This is a special guest post by Miranda LaSala.
While it may be a pet owner’s worst nightmare, it is an inevitable fact that sooner or later, you have to say goodbye to your beloved furry friend. When the time comes, you will have to make the hard decision of putting your pet down.
Euthanizing your pet is never an easy choice, but sometimes, it has to be done. When your pet is in excruciating pain or is suffering to the point that it can no longer enjoy life, oftentimes, you have to accept that euthanasia is the only help you can give.
Your veterinarian can only give you advice but the ultimate decision will still be up to you. It is always helpful to be informed and to consider all factors so you can decide what is best for your pet.
You’ll know it is the right time when:
1. Your pet is in unbearable pain
It has been long believed that dogs, cats, and other animals do not feel pain like we do. Yes, the objective pain is still there, but unlike humans, animals do not attach an emotional reaction to pain so they are not as bothered by it.
Signs of pain are dependent on your pet’s disease:
- Arthritis – licking wrists, biting, dilated pupils, stumbling, falling, flinching with touch
- Respiratory disease – cannot sleep well or for long periods, coughing, uncomfortable, side sucking with each breath, staying upright all the time, and not laying flat on one side
- Bone cancer – limping, lump or tumor in leg, skin breaking or splitting, holding one leg up
- Feline disease – not grooming, hiding, sleeping all the time, weight loss, drooling, twitching, staying on the ground and not jumping too high places, excessive purring
Talk to your vet regarding your pet’s pain levels. Is it being adequately controlled by pain medication? Is your pet in extreme suffering
When your pet is rendered invalid by chronic pain, it usually means that the time is near.
2. Your pet has lost its appetite
Your pet used to have a seemingly bottomless stomach; chowing down everything that smells like food. But now, it is refusing even the tastiest treat you give it.
When organs start to shut down, the sensation of hunger or thirst goes with it. You can force feed your pet and keep it hydrated with a dropper (which it will eventually vomit), but you are only buying time.
Keep in mind that loss of appetite for a day or so does not mean your pet is dying so be sure to consult your vet when this happens.
3. Your pet has chronic lethargy
Despite having unlimited energy in its youth, your beloved furry friend no longer has any interest in playing or going for walks. You will notice it just lying in a quiet spot in the corner and does not want to be disturbed.
As the end nears, you will notice depression in cats or dogs. Their playful spirit slowly starts to fade away. They will barely acknowledge family members or enjoy the things they used to do.
This action is done as self-preservation; to conserve what little energy they have left. No more fun quirks or annoying habits, your pet will seem like a shell of its former self.
4. Your pet has incontinence
As your pet’s health decreases, it will also gradually begin to miss the toilet and relieve itself in on spot. It will not be bothered by the filth anymore and will just lie there waiting for the end.
This also ties into the previously mentioned pain and lethargy – meaning, your pet is too tired and hurt to stand up and go elsewhere.
When this happens to your pet, do not neglect the area. Keep it clean and dry to make your pet as comfortable as possible.
5. Your pet’s prognosis is terminal
When your pet is diagnosed with a terminal illness, this confirms that your pet is in the end-stage of the disease and cannot be cured anymore. You and your vet can manage the symptoms but it is clear that your pet will never recover. Its immune system and biological functions will fail.
Instead of prolonging the agony and waiting for your pet to die naturally in severe pain, many owners choose to say goodbye in a peaceful way where you and your pet can have one more day bonding and having fun.
If your pet is seriously injured, terminally ill or is very old, it might be necessary for you to think about euthanizing to spare you and your pet from further suffering. Coordinate with your veterinarian as he or she will be the most qualified person to guide you on your decision.
While the choice to put down your pet is emotionally devastating, it is helpful to think that instead of dying at home alone, your pet will cross the rainbow bridge filled with love and surrounded by family.
Did you enjoy this post? Did you find these tips helpful? Leave a comment below.
Dorothy "FiveSibesMom" says
May 1, 2019 at 1:14 pmAh, a very profound post, Kamira. But certainly must we all must think about. With senior Huskies, I do dread this day. I try not to think about it and enjoy the time we have, but it is so difficult to think we are in the golden years, especially with my one gal at 14. As you said, it is so difficult and heartbreaking for us to make these decisions, but in the end they will indeed let us know, and we need to do what is best for them, and sometimes, it means letting them go. Now I need to go get a tissue because my eyes are all blurry typing this just thinking about that day, which I hope is waaaaaaaaaaay off in the distant future.
Kamira Gayle says
May 1, 2019 at 9:19 pmDorothy,
Thanks for the kind words. This was a wonderful guest post indeed. I totally agree. Whenever the time comes they let us know when they are ready. In some instances they need help. Either way I pray you don’t have to worry about that for many more years to come!
Beth says
April 29, 2019 at 11:46 amIt is a tough choice to make. I’ve had to make that decision a few times in my life, and it is not easy. One thing that I try to keep in mind, is what is my pet’s attitude? Do they still seem curious and interested in life? If so, then I don’t think it is time to say goodbye.
Kamira Gayle says
April 29, 2019 at 10:41 pmBeth,
Yes! Thinking of quality of life over quantity of months is more important if you ask me. I’d try to put myself if their little shoes (paws). What kind of life would I want? You said it perfect.
Emilia says
April 29, 2019 at 12:46 amI don’t think there’s one right answer to what time is the right time, but it’s important to know what to look for.
Kamira Gayle says
April 29, 2019 at 10:39 pmEmilia,
Well said! Every situation is different and there is no one shoe fits all. We all have to do the best we can with the information we have.
Sandy Kubillus says
April 28, 2019 at 11:24 pmMy brother’s basset hound sure fit the respiratory illness disease that you listed under #1 Unbearable pain. His dog was very restless and couldn’t sleep for long. My brother kept him around for a long time and the dog caused constant fights with his wife, who wanted to euthanize him. It wasn’t until the dog’s back legs gave out that my brother finally put him down a few weeks ago. It was so hard to see this dog in pain and my brother not wanting to let him die. But I understood since I had been in a similar situation with a paralyzed dog – but at least my dog seemed happy, even with terminal bone cancer. Euthanasia is such a hard decision.
Kamira Gayle says
April 29, 2019 at 10:38 pmSandy,
I understand what you mean. What’s right for one pet parent may be unthinkable for the next. Each person has their own reasons for timing. For me, I really forced myself to put my cat’s needs ahead of my desire to keep her here longer than she’d be comfortable with…despite it breaking my heart. I totally understand where you are coming from.
Sadie says
April 28, 2019 at 11:11 pmThis was a tough read. It’s been a couple of months now but only seems like days since we had to make this decision. Ours was an obvious decision but somehow that doesn’t make it easier. This is great information for people second-guessing themselves.
Kamira Gayle says
April 29, 2019 at 10:36 pmSadie,
I’m sorry about your loss. This is a great guest post. It’s very difficult but I’m glad this post helped validate your feelings. I think it’s important grieving pet parents know they are not alone in their grief.
Sweet Purrfections says
April 28, 2019 at 11:06 pmThis was one of the hardest decisions I had to make with Praline. She’d been diagnosed with cancer and I knew when she stopped eating, even her treats, that the time had come.
Kamira Gayle says
April 29, 2019 at 10:35 pmPaula,
That’s a great point. I remember that experience with Dusty as well just like Praline.
Jana Rade says
April 28, 2019 at 8:36 pmGrim prognosis together with misery means it’s time. At one point Jasmine was suffering quite greatly but the prognosis was good. She got 5 great years after that. When she was suffering with poor prognosis, however, we set her free of the failing body. However much that still hurts.
Kamira Gayle says
April 29, 2019 at 10:34 pmWell said Jana. I totally agree. So sorry about Jasmine. You are spot on. Although we may know in advance an illness is terminal, it doesn’t make it any easier. It still hurts.
The Dash Kitten Crew says
April 28, 2019 at 6:22 pmA hard decision and one we all approach in different ways. The decision needs to be made but we meed to try and be calm and informed about this major event.
It’s never easy, but we all do our best.
Kamira Gayle says
April 29, 2019 at 10:33 pmWell said Marjorie.
Lola The Rescued Cat says
April 27, 2019 at 6:53 pmThis is such a hard decision and not one I’ve had to make in many, many years. I dread when this day approaches once again. It is a difficult topic to talk about and I’m sure this will help many.
Kamira Gayle says
April 28, 2019 at 3:29 pmThank you so much! I hope it helps others, even if just a little bit. These types of decision are never easy.
Hindy Pearson says
April 27, 2019 at 7:34 amIt’s such a difficult subject, I know how many people in my FB group struggle with knowing when it’s time. The tragic thing is, how many animals are suffering because decisions are delayed. It’s understandable, letting go is horrific but it’s never about us, only about our pets. For me, quality of life decisions are the worst, I much prefer a bad test result to help me decide when it’s time to say goodbye.
Kamira Gayle says
April 28, 2019 at 3:29 pmHindy,
Yes. I think you make a good point. When a terminal or grave diagnosis is made it makes the decision more clear but either way it’s so hard to say goodbye no matter how well you may think you are prepared. I appreciate your input!
Ruth Epstein says
April 27, 2019 at 12:36 amThis is a difficult subject and one that I feel only the parents of the pet know the answer to even when a vet might not agree. When Baby went into a coma I immediately told the vet to let her go, I was with her till her last breath and have no regrets, the opposite I felt really at peace with myself also. It is the same with humans, I feel they should have that choice too.
Kamira Gayle says
April 28, 2019 at 3:27 pmRuth,
I agree. To each his own. Only the pet parent will instinctively know when the time comes. This post is a great guide to help affirm or validate one’s feelings. I understand you. Just like with Baby, when my first cat Precious passed in my arms I was glad I was there until her last breath. No regrets. Thanks for sharing your input.