Euthanasia In Pets

OVERVIEW

The word euthanasia means an “easy and painless death”. It’s also the same to “put a pet to sleep”, or “put a pet down”. Euthanizing a pet can be accompanied by feelings of devastation, guilt, and anxiety. It is a very difficult decision for any pet owner to make, even if their beloved pet is terminally ill or injured. If there is little chance for recovery, the most vital and difficult question becomes “When is it time?”

You understand your pet better than anyone else. You live with them, care for them, and their quality of life is your own personal judgment. Your veterinarian can give you guidance when it comes to the progression of a disease such as cancer, or regarding your pet’s current status of health, but the final decision of euthanizing rests with you.

QUALITY OF LIFE/TREATMENT

A pet’s quality of life is a crucial part of deciding when it is appropriate to euthanize. Your ill pet should be as free of pain and comfortable as possible. They should be able to move, eat, drink, and sleep comfortably, and have some degree of bodily function control. Mentally, they should act alert and interested in what’s going on around them. Just like people, it is expected that they will have their better and worse days, but you are the one who needs to determine whether they have a good balance of them.

What may also affect your judgment are medical care issues and veterinary issues. In some cases, if a pet is on medication, it may make them seem more ill. Talk to your vet about the side effects of any and all medication your pet is taking so you and your vet can evaluate any possible link between your pet’s symptoms and their actual condition. Simply adjusting a medicine dose can make a world of difference in how your pet is feeling. It is very important that you don’t make any dosage adjustments or discontinue medications without consulting your veterinarian about your pet’s symptoms.

Some diseases can be very difficult or expensive to treat, making veterinary bills build up and influencing your choice concerning euthanasia. It is best to discuss these issues with your veterinarian so you can make the best decision possible instead of letting your pet suffer without medical care. Every family’s financial situation differs. It may be a source of guilt if there is a lack of personal or financial resources, but these factors require realistic assessments.

WILL IT HURT?

The next two paragraphs are explanation of a usual euthanasia procedure. Please close this document if you don’t wish to read about this procedure. 

Euthanasia is practically painless and very humane. Your veterinarian will ask you to sign an authorization before proceeding and you will need to make some choices. You will need to decide whether you will want to be present for your pet during the euthanasia, visit your pet and say goodbye before the euthanasia and not see them again, or visit your pet after they have been euthanized. There is also a choice of what to do with the remains after the euthanasia that you can discuss with your veterinarian.

The most typical euthanasia practice employs an intravenous injection of a highly concentrated barbiturate anesthetic. This anesthetic will slow and then stop the heart within seconds of your veterinarian administering the overdose. The circulation to the brain and breathing will slow and stop as the blood pressure lessens. There’s a small chance your pet could whine or cry as they are losing consciousness, but this is not due to any pain. They will quickly, and peacefully, go to sleep. There is also a chance that, without your pet feeling any pain or being conscious, there will be physiological responses. They may have muscle contractions, respiratory gasps, or a loss of bowel and bladder control.

CARING FOR YOUR ILL PET AT HOME

If you are caring for your ill pet at home, remain in touch with your veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet’s diagnosis or treatment, or are wondering about ways to keep your pet more comfortable, don’t hesitate to call them. Do your best to keep your ailing pet as clean and dry as possible, and always encourage them to continue eating and drinking as much as they are willing to unless instructed to do otherwise.

You are not alone in your pain. It’s very difficult to experience the loss of a pet, whether by trauma, natural causes, or euthanasia. There are many articles, websites, books, and support groups out there to help you cope with your loss. Your veterinarian may be able to direct you to some support groups operating locally. If you have further questions about euthanasia, please ask your veterinarian.