Pet Euthanasia: How To Know When Its Time

Almost every pet owner will be faced with this problem at some time or other. Pet, friend is ill, perhaps quite ill, and owners are not sure if it is better to end the suffering, or if the pet can continue and have a reasonable quality of life for some time to come. Pets are an extension of the family. Having to make the decision to end a pet's life is never easy, and rarely has a clear cut answer. This is a subject that we would rather not think about, because it is invariably painful to our hearts and minds. It is an intensely personal decision to euthanize ("put to sleep") a beloved pet. Various factors need to be considered. Whether the pet is young or old, illnesses or injuries may often make their lives difficult.

Analyzing a few questions like is there a better than 50% estimate that the pet will recover? Is the cost of the initial treatment is within budget? Is the cost of the monthly treatment is within budget? Is the time my pet may live after treatment starts seems reasonable and makes sense for the cost of treatment? If these questions come up with a Yes as the answer then it is NOT the time.

A pet that has been diagnosed with a terminal illness may present different factors than one that is merely growing old. There are several steps that pet owners may take to assess the health and quality of life of their pet. Watch the pet for signs of suffering or discomfort. Evaluate pets eating habits and hydration. Observe bowel movements. Evaluate independent movement. Diagnostic testing, like blood tests and X-rays, can be very helpful to further define the condition and tell us how severe it may be, and whether a good treatment is available. A good veterinarian can help out in this regard. Many animals that are going blind or deaf can still function relatively well, but a totally blind or deaf dog unable to adapt or to function may show a steady decline in interest, activities and even eating. Now with a clearer picture of the pet's condition, a decision to determine the likelihood of pet's quality of life improving with the available treatment must be made. The pet has looked to its master for all of his needs throughout his lifetime, including food, shelter, love and affection, and freedom from pain. When their body is tired, diseased, or just worn out; when life is a great effort just to survive another day; then it is time for great courage and selflessness, time to provide that final rest and peace and its time to let them go.