Euthanasia: Making the Difficult Decision

Euthanasia is the process of intentionally ending an animal's life to relieve it from suffering. It's a compassionate choice for our dogs, cats, or pocket pets who are in severe pain or have any terminal illness. Euthanasia becomes a responsibility of pet owners when their pets can no longer enjoy life like they did in the past and there’s no hope of them getting any better.

Deciding to euthanise a beloved pet is not an easy decision, but sometimes, there is no option to relieve their pain and suffering. It is a hard time for everyone. Discussing euthanasia with your veterinarian will help you to understand if it is the right time.

Why is Euthanasia sometimes necessary

Unfortunately, losing a pet is always sad; but we can't ignore the warning signs. One of the biggest challenges of pet ownership is accepting when our pets have a diminished quality of life. We don’t want to lose them so we make ourselves believe they are still living their best life and feeling no pain.

When pets enter their senior years, they experience various health issues and reduced ability due to age. Keeping our pets healthy and comfortable is what we do as pet owners.

That's why if our pet's health starts declining over time and no treatment is effective, going for euthanasia is the most humane option. Euthanasia is the kindest course of action for pets with irreversible conditions or terminal illnesses. As responsible pet parents, we should aim to alleviate their suffering in any way possible.

When is it time?

There are some obvious signs that it may be time to consider euthanasia. Consulting with a veterinarian can help you understand what your pet is going through at their stage of life and make some decisions around the best options.

• If your pet has been diagnosed with a terminal illness without any hope of recovery and suffering is inevitable.
• If your pet no longer enjoys doing activities that they once liked and their life is a continuous struggle.
• If your pet is in constant pain that can't be removed.
• If your pet has a chronic disability that makes them unable to eat, move, or breathe, then euthanasia should be considered.

The Decision-Making Process

The euthanasia decision is based on personal choice and should be made after consulting with a veterinarian.

The quality of life of your pet should be the foremost concern when deciding whether ending your pet's life is the only way.  The availability of a treatment or cure that can help improve your pets quality of life should always be considered first.

It’s important to discuss treatment options , prognosis and the benefits of euthanasia as part of the decision making process.

Another very important part of the process is familial support. Euthanasia is an emotional decision so all family members must understand and cooperate on the decision being made.

The Euthanasia Process

Once it has been decided that euthanasia is the most compassionate option, understanding the process is crucial.

Euthanasia is most commonly administered using an intravenous injection of a barbiturate solution. This method is prompt and painless, causing the pet to pass away peacefully.

In the case of extreme anxiety, veterinarians often administer a sedative before carrying out the procedure, making your pet more calm and relaxed.

In some cases, pets are given inhaled anesthetics, usually in the form of gas. These anesthetics result in unconsciousness and gentle passing.

The Importance of Being Present During the Process

Being present during the euthanasia process is a personal choice, but vets tell us that having the pet parent present provides comfort to our pets as they pass. Holding your pet, speaking soothing words and showing affection in their last moments will ease your pet's transition and give you some closure.

Once the process is complete, consider aftercare options like burial, cremation, or communal cremation to make your pet's last moments compassionate and dignified.

For some owners, this time can be too emotional and this can transfer to your pet making them uneasy. Chat you your vet about options. Remember, some vets offer at home euthanasia. Which may make the process easier on you and your pet.

Although euthanasia is the hardest decision for any pet owner to make, it's an act of love and compassion. Discuss with a veterinarian to make the best decision for your pet. But remember, whilst we want them to be around forever, if they are not loving life or if they are suffering any form of pain or discomfort, their needs should be considered over ours. Just because we are not ready to say good bye should  not mean they suffer.