How to Decide to Euthanize a Pet

Pets are an important part of our families. Each year more and more people bring pets into their lives and these relationships can be long term. No matter how long you've known and loved your pet, deciding to euthanize them due to injury or prolonged illness is never easy. As difficult as this decision is, it is a part of being a responsible pet owner. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A good veterinarian

1. Determine the level of seriousness of your pet's illness or injury. This involves taking them to your regular veterinarian for en evaluation.

2. Discuss options and possible outcomes with your veterinarian. If surgery or treatment would prolong your pet's life without pain for many more years, it may not be the right time to euthanize your pet.

3. Think about the age of your pet. Cats can live to be in their late teens and early twenties. Large breed dogs have a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years, and small breeds 12 to 14 years depending on the breed.

4. Consider the amount of time you have to nurse a sick or injured pet. If you are not home to provide adequate care and companionship during these final days, this should factor in to your decision.

5. Factor in your financial situation. Pet surgeries and medications can be costly. If you don't have large sums of money set aside for prolonged medical treatment, this will effect your decision.

6. Talk to you family members and let everyone weigh in on the decision. A pet belongs to the whole family and everyone will need a chance to grieve appropriately when the time comes.

7. Do what it is the best interest of your pet. We know we want them with us forever. Making a good, timely decision to euthanize your pet for health reasons is an act of love.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let others outside your immediate family influence your decision. This is your pet. No one can make the decision for you, and you shouldn't feel guilty about delaying it as long as you can.
• Talk with children a long time about your decision. Use these times to help them understand death and love and doing the right thing at the right time.
• Even with all the right information and all the right reasons, euthanizing a pet is never an easy thing to do. Be prepared to grieve for a while.

[mysobbin19]

on 5/19/2008 I have a friend with this horrible decision in front of her. Her dog has brain tumors and the seizures are coming more frequently - he had three yesterday. She has very limited funds and her extra money has gone to seizure medications lately. She lives in King County - Washington State. Does anyone know where she can go to have this done for a reduced rate? Your help is greatly appreciated.

[TheHabe]

on 3/21/2008 Thanks for a great, caring and perceptive article on a tough topic.