Pet Euthanasia Is A Difficult Decision
You have pets and you love them. Just as most pet lovers, you probably don’t even think of your pet as just an animal anymore, but as a friend, companion and a family member. You’ve shared memorable moments with your animals and sometimes probably even talk to your pet like it’s a human. Most people don’t really think about it or expect the day to come that you might have to consider euthanasia (putting your pet down, mercy killing). How will you know if it’s really the right time and if it’s in the best interest of your animal? Will you be capable of having it done?
A majority of pet euthanasia cases are because of health problems. Usually it’s because the animal is very old or extremely sick. A veterinarian will most likely suggest euthanasia only when your pet has no chance of being healthy again and the animal’s quality of life is not good. Deciding to euthanize your animal is very serious, and never easy to think about, even if you know that a peaceful death is best thing for your sick pet.
Before making the tough decision of euthanasia for your pet, you should seek several opinions. Discuss it with family or anyone who has a relationship with the animal. Ask opinions of friends and of course your veterinarian. You can also seek the opinion of other veterinarians also, if you don’t believe the animal is ill enough to be put down. You should consider every option and do what is right for your pet; it’s his or her life.
If your pet has an incurable disease and is too sick to enjoy life, or is unable to respond to you anymore, or if you notice that the animal seems to be experiencing more pain than ever before, then it’s probably time to consider euthanasia. The old saying is to put something “out of its misery.” Likewise, if an animal becomes dangerous and has drastic changes in behavior, euthanasia might be necessary. Always talk with your veterinarian to make the right choices. The vet understands peoples love for animals, and will be able to decide if there are any chances or hope for recovery.
Deciding to euthanize your pet is your decision, and not your vets. The veterinarian won’t make the decision for you. You should understand the physical condition of your animals and if there is something that you don't understand about the animal’s diagnosis, you should ask the vet. You’ll probably need a little time to think about the decision.
Once the decision has been made, you need arrange for your pets remains to be cared for properly. Talk this over with your family and your veterinarian. It’s your right to take the remains of your pet home if you choose to, or you can leave your pet with the veterinarian for cremation or burial. Ask the vet what will be done after your pet is put to sleep. The vet can provide choices about burial and cremation, or you may choose to bury the pet at your home.
It’s probably best to make an appointment with your vet at a time when there are few other patients. You are allowed to be with your pet inside the surgery or exam room during the euthanasia process. Naturally, most animal lovers can’t stand it when the time comes. It is your decision whether you want to be in the same room or not, but many veterinarians suggest that it may be good to be there at this critical time for your pet. Also, there is nothing wrong with crying. Don’t feel embarrassed by crying, I’m a fairly tough dude, and I have no shame in admitting that I might shed a tear when I lose someone I love, even a pet.
When the euthanasia is given by the veterinarian, you can hold and comfort your pet if you want, and an assistant will be there to help if you feel better doing it that way. After administering the solution, it usually takes 6 to 12 seconds before the animal takes a deep breath and slips into a deep sleep. While unconscious, your pet may continue to breathe for a bit before the muscle movement stops and the pet has peacefully passed on. It’s completely natural to grieve and be emotional after your pet passes away. Sometimes these moments bring up memories of other losses in your life. You may feel helpless and depressed at times, and it might be good for you to talk to someone who understands your sadness.
Most animals and pets have significantly shorter life spans than humans, and death is part of the cycle of life. Death can’t be avoided by any of us and the grief you experience can be helped by your close friends and family, as well as other people who understand you. Think about good times you had with your pet, or contribute something to a charity as a memorial to honor to your pet. Something like that may help ease your pain.