Many times our pets live full happy lives and die a natural, peaceful death from nothing more than old age. However, there are some circumstances in which a pet becomes seriously ill or severely injured and his/her quality of life deteriorates to a point where we must consider the option of euthanasia.
There is never a right time to make this decision. Often times a vet may give an opinion based on experience if the condition the animal is facing is unlikely to be successfully treated and suggest we consider the fact that we may no longer be doing right by the animal by keeping him/her alive. However, the decision ultimately lies with the owner and we must then consider the signs that we can use to help determine if euthanasia is the right option.
An owner must monitor the animal's appetite and water intake as significant decreases in or even an absence of these over a prolonged period of time would result in severe loss of weight and energy. Also observe if there is prolonged severe vomiting and diarrhoea that is unresponsive to medical care since the resulting dehydration will be devastating to the animal's quality of life.
Observe your pet's urination and stool. If there is incontinence to the point where he/she frequently and uncontrollably soils him/herself, then skin sores and ulcers will develop that will cause discomfort and pain for your pet.
If your pet has severe, chronic pain that is unresponsive to pain medications, cannot stand or walk on his/her own, shows a definite change in personality displayed by constant isolation and lack of interest in playing or interacting with you or is displaying chronic laboured breathing, there is reason to consider humane euthanasia to bring an end to the discomfort and suffering.
Once the decision is made to have your pet euthanized, there are a few considerations to be made:
SAYING GOODBYE:
Try to think long and hard about the decision to avoid second guessing yourself. Saying you are ready and making an appointment, only to cancel it because your pet appeared to have a good day and you think he/she is improving when the medical professional sees no evidence of this leaves yourself open to more trauma from the emotional rollercoaster you have placed yourself on. As time passes, your pet's condition will worsen and he/she will be suffering more by the time you change back your mind. Talk to your vet but also make your own decision based on your own research and feelings, then call and make the appointment and stick to it.
Include all affected family members in the decision making so that you are confident that all are in agreement, On the day of the appointment, allow each family member to have his or her time with the pet to come to terms with the decision and say goodbye.
Explain the decision to children in the family so that you are confident that they understand the pet will not be coming back home.
Decide if any of you would like to be present at the time of euthanasia. Some people will prefer to witness it, partly so the animal will not feel abandoned, and partly so that they will know that the process is indeed humane.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Ask your vet lots of questions before the appointment about what is required of you and how the process will be carried out. Ensure that your pet is comfortable for the procedure but also be mindful of the vet's request to ensure the process runs smoothly. An injection is administered containing an overdose of a potent anaesthetic, so the only thing the pet will feel is the needle for injection. However, depending on the situation, eg if an animal is particularly anxious or aggressive, the vet may opt to administer a sedative before the procedure since the injection must be given very carefully into the right place with minimal movement of the animal.
Once given correctly, the drug works in seconds to minutes. The vet will use a stethoscope to verify that the pet has passed away. Keep in mind that for several minutes after death involuntary muscle twitches may occur and the bladder and bowels may be involuntarily emptied. If you believe that witnessing this will be too traumatic for you, then please consider waiting outside the room.
After death, the vet will allow you to spend some time with you pet if you so desire. You can then decide if you would like to take your pet for cremation, or if to take him/her back home for burial.
The topic of euthanasia is a very sensitive one. We love our pets and sometimes feel that we should never choose to take a life. However, there are times when allowing natural death to occur is a prolonged process during which time our pets may suffer intense pain and discomfort for a long time. Let us remember that above all we owe them a happy life, free from pain and suffering. Even though we may miss them, they will continue to live on in our hearts.
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