Dog Bucket Lists Offer a Perfect Way to Say Goodbye

by Mary Simpson

Published: May 24th, 2026

Whether ailing or aging, finding ways to celebrate your pet's favorite things satisfies the soul during a difficult time.

(photo credit: Krakenimages.com / shutterstock.com)

So, you’ve noticed your pet slowing down. Maybe health issues are starting to creep in – arthritis, kidney concerns, sensory losses or a debilitating illness. Join the club!

We adjust the length of their walks, change up their food to something senior- or health-appropriate, and invest in cozy blankets and orthopedic beds to keep them comfortable.

But for anyone who has loved and lost a senior pet or one with a life-limiting illness, you know the next step leans into palliative care, and there is something sad and resigned to having to “give up” on our pets.

So, don’t just yet.

Turn their last years, or months, or days into a fun adventure created just for them. Yes, we’re talking bucket list, and it can deliver a bounty of enjoyable experiences for our pets and offer us a gentle way to ease into accepting the winding-down process.

Let’s Get Started!

Out and About

Not all dogs are fans of car rides, but if you live with a free-wheeling mutt who loves the open road, plan a daily “road trip”. It doesn’t have to be long or complex, just scout out fun destinations such as a leash-free park, a drive-through that offers dog treats (think Puppuccino cups) or even a takeaway burger (minus the condiments) they can get excited about. Even just 15 minutes of enjoying this type of activity can get a tired tail wagging.

Does your pet have favorite destination? Maybe a local park, forest, beach, waterpark, even just a treat-dispensing neighbor….? Plan to schedule these special-to-him destinations into your dog’s daily routine. And adapting to that slower-paced walk helps build anticipation (coz he knows where he’s going). If mobility issues are a concern, invest in a stroller or dog sling to keep your little buddy comfortable, close, and still excitedly engaged.

Time to Nosh

Turn meal-time into a highly anticipated event by upgrading those toppers. Grilled chicken, steak, or fish, over a bowl of kibble (or, even as their main meal) is a wow your dog deserves, and it’s going to generate hungry excitement as soon as the scent hits the air. For me, when the end is looming, all those healthy, low-carb/low-cal/low-fat/low-taste rules go out the window. Let’s pledge to indulge.

When his vision and hearing senses go, he is still able to “scent,” and for dogs, the olfactory cells in their noses reign supreme. So, hide high-value treats in low, easy-to-access locations throughout your living space. This not only encourages mental stimulation, movement, and sensory use but heightens his innate need to track and discover.

When to Slow It Down

We all know our dogs want to hang with us. If age or illness has zapped their energy, why not plan to wind down the day by snuggling on the sofa. Orthopedic beds and cozy crates are great, but nothing beats a cushy blanket, plenty of snacks, and their favorite person taking no phone calls. This is the ultimate for a pet with compromised health that still wants to be close and included. Particularly if sundowner syndrome has kicked in and they’re feeling overwhelmed.

If you’ve never tried sound-bathing, it’s a popular therapy that introduces gentle, calming tones into your living environment. For dogs, it can reduce stress, promote relaxation and lower heart rates, with veterinarians and animal behaviorists enthusiastic about its ability to restore both physical and emotional wellness. You simply hunker down in a quiet, calm space with your little buddy, add some cozy blankets so he can lie down, then introduce low, soft sounds such as a singing bowl, gongs, or even chimes. Me? I’m not musically inclined, so I tap into the sound-bathing option on my home AI system.

Living with dogs in their final months can be emotionally challenging. But rising to the occasion, listening and responding to their needs, allows you to give back. And, unlike our pets, that never gets old.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

More by Mary Simpson

5 Easy Tips to Make Litter Training Your Cat a Breeze

View Article

Here's Why Your Dog's Nails Keep Splitting

Have you noticed your dog having issues with their nails lately? Broken or split nails aren’t just uncomfortable for your furry friend, they can also lead to infections if left untreated. Understanding why it happens is the first step toward keeping your dog’s paws happy and healthy.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Keep Your Senior Cat Happy and Healthy

Caring for a senior cat requires a little extra attention as their needs change. With the right approach, you can help your older cat enjoy their golden years with plenty of comfort and happiness.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

5 Signs Your Dog Is Bored (And Easy Ways to Fix It)

Dogs are naturally curious, playful, and social animals. So when they don’t have enough to do, boredom can creep in pretty quickly. And just like us, bored dogs tend to find their own ways to pass the time—sometimes in ways we’d really rather they didn’t.If your pup seems restless or is suddenly acting out, boredom might be the culprit. The good news? Once you know the signs, it’s usually pretty easy to fix.Let’s take a look at five common signs your dog might be bored—and what you can do to help.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Is Food Guarding the Same as Food Hoarding?

Both focus on access to food. But that's where the similarities end.

Is Your Dog at a Healthy Weight? Using the Body Condition Score (BCS)

You want your dog to have the best possible quality of life, and that means focusing on both their happiness and their physical health. We talk a lot about the importance of good nutrition and exercise, but one critical piece of this puzzle is often overlooked or misunderstood: maintaining a healthy body weight.Unfortunately, a significant number of dogs are carrying a little too much extra baggage (and I’m not talking about the emotional kind). Many pet parents simply don’t recognize the sign until it’s too late, and their beloved pup is faced with the consequences of the excess weight. This includes health complications that can be life-changing or even life-threatening.The good news is that there is a simple tool available to all pet parents to help figure out if your pup is at their ideal weight. Better yet, it’s free! You just need to learn the basics of the Body Condition Score (BCS). By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to use the BCS like a professional, understand the risks of being too heavy or too light, and know what steps you need to take to ensure your dog thrives at their optimal, healthy body weight.What is the Body Condition Score (BCS)?The Body Condition Score (BCS) is, quite simply, the veterinary community’s gold standard for evaluating how much fat a dog is carrying. Think of it like a scale for body composition, which is much more accurate and meaningful than a traditional weight measurement alone. Why? Two dogs can weigh exactly the same, but because of their body shape, one might be lean and muscular, while the other might be carrying significant excess fat. The BCS focuses on the weight your dog is carrying, not just the numbers on the scale, and assesses whether the weight your dog is carrying is right for their individual body.The BCS isn’t something you can measure with a tape measure or a simple eyeball test. Instead, it requires a combination of visual observation and, most importantly, touch to determine where your dog falls on an overall scale.Visual Assessment: Looking at your dog from above and from the side to check for a defined waistline and abdominal tuck.The Touch Test: Gently running your hands along your dog’s ribcage, spine, and tail base to feel the underlying fat coverage.While both are important, the touch test in particular is crucial because fur, especially on fluffier or longer-haired breeds, can hide a lot. A dog may look slim, but the touch test will tell the true story.The Two Recognized BCS ScalesWhile the goal of both scales is the same (finding the sweet spot of optimal health for your dog), your veterinarian may prefer one of the two recognized BCS scales. For the sake of easily assessing your dog at home, I will focus on the simpler 5-Point Scale, but it’s helpful to know the more precise 9-Point Scale exists as well. The 5-Point Scale: Ranges from 1 to 5. A score of 1 indicates the dog is emaciated, and a score of 5 indicates the dog is obese. The ideal, healthy score is 3.The 9-Point Scale: Ranges from 1 to 9. A score of 1 indicates the dog is severely underweight, and a score of 9 indicates the dog is severely obese. The ideal, healthy range is 4 or 5.The difference between a BCS 4 and a BCS 5 on the 9-point scale is very subtle, which is why I recommend dedicated pet parents use the more practical 5-Point Scale for monthly check-ins. If you hit a clear BCS of 3 out of 5, your dog is in the ideal, healthy range.How to Assess Your Dog’s BCSThe beauty of the Body Condition Score is that it relies on three simple, tangible checkpoints that you can easily test at home. You’re looking for a specific blend of visual cues and physical touch sensations. Get comfortable, call your dog over, make sure you have treats close at hand, and I’ll walk you through the three key areas you need to check: the ribs, the waist, and the abdomen.The Ribs (Touch Test)This is the most crucial part of the entire assessment, as it tells you exactly how much fat lies beneath the skin, regardless of the fur that could be masking it. Place both of your hands lightly on your dog’s side, directly over their rib cage, and gently run your fingers along the ribs, moving back and forth. You should feel them easily, almost like the knuckles on the back of your hand when your hand is flat, but they shouldn’t be protruding, those same knuckles when you’re making a fist.BCS 1-2 (Underweight): The ribs are easily visible and feel sharp, prominent, and bony, with little to no fat covering.BCS 3 (Ideal): You can easily feel the ribs with just a light touch, but you cannot see them visibly popping out (except perhaps on short-haired breeds when they breathe deeply). They should feel like they have a thin layer of velvety fat or “suede” over them.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): You have to press firmly to feel the ribs through a noticeable spongy layer of fat. If you struggle to count them or have to hunt for them, the fat layer is too thick.The Waist (Visual/Overhead Test)Your dog’s waistline is the equivalent of their hourglass figure. It should be distinct and defined when you’re looking down at them from above. Stand directly over your dog while they are standing straight (not slouched or lying down) and look down at their back.BSC 1-2 (Underweight): The tuck-in is exaggerated, and the bones of the spine and hips might be sharply visible or prominent.BCS 3 (Ideal): You should see a clear and discernible waist. Their body should tuck in narrowly just behind the rib cage and before the hips. It should look like an hourglass or a gentle curve inward.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): There is no defined waist. The torso looks broad, oval, or blocky, extending straight from the ribs to the hips like a barrel.The Abdomen (Visual/Side Test)This view checks for the “tuck” under your dog's body, confirms their body shape, and identifies any signs of sagging that could indicate they are carrying excess weight. Stand to the side of your dog while they are standing. Focus on the area between the rib cage and the hind legs.BCS 1-2 (Underweight): The tuck is severe and exaggerated, often making their stomach look concave.BCS 3 (Ideal): You should see a significant abdominal tuck or upward slope of the belly when viewed from the side. This is most pronounced in athletic and deep-chested breeds (like Greyhounds or German Shepherds) but should be present in all breeds.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): There is no abdominal tuck. The belly hangs straight down or even sags. This is sometimes called a “pendulous abdomen” and indicates significant fat is being stored in the area.By putting all three checks together (the feel of the ribs, the view of the waist from above, and the tuck from the side), you can confidently assign your dog a BCS. If you consistently find yourself in the “Ideal BCS 3” category across all three points, congratulations, you’re doing a fantastic job! If your assessment leans toward BCS 4, 5, 1, or 2, it’s time to understand exactly why that matters and what you should do next.

1,500 Beagles Used In Research Studies Are Released for Adoption.

Do you have what it takes to adopt a dog that’s been rescued from a research facility? If you’re thinking “yes”, then read on!

Do THIS to Keep your Outdoor Cat Safe

Letting your cat explore the outdoors is exciting for them, but sometimes stressful for you. However, a few simple precautions can make a big difference in keeping your feline friend safe and healthy while they roam the outdoors.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Spot Early Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis isn’t just a human problem, our furry friends can suffer from it too.While it’s more common in older dogs, arthritis can affect pups of any age, especially those with joint injuries or genetic predispositions. That’s why spotting the early signs of arthritis is crucial to keeping your pooch happy, healthy, and mobile.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Dog Abandoned at Airport, Creates a Line Up of Potential Adopters

No service dog documention meant no boarding pass for a cute little Golden Doodle. So, his owner simply left him behind.

Is It Ever Too Cold to Take the Pooch Out?

(photo credit: G5SALES / shutterstock.com)We’ve all been there. The dog (in my case, dogs) needs to go out, but the weather isn’t cooperating. And whether it’s down to colder temperatures, freezing rain or heavy snow, your pooch has decided “no way, no how” is he going out in that. This, despite his full bladder encouraging otherwise.If snow or ice is particularly heavy, consider clearing a circular path through your backyard where they can move safely along, then retreat to the indoors if it becomes too blustery. No peril of salt, the snow depth is kept low, and you can encourage your pet to take short, frequent breaks throughout the day, versus just once or twice.Now, you and I both know that our dog’s outdoor time is non-negotiable. Pee pad options aside, dogs need the physical activity and mental stimulation that comes with getting outside on a regular basis. Even if it is just the backyard. But its important to our pets and to us as pet parents, that they also feel positive about heading out. And that’s where a little preparation and a few extra steps on your part can make a difference.Also crucial in planning winter outings is this; when temperatures fall below 45°F (7°C) it might be too cool for senior dogs, those with a thin coat or smaller breeds. Anything under 32°F (0°C) is now freezing and dogs with compromised health, seniors, or small dogs will struggle - keep walks short and be sure to bundle them up. Once the outdoor temperature lands below 20°F (-6°C) any dog can be at risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Keep walks extremely brief, with boots being used along with cozy, warm, well-fitted outerwear. But while my fur crew love the concept of going out and will dance around excitedly as they’re being leashed up for their walkies, the moment they step out into cold, windy, rainy, or slushy conditions, they instantly balk and want to head home. What we need are ways to extend the walk and make it more enjoyable for all involved – and that includes ensuring the fur-kid is warm, comfortable, and dressed for the elements.Sidewalk SafetyLeash-free parks are a great option that ticks so many of the boxes our pets need daily. Socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, as well as all those opportunities to mark and relieve himself as needed. The upside to this type of park is that during the winter, the grounds remain salt-free. Not so much your neighbourhood sidewalks, where ice and de-icers can damage pads and sting like heck when cracked paws come into contact with rock salt. In fact, I’ve had to carry one of my dogs back home when they stopped in their tracks, lifted their paw and refused to venture on. Yes, it hurts that much.

Pet Owners Rejoice: These Smart Robot Vacuums Are Now Up to 50% Off

Up to 50% off smart robot vacuums designed to handle the mess—so you don’t have to.There’s something about spring that inspires a fresh start, but deep cleaning an entire home the old-fashioned way can quickly turn a weekend reset into an exhausting chore.Luckily, that’s where Narwal comes in. Known for its smart home cleaning technology, the brand is running a limited-time Spring Sale (March 25–31) with major discounts on its popular robot vacuums and wet-dry cleaners. For anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine, this could be the perfect moment to upgrade.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Viagra for Cats? It’s Not What You Think.

Surprising solution to feline respiratory ailments catches many off guard.

Guide to Puppy Food: Nourishing Your Pup for Growth

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but there’s a lot to think about, including what you’ll feed them to support their growth and development. Puppy food is different from adult dog food, and it’s important to know why. Here’s a brief guide to puppy food and what to consider when shopping for it.

3 Easy Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy

Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With just a few simple habits, you can protect their smile, prevent painful dental issues, and keep their breath a whole lot fresher. Here are three easy tips to help your pup maintain great dental health.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Create a Cat-Safe Garden Without Giving Up Beautiful Plants

Bright blooms, leafy greenery, and fresh herbs can turn any outdoor space into a peaceful retreat. But if you share your home with a curious cat, your garden might hide a few risks. Many common plants are toxic to cats, and since cats love exploring—and nibbling on things they shouldn’t—it’s worth making sure your garden is as safe as it is beautiful.The good news? You don’t have to give up your dream garden to protect your feline friend. With a little planning and the right plant choices, you can create a space that works for both of you.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Your Hamster Keeps Chewing On Its Cage Bars

Does your hamster keep gnawing on the bars of its cage? Many owners notice this behavior and wonder what it means. Figuring out why your tiny friend is chewing can help you create a happier, healthier home.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Give Your Dog the Gift of Health This Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Fresh, vet-approved meals that support longer, happier lives—now at unbeatable Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings!Every pet parent wants their furry friend to thrive, but with so many processed kibble options on the market, it’s hard to know what’s truly healthy. Does your dog struggle with low energy, picky eating, or digestion issues? Choosing meals made with real, whole-food ingredients can make a noticeable difference, and this holiday season, it’s easier than ever to give your dog the nutrition they deserve. JustFoodForDogs is a trailblazer in fresh, human-grade meals crafted by veterinary nutritionists. They’re making waves in the pet world for transforming the way dogs eat, helping pet parents like you ensure every meal is packed with nourishing, high-quality ingredients.

Dogs Can Smell Hemangiosarcoma, a Type of Canine Cancer

Can dogs be used to detect cancer in other dogs? Researchers have found that it may be possible when it comes to hemangiosarcoma, which is an aggressive canine cancer.

Top stories

Dog Bucket Lists Offer a Perfect Way to Say Goodbye

Out and About

Time to Nosh

When to Slow It Down

Related articles