When Is It Time To Euthanize Your Dog?

The Hardest Choice - When Is It Time To Euthanize Your Dog?

The most difficult choice we have to make as pet owners is figuring out when it is time to say goodbye. Euthanasia is a compassionate gift we can give our animal companions to free them from their suffering caused by long illnesses and painful conditions.

I often receive questions about how owners can know when the 搑ight?time will be. How will they know that they are not making the choice preemptively or waiting too long and causing their pet discomfort? While each case is very unique, there is one method I recommend to my clients to whom I am providing hospice care.

• Make a list of all of the things your pet enjoys. These can be meals, treats, physical activities, special trips, or even everyday activities (i.e. walking around the yard, squirrel watching, etc).
• Keep this list available as your pets condition progresses. Start a list of the issues your pet is having (i.e. mobility issues, bladder control problems, cognitive impairment, etc)
• If your pet no longer enjoys an activity or refuses to take part in it, cross it off of the list.
• When there are more items in the 搃ssues?column then in the column of items that your pet enjoys, it is time to think about letting your pet go. You should be able to talk openly and frankly with your veterinarian about the struggles you are facing.

Remember that our pets are here to enjoy life. I know this decision can be a heartbreaking one to make; I hope this formula aids you in this difficult choice.