Grieving A Lost Pet - When To Consider Euthanizing A Pet

Many of us have had the pleasure of sharing companionship with a pet. Pets often provide more than just enjoyment for their owners - they also become family members. If able, some people are willing to incur great expense on trips to the veterinarian to lengthen their pets' lives, and some even buy pet health insurance. Due to the deep bond a person can feel towards their pet, determining whether it is time to consider euthanasia can be one of the hardest choices to make. Grieving a lost pet is something none of us wants to face.

Sometimes, the most compassionate thing you can offer for an acutely injured or ill pet is to humanely end their life through euthanasia. You will usually be able tell to if your pet has stopped enjoying life or is experiencing pain. Likewise, if the toll on you emotionally as well as financially is too much, euthanasia can be considered a sound decision.

If your pet is otherwise healthy, but, showing undesirable traits (volatile disposition, unsafe to be around, or out of control), talking to your veterinarian about behavior modification or medication may be a better alternative than euthanasia.

No matter how much thought you put into the possibility of euthanizing your pet, you will still find it to be a difficult decision. If your pet is considered terminally ill or is dying, you have no doubt already begun the process of grieving the loss of your pet.

If you are conflicted about when is the appropriate time to consider letting a pet go, asking yourself the following questions may help in making the best decision:

1) is my pet showing signs of being in pain?

2) does my pet have more bad days than good?

3) has my pet stopped taking in food and water?

4) does my pet appear to be getting any pleasure in life?

5) what does my veterinarian think is the best course of action?

Considering euthanasia and starting the process of grieving a lost pet can bring up intense and complicated emotions. Euthanasia is, however, a viable option for individuals who do not want their ill pet to suffer or who can not afford further medical treatment.