One of the most heartbreaking decisions that any pet owner has to make is whether the time has come for pet euthanasia. There is the feeling of guilt and the dread of anticipatory grief that further cloud our decision-making. This, therefore, makes euthanizing a pet an individual decision based on one’s sense of what is right for them and their pet. When becoming a pet owner, we agree to take on the responsibilities of being our pet’s life steward. It is a big responsibility, and, like children, our pets didn’t come with a set of instructions; however, the following guide may help decide whether or not to euthanize your pet.
The most important thing to keep in mind is the quality of life for your pet. Ask yourself if your pet still enjoys his daily activities such as going for a walk, greeting you when you come home, sitting with you in your quiet times. Does he still play with a favorite toy and enjoy interacting with the family? On the other hand, a dog can be a little more complicated when deciding when to euthanize as their species are masters at hiding disease and are more stoic. If a dog displayed illness or a weakness in the wild, it would become prey. This is why it is essential to watch your dog more closely when evaluating him. Things you may want to care for are his grooming habits; is he still grooming; does he seek out your affection and attention, or is he hiding away? Take a moment to think about the things that upset your pet’s well-being. Do they include boredom, isolation, pain, being picked on by other animals in the home? Is your pet in pain and, if so, do you know the source, and is he on medications to alleviate the pain? What is the pet’s medical prognosis, viable treatment options available, and can you afford them? Make sure you have all the relevant knowledge you need to help you make the best decision possible.
If your pet is having difficulty breathing, suffering pain due to respiratory distress, and just living to breathe, there is no quality of life. If they have problems resting and sleeping, many pets will need to sit up with their front legs extended out from their chest to open up their chest capacity; there is no quality of life, and care should not be continued. Humane pet euthanasia is indicated in these circumstances. Relieving pain is the number one component in a pet’s quality of life. Vets have access to drugs used in pain management that are not available without a prescription, so consult your veterinarian to get the appropriate pain drug combination for your pet. Pets with cancer usually have severe pain at night because, as tumors grow, they impinge on and stimulate local tissue receptors or cause tissue damage and inflammation.
If the pet is older and more prone to infections, proper nutrition is vital in keeping a functioning immune system, so it is essential to monitor their food intake and weight. When an animal losses 10% or more of its body weight in a 3-5 day period, supplemental tube feeding may be necessary. Pets with a chronic disease or cancer suffer from cachexia or wasting syndrome. Protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism are changed, and the animal loses weight, muscle mass, and appetite. An optimal diet, in this case, is one lower in simple carbohydrates and higher in proteins and fat but consult your oncologist for recommendations. Pets need an adequate intake of fluids, one ounce of fluids per pound of body weight daily. If the pet isn’t getting the proper intake, subcutaneous fluid supplementation may be needed to keep them hydrated. Owners can be taught to administer sterile electrolyte balanced fluids with ease by their veterinarians. Proper hygiene is essential to the well-being of the pet, especially cats. Acute moist dermatitis can result if excrement and urine are not cleaned from the pet.
A pet’s happiness is essential to its quality of life. If the pet seems isolated, afraid, or non-reactive with the rest of the family, it creates interaction and enjoyment events. Move them closer to where the family interacts; pet them, talk to them and play with them. Mobility is a challenge for larger breeds of dogs.
Home euthanasia for dog– Pros and Cons
PROS – It is the rare dog that enjoys a visit to the veterinarian’s office. Most have an understandable aversion to going to a place that they have been previously poked, prodded, and stuck with needles. With this being the case, many pet owners want to spare their ailing friend the anxiety of a trip to the veterinarian’s office and choose to have the euthanasia performed by a veterinarian in the familiar surroundings of the pet’s own home. While nothing can ever wholly ease the grief of having to make the agonizing decision of euthanasia, the owner can take some solace that they did everything they could to make their treasured pet’s last moments on earth as comfortable as possible. Home pet euthanasia also allows for privacy for the pet owner. Tears can be shed at home rather than in a public forum.
CONS – Many veterinarians are opposed to performing pet euthanasia in a home for two fundamental reasons. First, should there be any complications during the procedure, especially with larger animals that may be harder to control; the veterinarian would not have access to all the equipment, medicine, and staff available in their office to help resolve the difficulty. A veterinarian may shy away from home euthanasia because of the additional time and expense they incur by being away from the office. Veterinarians who are willing to travel to a pet owner’s home may charge 30% or more over the cost of performing the euthanasia procedure in their office.
Looking for home euthanasia for dog? Peaceful Passing is here to help! We do everything we can to make this emotional and challenging time as personalized and comfortable as possible. Book an appointment now!
