When is it Time to say Goodbye? Euthanasia

When is it Time to Say Goodbye? Euthanasia

 If you are visiting our website you have already made the decision that it is time to let go of your pet and you are looking for a way to make this transition easier for your pet, to lessen her/his suffering by making it painless and stress free.

Your pet has been part of your life for many years and has helped you through tough times… such a faithful companion. Now when you look into your pets eyes you see the love but you also see the pain and suffering.

The decision to euthanize a pet is so very painful, and probably the most difficult decision you will have to make regarding your pet. However, it is perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is so sick or so severely injured that she/he will never recover to normal health.  Such a decision may become necessary for the welfare of your pet and for the welfare of you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people alike.

If your pet can no longer do the things he or she once enjoyed, if your pet does not respond to you in the usual ways, or if there is more pain than pleasure in her/his life, you may need to consider home euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, home euthanasia may be a valid option.

Home euthanasia is the act of ending your pet’s life for humane reasons in the comfort of her/his natural surroundings.  It brings you comfort to know that your pet’s departure was carried out in the most humane way possible surrounded by the people she/he loves and performed by gentle caring compassionate individuals that will make this event as manageable as possible.

It is normal to question one’s judgment regarding whether the animal could have lived longer.  When considering home euthanasia there are many factors which contribute to such a decision. Some, such as chronic painful suffering, are clear indicators for an immediate euthanasia. Others, such as stiffness or incontinence are less clear. Below are a set of questions to aid you in your decision.

 Quality of Life-

Does your pet have more bad days than good days?

Does it seem like she/he just endures each day?

Walking

Is your pet in so much pain that she/he can no longer can walk?

Does your pet walk to eat, drink or toilet only?

Arising

Does your pet need assistance to get up?

Does your pet rise slowly and is stiff?

Eating & Drinking

Is your pet not eating & or drinking normally and regular amounts?

Do you have to hand feed your pet?

Is your pet losing weight &/or dehydrated?

Playfulness

Does your pet not play like they used to?

Is your pet not interested when you come home or leave?

Toileting

Does your pet urinate or defecate on itself?

Does your pet have painful urination or defecation on a chronic basis?

Cannot hold urine or feces indoors and has accidents in the home.

Affection

Does your pet shows aggression when approached (fangs, growling)?

Does your pet no longer show affection even when petted or rubbed?

Does your pet become stressed or afraid when left alone?

Does your pet interact with other pets?

Pain Assessment-

Does your pet cry or moan when moving or re-positioning?

Does your pet avoid all but necessary activity such as eating or toileting?

Can your pet no longer climb stairs or inclines?

Insight-

When you look into your pet’s eyes do you feel she/he does not want to be alive any longer?

Do you feel your pet still enjoys life?

Is your pet telling you she/he is ready to go, and they will meet you on the other side?

Things to do before you Say Goodbye-

There will never be enough time to say goodbye to a faithful best friend; however, there are activities for saying goodbye that can be meaningful to you and your pet.

Share a special time alone with the pet.

Make a special meal.

Go to a favorite park.

Spend time cuddling and petting.

Take many pictures with family members and pet siblings.

Make a scrap book of your pet.