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Euthanasia Advancements in internal medicine, surgical techniques and physical rehabilitation offer pets the opportunity to not only recover from diseases or injuries that once would have been death sentences; but maintain health, strength, endurance and comfortable mobility much longer into their senior years. These effects can be magnified with natural medicine like Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Homeopathics- particularly in pets which no longer respond to, or are adversely affected by, conventional medications.
The first and foremost determining factor is uncontrollable pain. But our pets cannot verbally tell us when they are in pain, so we must learn to recognize the signs. Frequently seen signs of pain include refusal to eat, reluctance to get up or go outside, hiding or wanting to be in a room by itself, shaking/shivering, rapid panting when cool, growling for no apparent reason when other house pets come near, whining, inability to get comfortable at night/pacing, and changes in behavior. Sometimes the signs are even more subtle- something you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know that something just isn’t quite right. If you see these signs, then make arrangements for your veterinarian to examine your pet. With a diagnosis, your veterinarian can discuss with you possible treatments, pain relief, chances for recovery, special and/or long-term needs. Once the problem has been addressed, and if uncontrollable pain is still a factor, then it may be time to think about euthanasia as an option. In this way we use euthanasia as a tool to relieve our pet from needless suffering when other options have not been beneficial.
Asking the impressions of others can also be helpful- please note that I did not say to ask them what you should do, but rather for their impressions. Other family members or friends that know your pet well, may be able to give you a more objective view of your pet’s attitude or ‘energy’. They may be able to see pain in your pet’s eyes, where you see only love due to your subjectivity. Your veterinarian can tell you if your pet is suffering, but they cannot make your ultimate decision for you. There are other factors that may need to be considered. Quality of life for yourself and your family is definitely one of them. Although many tools exist to make it easier for owners to care for their ill pets, long-term care of an impaired pet can be burdensome. Can you and your family bear the emotional and/or physical wear of caring for an ill pet, and still have something left to give to the caring of yourself, your family and other household pets? Is the financial cost beyond your means? Again, objectively in looking at these factors is key. The AVMA has developed a brochure dedicated to the topic of euthanasia, as well as associated considerations such as understanding the grieving process, how to handle the issue of children, saying good-bye and more. The brochure can be seen by clicking here. About Us
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Despite
these advancements, it is a simple fact that our dogs and cats never
have the life expectancy that we would like them to have. While
circumstances sometimes take the life and death decision out of our
hands, almost all of us will have to make a life-ending decision on
behalf of our pets at some point in our lives. The problem is that
these decisions are rarely as cut and dry as we would prefer, and owners
need tools to help them know when the time is right to assist their
beloved pet in passing on.
Objectivity
is key in making a decision about euthanasia. It is important to
honestly answer self-put questions like, “What is my pet’s quality of
life?” , “Am I keeping my pet alive for me?” and “Does my pet have more
bad days than good ones?” Well before such a decision has to be made,
it may be helpful to make a list of your pet’s favorite things to do
(e.g. retrieving a ball, eating, going for walks, going for car rides).
When your pet can no longer do those favorite things then it may be time
to consider euthanasia. Using a list like this can help you keep your
objectivity.