The day when you have to say “goodbye” is one that every pet owner dreads. It comes laced with complex emotions of heartbreak, stress – and sometimes even guilt and frustration. This is hard enough when a pet passes away at home. But is arguably even harder when you must make the choice of euthanasia. “Euthanasia” or “put to sleep” means to use a humane method of killing an animal and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) further defines it as ‘painless killing to relieve suffering’ .
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Why may euthanasia be considered for my pet?
There are many reasons why your vet may bring up the discussion of euthanasia. Common scenarios where this may take place is with an elderly animal who is struggling with mobility or other health problems that are affecting their quality of life.
The topic of quality of life is critical
If an animal is unwell but feels normal and can do activities they love, whether that be chasing a ball or cuddles on the sofa, they are considered to still have a good quality of life. If their illness doesn’t directly cause death but is debilitating and causes distress, such as severe osteoarthritis, they may be considered to have poor quality of life, if this distress cannot be alleviated. In the perspective of the animal, this is much more important than other factors we, as owners, also must consider, such as treatment options, prognosis, and costs of these treatments. To the animal, present levels of discomfort, pain and distress are much more important than these other considerations.
Making the decision to euthanise is made even harder when an animal isn’t very old, but sadly there are plenty of reasons an owner may be forced to consider euthanasia for a young animal and can include anything from sudden injury and uncontrolled chronic illness to behavioural problems.
What is normal for me to feel?
In the face of having to make the decision of euthanasia, feelings of guilt and like you’re “letting them down” are common and understandable. However, most owners will have exhausted the realistic options to prevent having to put their animal to sleep. Whether these are medical, behavioural, or circumstantial reasons very few owners will consider euthanasia without considering other alternatives. Euthanasia should never be thought of as killing your pet or letting them down, euthanasia is accepting that there are limits to our ability to fix animals no matter what interventions we take, and sometimes letting them go and relieving their pain is the kindest option we can give them.
What happens during euthanasia and what will my animal feel?
By definition, euthanasia should be pain and stress free. Once you have come to the decision your vet will discuss options of cremation or burial. They will then either place an intravenous cannula or use a needle to be able to give the injection. For domestic animals like dogs and cats, an overdose of a general anaesthetic drug is given. This means that your pet will peacefully feel like it’s falling asleep. This happens very quickly, and once the injection is given most animals have passed within a minute. The animal is often not aware that it has happened as the injection is painless. The vet’s role is also to ensure the experience is as least distressing for you as the owner as well, they will ask you if you need more time to say goodbye and will ensure you’re ready before giving the injection.
Going back to the definition of euthanasia as “painless killing to relieve suffering”, this, in short, is why euthanasia isn’t a failure, but a privilege. Relieving an animal from pain is one of the greatest gifts we have in the veterinary profession. Stopping suffering and maintaining a good quality of life is always the goal. While “fixing” the animal is what we strive for, it should never be at the cost of animal welfare. A lot of people worry about when is the right time to make the decision, but I find that most of the time you will get a gut feeling when your pet just isn’t themselves anymore. Trust that instinct and try to see it from their point of view: a passing without pain and with the dignity they deserve.
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