One of the most difficult things we do as pet owners is say goodbye to our furry friends. The hardest part is often deciding when to euthanize or put down our beloved pet. Most of us hope that our pet will die of old age and natural causes, thus taking away the heavy burden we face regarding euthanasia. However, it does not always happen that way. More often than not, we are left having to decide whether it is time to say goodbye or not. We are responsible for determining if our pet is suffering. It is pretty safe to say that the vast majority of us do not want to watch our pets suffer, and while it is difficult, we feel blessed that we have the opportunity to end their suffering.
How do we make this difficult decision? Here are some thoughts to help guide you through this process.
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There often comes a time when you realize that your furry friend is not the same. Your pet may be suffering, sick, or have a loss in bowel control. People will say, “You’ll know when the time is right.” I know it sounds like a cliché, but they are right. You and your family know your pet better than anybody else, and you know when something is very wrong with your pet.
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Another guiding thought I look at when making this decision is whether my pet is experiencing a good quality of life. Are they doing the things that bring them the most joy in life? For some dogs, that means fetching the paper, always being there to greet you at the door, or in many cases eating food (remember for some, food is love). For cats, it may mean a certain activity such as sunning themselves, cuddling with you, or watching birds outside. Just think about the activities your pet enjoys most and ask yourself whether they are still doing it. If your pet is not doing the things he enjoys anymore, chances are his quality of life has changed.
After you have decided to let your beloved pet go, what decisions must you make:
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You need to decide if you want to be present when your pet is euthanized. This is a personal decision and there is no judgment either way. For some people they want to remember their pet alive and have only those memories. For others it is a chance to hold their pet and make sure that they feel loved and peaceful as you let them go. If you chose to be present for the euthanasia, you can choose to bring your pet to the hospital or have one of the veterinarians come to your house.
What happens to my pet after he is euthanized? After your pet is euthanized, you have three options:
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Take them home to be buried.
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Have them cremated with other cats and dogs.
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Give them a private cremation (This option allows your pet’s ashes to be returned to you).
END OF LIFE DECISIONS
By Dr. Jennifer Tutko, DVM
MAY, 2012
