Ending the Suffering
Some time in your life, you may be asked to help your pet make a transition from life to death with the help of your veterinarian. The choice of euthanasia for your loved one will usually be made after a diagnosis of a terminal illness, a critical injury, or an age related cause. It usually is based on the determination that your pet is suffering and it is time to let him/her go. Euthanasia will probably be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make, but may also very necessary and should be made in your pet’s best interest. Whatever the case, your decision to put your loved one out of his/her misery should be an informed one and should be out of the love for your animal. Sometimes we feel selfish and do not want to let our pet die, because we don’t want to be left alone. Here are some guidelines to consider to help you make the best decision: 1. Your pet’s activity level. Does your pet still enjoy previously loved activities and is he/she still able to be active at all? 2. Response to care and affection. Does you pet still respond and interact with you in the usual ways? 3. Amount of pain and suffering. Does your pet’s pain and suffing outweigh the pleasure and enjoyment of life? 4. Terminal illness or critical injury. Has illness or injury prohibited your pet from enjoying life? Is your loved one facing certain death?
Euthanasia is a very personal decision and should be made with the support of your family and veterinarian. You should consider the quality of life that is available for your pet. Make sure you create a process that is as peaceful as possible for you and your loved one. When considering how you will intern your loved one, you will find many
Pet Caskets on the market. Choose one that is the appropriate size by measuring your pet from the head(near the eyes) to the top of the tail, and the width of your pet while lying down with his/her legs curled up.