When Should You Consider Pet Euthanasia?

It is a sad reality that pets tend to have shorter lifespans than their owners. Although it varies between breeds, the average lifespan of a dog is around 10–13 years. Cats tend to live a little longer, usually around 15 years. While some animals pass peacefully in their sleep, many become sick and distressed. Pet euthanasia provides an easy, gentle passing for an animal and also grants pet owners the precious opportunity to say goodbye.

Symptoms of serious illness

Many pet owners hope that their beloved companion will die peacefully in their sleep so that they are spared having to make tough decisions. But this happens seldom, and most pets experience a period of struggle and pain before they die. In this sense, euthanasia is a very compassionate option.

However, getting the timing right for conducting the procedure can be challenging. The key is being able to determine when your pet has experienced a significant loss in quality of life. The indicators can range from the obvious to the obscure. As a pet owner, you are often in the best position to determine what constitutes “normal” behaviour for your pet. However, the decision will also be made in consultation with your vet.

If your pet is experiencing one (or many) of the following symptoms, it may be a good idea to talk with a vet about your options:

• Loss of interest in favourite activities, such as playing.
• Dramatic changes in drinking and appetite.
• Aggression, depression, mental distress, and confusion.
• Inability to stand on its own, collapsing on a frequent basis.
• Incontinence.
• Bad days outnumbering good days.
• Lack of grooming.
• No longer greeting people at the door.
• Isolating themselves from the family.
• Acute or chronic pain — this may be evident through increased panting, sensitivity to touch, reluctance to walk.
• Uncontrolled coughing and respiratory distress.

Animals express pain in different ways, so it can be difficult to judge how your pet is feeling. Some pets are very stoic and do not show any outward signs of pain, when in fact, they are very uncomfortable.

On the other hand, your pet might show a loss in appetite, withdrawal in behaviour, and reluctance to go for walks.

At this point, it is advised that you seek out the assistance of a vet. They will be able to discuss potential treatment options or let you know if they feel that euthanisia is the most humane path forward. Some vets will suggest that you monitor your pet for a certain timeframe to see if their condition improves. Once this period lapses, euthanasia may be the best option.

The process of euthanasia

These days, euthanasia can be conducted at the vet’s clinic or at home, using a mobile vet service. Many people prefer the latter option as it allows the opportunity to grieve your loss in the privacy and comfort of your own home.

Euthanasia is typically carried out through an overdosed injection of anaesthetic into a vein in an animal’s front leg. A small patch of fur is shaved off, and the animal is held by a nurse. The injection is pain-free, and all your pet may feel is a small pin-prick.

Sometimes, a pet may cry out on being injected. There tends to be a moment of dizziness while the medication takes its effect, and even before the injection is over, there may be a loss of consciousness.

The process may take longer if the pet has poor circulation. Sometimes, the vet may find it difficult to locate a vein. If the dog is restless or agitated before the procedure, the vet may administer a sedative, but this can slow down the impact of the anaesthetic injection.

The majority of euthanasia procedures take place quickly and smoothly, without causing any distress or pain to the animal. Pet euthanasia is a quick procedure that can save your beloved pet many weeks of suffering and offers a peaceful and compassionate end.