pet owners who had been through euthanasia found that most people cope afterward through private mourning or leaning on friends and family, a reminder that support matters on both sides of the loss.

Talking to Children and Coping With the Loss

Dr. Stayer spoke candidly about losing her own dog, Lucy, and how she approached the conversation with her kids. She recommended being honest that the pet has died and is not coming back, without necessarily explaining euthanasia itself, since children often need clarity more than every detail.

Whether a child should be present is a personal decision for each family. Dr. Stayer pointed out that while the moment is sad, it is not something children need to be shielded from as though it were frightening, though very young children may need extra support with their emotions. Afterward, she encouraged pet parents to talk about the loss when they can, share good memories, and give themselves permission to grieve without expecting to feel better right away.

The following points summarize a few of Dr. Stayer’s suggestions for supporting a pet through their later years.

• Schedule regular senior pet care visits so subtle changes are caught early.
• Keep up with dental care at home, since untreated dental disease can affect other organs over time.
• Provide gentle, low-impact exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

These small, consistent habits may help pets stay comfortable, making the eventual decision feel less sudden when it comes.

A Locally Owned Practice Ready to Help You Through Pawtown Veterinary Care

Pawtown Veterinary Care was founded by Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer to give Central Oregon pet owners a place that feels genuinely comfortable, even during the hardest appointments. You can learn more about our practice and the values that guide it. Dr. Stayer’s years caring for both the medical and emotional aspects of veterinary practice are evident in every conversation about quality of life and end-of-life planning. Our team believes pet parents deserve real answers to hard questions, and we are always ready to talk through what your pet’s situation might look like.

If you are noticing changes in your dog or cat and are not sure what they mean, or if you simply want to talk through what to expect down the road, we encourage you to reach out. Contact our office whenever you are ready to talk.