When is it time to consider euthanasia?

Your decision to have your pet euthanatized is a serious and trying one. It may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make regarding your pet. When you are strongly bonded with your pet this decision becomes even more complicated because of the pain of saying goodbye.

Quality of Life

Determining your pet’s quality of life is the most important factor in determining when it is time to consider euthanasia. Because you know your pet the best, you are the best judge of your pet’s quality of life.

In order to try to assess your pet’s quality of life ask yourself, “What are my pets’ favorite parts of life?” Common answers are: eating, greeting me at the door, going for walks, watching out the window, chasing the ball, socializing with family, snuggling and being petted. Ask yourself if your pet still enjoys their favorite things. If the answer is yes, than your pet still does enjoy quality of life. If the answer is no, it is possible that euthanasia should be considered.

Pain

Pain is another important factor in determining when it is time to consider euthanasia. Some signs of pain are hiding, panting, immobility, defecating/urinating without attempting to get up, decrease/loss of appetite and withdrawing from family activities.

If you discover that pain may be limiting your pet’s ability to enjoy the activities that create a quality life, a veterinarian should be consulted. There are very effective pain relievers available to help your pet. If your pet’s pain is not resolved by veterinary prescribed pain relievers, then it may be time to consider euthanasia.

Mobility

Large and giant breed dogs may simply lose the ability to use their hind legs. As they age muscles deteriorate leaving skinny hind legs that can no longer lift or carry the pets own weight. In this common scenario, pets are still happy and are mentally healthy. This creates a difficult care-taking situation for owners. Owners must help these pets outdoors to eliminate and need to ensure these pets are not laying in urine or feces. These pets can fall or get stuck in painful positions without the strength to correct themselves. Often times euthanasia is chosen because the loss of mobility in these gentle giants becomes a quality of life issue.