Euthanizing a companion animal: helpful information and questions to consider
You have taken loving care of your animal since the day they came into your life. You love them deeply, and you don’t want to see them suffer. But the day will come when, because of their advanced age or a serious illness, you may have to resign yourself to letting them go.
Euthanasia is a medical procedure that ends an animal’s life in a respectful and painless manner. Performed or supervisedby a veterinarian, it is generally carried out to shorten the animal’ssuffering or final agony.
It is normal to ask yourself about the “right” time to euthanize your companion, as this can be very difficult to determine. You may be afraid of acting too soon and prematurely shortening your animal’s life, or of waiting too long and regretting having prolonged their suffering.
To assist you through this important reflection, this article reviews the main questions you should consider, and provides information about euthanasia.
A medical procedure: discuss it with your veterinarian
Animal health professionals are best-placed to guide you through this important decision and answer your questions about the procedure. Don’t hesitate to contact a veterinary clinic of emergency centre. It costs nothing to ask questions over the phone.
Quality of life
Quality of life is an important consideration when it comes to deciding to end your animal’s life. Observe your animal and ask yourself the following questions1¹:
- Is your animal in pain? Are you able to provide relief with medication?
- Does your animal have difficulty breathing?
- How is your animal’s appetite? Do you have to coax them to eat, offer them particularly appetizing foods, or hand-feed them?
- Good hydration is important for an animal’s health and well-being. Is your animal drinking as often as usual?
- Can your animal keep themselves clean? If they are unable to groom themselves properly, can you help clean them so as to prevent the onset of skin problems?
- Is your animal still lively? Do they still show interest in their favourite activities and engage with family members? Conversely, do they seem anxious, withdrawn or frightened?
- Assess your animal’s mobility. Can they stand up on their own? Are they able to relieve themselves in their usual spot, without soiling themselves? Do they still seem keen to go for walks?
- Lastly, while it is normal for an animal’s condition to vary from day to day, does your animal generally have more good days than bad?
As you ask yourself these questions, you will get a better picture of your animal’s quality of life. If your animal has several of the above-mentioned problems at the same time, and if they are difficult to treat, their quality of life is compromised. Discuss this with your veterinarian. If, on the other hand, your animal has only one problem, or if their problems are mild and can be relieved with medication or care, your animal may still enjoy a happy and comfortable life!
¹Drawn from Dr. Alice Villalobos’ Quality of Life Scale.
If you would like to explore this subject in greater depth, we suggest you read the Quality of Life Scalecreated by veterinarian Dr. Alice Villalobos to help veterinarians and families assess an animal’s end-of-life quality of life. Feel free to discuss this tool with a veterinarian..
Prognosis
Does your veterinarian believe that your animal has a good chance of recovery? Are they likely to suffer after-effects? If they are suffering from a chronic disease, will they be able to enjoy good quality of life if given regular care?
When an animal has very little chance of recovering or maintaining an acceptable quality of life, euthanasia may be the most compassionate option, as it gives your companion a peaceful release.
If you can afford it, you can also seek a second opinion from another veterinarian. Your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist.
Your ability to give your animal the care they need
Medical care comes at a financial cost, and also requires an investment of your time and energy. You need to consider your ability to afford treatment and medication, as well as your physical and emotional capacity to provide care.
If you are unable to give your animal the treatment they need, but their life expectancy is good and their quality of life can be adequate if they receive appropriate care, consider entrusting them to an organization or a new family that has the capacity to care for them. This solution is not perfect, but it gives your companion a second chance.
Your personal values
If your animal is sick, your veterinarian may recommend therapeutic care (which aims to treat or cure a disease) or palliative care (which relieves symptoms without treating the disease, as in the case of incurable cancer).
Some people find it pointless to extend their animal’s life by a few weeks or months, while others consider this time to be very precious and helpful in allowing them to prepare for the death of their companion. Your choices will be guided by what is right for you and what fits with your values.
Trust yourself
While it is normal – and entirely appropriate – to think about end-of-life care for an animal when they are old or sick, families benefit from trusting their feelings and instincts, and approaching this issue calmly, forthemselves and for their companion.
You will most probably know when the time comes to say goodbye to your animal. If, after you have provided all the care they need and you can manage, you see that your animal’s condition is deteriorating significantly and they have less and less energy, euthanasia will seem like the right option. Trust your judgement, and forever cherish the loving bond you had with your companion throughout their life.
The procedure
Remember that euthanizing a suffering animal does not mean that you have given up or turned your back on them. It is often the final loving and compassionate thing you can do for your beloved companion.
Veterinarians and clinic staff know that euthanasia is a trying time for families, and often go to great lengths to ease their distress by providing a peaceful, comforting environment.
If you have never witnessed euthanasia, here is what to expect: your veterinarian will usually administer two injections, the first designed to relax your animal, and the second to painlessly stop their heart.
Most local clinics offer quick appointments for this procedure. Call your regular veterinary clinic, or other clinics in your area, for an appointment. The cost of the procedure varies from clinic to clinic for a number of reasons. If you are on a tight budget, don’t hesitate to call around to compare prices. You will usually have to provide your animal’s weight to enable the clinic to quote you a price.
You may prefer a home euthanasia. This can be a good option for animals or families who are more stressed, or if it is difficult for them to get to a clinic, but it is generally more expensive. Take the time to make a few calls to compare prices and check availability.
