Euthanizing your cherished pet has to be one of the most painful and heartbreaking decisions a pet owner/guardian/parent has to make. Is it easier when the decision is forced when a sudden emergency happens and you have no choice? Or is it easier when you see your pet gradually deteriorating over time? Of course, neither makes the choice any simpler.
With my pets, I observe their behaviors. We know when our companions’ lives are changing as they get older but it doesn’t mean it’s time to let go. You pay attention to them and start taking notice of those changes.
Are they in pain? Pacing, a lack of appetite, agitation and less involved with you can all be signs of pain. How often are they in pain? Veterinarians can help ease pain in your pets. When the pain becomes overwhelming, it’s time to take a harder look at the quality of their lives.
Has your dog’s disposition changed? Is he/she still happy? Does your dog still play? Do they have any interest in toys like they used to? Only you can be the gauge for this. Does your pet still want to take walks or does he/she have problems walking? Is it difficult for your pet to stand? If your pet does have issues with any of these, it doesn’t mean it’s time to let go but when your pet is no longer enjoying life, it may be time to reevaluate things.
Is your pet having more bad days than good ones? Is your pet suffering on a continual basis? Does your pet enjoy your company? Does your pet seem to be existing more than living? Is your pet losing too much weight? Weight is a big indicator of health. Is your pet being treated for more and more health problems that don’t seem to be getting better? Does your pet have a disease that has worsened greatly?
Does your pet respond to YOU?
How do you determine when it’s time to let go? Your pet has a low quality of life. They’re in pain, not eating or drinking much or drinking excessively, not wanting to interact with anyone, pacing all the time, and simply no longer being themselves. If they’re not enjoying life at all in any capacity, it’s time to ask yourself if it’s fair to keep your beloved pet alive because you can’t let go.
I empathize with all who have to choose when it’s time to say farewell to a pet who has been part of the family. It’s excruciatingly painful but we must be fair to them. We are entrusted with their lives and their deaths. Unless a pet dies on his/her own, we must put their welfare first.
I’ve known people who allowed their pets to suffer far too long. I’ve witnessed pets allowed to linger in pain, could no longer walk on their own, they no longer acted normal, or lost a considerable amount of weight. It is unfair to allow a pet to suffer because you can’t bear to say goodbye. This is the time when you need to let go.
With me, something has always happened that precipitated the necessity to euthanize my pets. That is, all except for two who died on their own. Three of my dogs had seizures at the end of their lives which caused permanent neurological damage. I was told by veterinarians that I could keep them alive and they could try to help them. I wasn’t going to allow my dogs to suffer while their minds were slipping away or were gone just so they could stay alive for my own selfish reasons. I won’t allow my pets to suffer unnecessarily. I can’t do it no matter how painful it is to say goodbye.
Deciding to euthanize your pet shows how much you love him/her. It’s a selfless act of love. It’s your last act of kindness for your best friend.
Do you know what to expect when you’ve made your final choice for your pet’s life?
“The Humane Euthanasia Protocol basically calls for there to be two parts to the euthanasia procedure.
- First, a sedative/tranquilizer/pain-reliever (or combination of these) is given.
- Once the pet is relaxed and sedated, an IV is inserted for the administering of the euthanasia solution
- Then, after a few minutes spent saying ‘goodbye’ to family, another sedative may be given followed by the final drug which will stop the heart
Following these steps ensures that your dog doesn’t become scared or stressed, and that he doesn’t feel any pain as he passes.”
It’s the most humane form of euthanasia. Unfortunately, veterinarians don’t have to follow these guidelines. The most accepted method of pet euthanasia is for the veterinarian to inject a high dose of barbiturates to stop your pet’s heart. This is considered the “best practice” by the World Society of Protection for Animals but isn’t always painless.
It’s also a personal decision if you want to be with your pet when given the injections. I have held countless number of animals in my arms as they took their last breaths and I believe wholeheartedly they would want you there at the end of their lives being held in loving arms and not a stranger’s. It is you they love. It is you they lived for all those years. It is you they want to be with as they die peacefully in your arms.
Tina Evangelista-Eppenstein is a television talk show host, speaker, writer and unabashed animal advocate. She hosts the show, ” A Close-Up Look at Animal Welfare Issues.” Have a story, please email Tina at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues and check out AnimalWelfareIssues.com for all the tv shows you may have missed!
I regret not being with my cat when he was euthanized. I made the mistake of listening to others instead of my own heart. They felt it would be too traumatic for me. They put their own fears on me. I made the mistake of not listening to my instincts. I can’t blame them but I wish I hadn’t listened to them. My cat had a vet tech holding him instead of me. I hate myself for not doing the right thing for my bestie. I hope he didn’t hate me as he left this world. 🙁
Your cat knew you loved him. Please don’t beat yourself up. You shared a lifetime with him and he felt your love at the end even if you’re weren’t with him. I’m very sorry for your loss. Please take care.
Thank you for saying that. I needed to hear that. It’s not easy, that’s for sure.
My friends meant well but I don’t feel anyone should tell anyone else what do not do when it comes to this important decision. It’s a personal decision and only that person or family members should decide. You shouldn’t try to influence someone because you, yourself,are unable to be with your own pet when it’s time to euthanize them.
I think you’ve learned a valuable lesson from your personal situation. You won’t allow outsiders to influence your decision to be with a pet when the time comes to let go.
Thank you.
I won’t ever make that mistake again!!
I had a friend who let their dog linger on a sofa because he couldn’t use his legs anymore. The dog laid there 24/7. He had to be carried outside and had to help him go to the bathroom. The dog had no life. No joy. Watched life pass him by. He developed a serious bed sore and then and only then he was euthanized but only after trying to treat it with no success. My heart broke for him. My friend wasn’t going to listen to me and I didn’t feel it was in my place to say anything. Poor baby.
It’s sad when we see pets who are kept alive because the owner/guardian can’t let go. It isn’t fair to the pet. I’ve been in the same position. It’s hard to separate yourself when you care so much about animals. We don’t want to see them suffer.
I personally feel it is okay to say something when it’s very obvious an animal is in serious distress and in pain. It doesn’t sound as if your friend’s dog was in serious pain but has little quality of life at the end.
Thank you for sharing your story.
I agree it isn’t fair to the pet. Thanks for taking the time to write back to me. I sure do appreciate it. Have a happy holiday.
You can always tell by looking in their eyes. The eyes are the link to their souls. That is their way of telling you they’ve had enough and can’t or don’t want to fight whatever ails them. It’s not easy.
Some people don’t understand the heartache of losing a pet. A pet is more than an animal to many. They become a part of our families. We spend a lot of money for their medical care. We take them on vacations. We take them to bed. They are always there for us when we’re happy, upset,. crying, depressed, just about anything. They show an unconditional love that most people are unable to do. This is why they’re so important. They are “dumb animals.” They’re smart and caring and want to be loved too. It’s so sad when I hear so many are dumped at shelters. How many right now are in the cold weather dying because their owners couldn’t give a damn about them? Those are the people who never should have a pet. To most of us who spend the billions of dollars on them every year, we love them as one of our own. The pain we are left to deal with when they pass is almost unbearable. You don’t want to live at times. We lost that unconditional love. We lost the joy they brought to our lives. That’s why it’s so hard for some to say goodbye. If we truly love them, we can’t allow them to suffer. It’s unfair to them. They don’t want to leave us but they also don’t want to be in pain. God bless everyone who is experiencing the loss of their pets. I know how you feel.