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Euthanize a pet:

If you’re thinking about euthanizing a pet, this may be one of the toughest, most emotional decisions you’ll ever make as a responsible pet owner. When should you euthanize a pet?  Will you have made the decision or will you be ridden with guilt?  To follow is a list of guidelines and questions you may ask yourself.  We’re not condoning one aspect over another, we’re merely presenting a set of questions to spark a discussion within yourself and among your family members.

When should you euthanize your pet? What is the right time and what is the right answer?  Well, it should be said this is a very personal decision and may culminate in years of unconditional love you’ve shared with your pet. Is your dog or cat enjoying the activities they used to enjoy? Can they eat on their own? Walk on their own? Play like they used to play?  When you leave the house or when you return home is your dog or cat genuinely aware of your absence or presence?  Or are they primarily unaware and disinterested?  Can your dog or cat eat and drink on its own and in normal amounts?  Does your pet need to be assisted with these otherwise simple tasks?

Another set of questions to ask yourself as it relates to the issue of euthanizing a pet includes social interaction.  Does your pet enjoy interacting with you and your family members or perhaps other pets? Does your pet recognize you and your family? Does your pet get stressed out easily?  Does it seem over anxious?  Does your pet urinate like it used to? Are there more accidents than usual?  Is your pet’s health reaching or beyond the point of no return?

Once you’ve started asking yourself these questions, it’s only natural to begin asking yourself additional questions as it relates to euthanizing a pet such as: my pet has poor health, will it get better or is it continuing in a downward spiral?  And what exactly is euthanasia anyway?  At this point it’s perfectly normal to ask your veterinarian several questions such as the process to euthanize a pet.  Vets may typically give a sedative tranquilizer prior to administering the euthanasia drug which is inserted into the vein.  The tranquilizer is either a tablet given by mouth or a painless injection given under the skin.  The animal is restful and the owner may say its final good-byes. 

Deciding whether or not to euthanize your pet is a big decision that warrants discussion with your other family members.  It’s a good idea to also discuss it with friends and most definitely with your veterinarian. Your vet can objectively assess the situation as it relates to your pet’s health and future prognosis.  This decision to euthanize your pet is difficult to make but you’re not in it alone. There are support groups as well as grieving groups for the sense of loss.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.  For more information about euthanizing a pet contact your local veterinarian.