Old /Terminally Ill Euthanasia & Quality of life
To relieve a pet's suffering, we must be willing to endure our own.
Assessing your pet’s quality of life is an ongoing process, not a one-time decision. You have likely been caring for your ill or old pet for some time.You may have been administering medications for pain, mobility or disease . You may have made diet adjustments, and resolved to clean up after your pet whenever necessary. But eventually these measures will no longer be effective. Assessing quality of life is determining when this point has been reached, and what you intend to do next.
If your pet is seriously ill, have a candid talk with your veterinarian and ask what your options are. Describe in detail what you’re seeing on a day to day basis with respect to your pet’s quality of life.
If your pet is eating, eliminating, playing, attentive, still involved in the activities of their daily life and not in obvious pain, it’s probably not yet time. But if your pet is lethargic, in obvious pain, critically injured, terminally ill or if the financial or emotional cost of their treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia could be an option.
Consult with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will completely understand your attachment to your pet, can examine and evaluate your pet’s condition, and estimate your pet’s chances for recovery.
Your veterinarian will discuss potential disabilities and long-term problems with you and can explain the medical options available to you and their possible outcomes. Your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you so it is important that you fully understand your pet’s condition and prognosis. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the implications for your pet’s future that you don’t understand, ask to have it explained again. Rarely will the situation require an immediate decision. Usually, you will have time to review the facts before making your decision.
What do I tell my family members?
Family members are usually already aware of a pet’s problems. However, you should review with them the information you have received from your veterinarian. Long-term medical care can be a burden that you and your family may be unable to bear emotionally or financially, and this should be discussed openly and honestly. Encourage your family to express their thoughts and feelings. Even if you have reached a decision, it is important that family members, especially children, have their feelings considered.
you may wish to discuss the care of the remains of your pet’s body with your family and veterinarian.
What if we decide to just let nature take its course?
As a pet owner, you have been thwarting the “course of nature” from the beginning. By ensuring that your pet has food, shelter and is protected from predators, you have already guaranteed that nature will not take its course. By providing medical treatment, you have prolonged the life of your pet far beyond what it could have expected if left to “nature.” In nature, an animal that becomes too ill to obtain food or protect itself will perish quickly, though not necessarily comfortably. Nature does not necessarily offer an “easy” death even if you choose to let it “take its course” in the comfort of your home. An animal that cannot breathe easily, cannot eat or digest food properly, cannot control its bodily functions, and can scarcely move or enjoy human contact because of pain, is suffering.
How can I tell if my pet is in pain or suffering?
Does your pet sit hunched over and tense, rather than lying down in a relaxed state? Does your pet’s face seem “unhappy” and “worried” ? Has your pet forsaken its usual sleeping places or territories for hiding places like the back of a closet or spot under the bed? Does your pet lack mobility, and no longer runs or walks to their usual places in your home or yard? Does your pet respond very negatively to being touched by flinching, hissing or snapping, whining or whimpering? If your pet shows new signs of any of these behaviors, it could very well be in pain.
Older pets occasionally develop signs of diminished mental capacity. They may seem to “forget” things, such as where a toy or water bowl is located, or what a command means. They may become confused by their surroundings, and this confusion can develop into fear.
How can I tell if my pet is still enjoying life?
This is a difficult, subjective decision but if you have been a keen observer of your pet’s behavior and attitude during its lifetime, you are likely to be able to determine when it no longer seems “happy.” You will know when it no longer seems to take any pleasure from its food, toys, surroundings — and most of all, from contact with you and the rest of its family. Most pets are really teasy to please and when your pet can no longer muster a purr or a wag, you can be fairly certain that your pet is receiving little joy from life.
What could I have done to prevent the loss? Did I make the wrong decision?
It is normal to feel guilt, remorse and anguish over this difficult decision. There is no “perfect” time, and almost all people feel they waited a little too long in retrospect.
Will it be painless?
Euthanasia is almost always accomplished by injection of a death-inducing drug. Your veterinarian will administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following the death-inducing injection, your pet will immediately go into a quiet and irreversible deep unconsciousness. Death will come quickly and painlessly.