The dogs and cats we share our lives and homes with don’t live as long as we do so at some stage we may have to consider end-of-life care for them.
As an in-home euthanasia veterinarian, I’m often asked how we know when it’s time to euthanase a much-loved pet.
It can be difficult to assess their quality of life as they age, with conditions such as arthritis, vision loss and dementia affecting many of our senior citizen pets. For those animals who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, where on that journey do we decide that it’s time to let them go? We don’t want to make that call too soon, but similarly, we don’t want to leave it too late and allow their last days to be a struggle for them.
Mobility
Can your pet get up and down with relative ease? Do they struggle to get outside or to the litter box to go to the toilet or to get to their water bowl for a drink? Do they need help or a harness to get around, do they just stay in the one spot unless you’re there to lift them? Loss of mobility can definitely indicate quality of life is deteriorating.
Pain
Pain can be well managed with a number of treatment options but if you’re giving your pet appropriate pain control and they are still hurting, then that can be enough of a reason to think about their farewell.
Appetite
Many dogs and cats will continue to eat and drink even when other aspects of their life are a struggle. If your pet is still eating, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are okay. Look at other indicators of quality of life, and they are otherwise doing okay, it’s worth asking your veterinarian to examine your pet to try and work out why they have lost interest in food.
Breathing
Some medical conditions affecting the heart and lungs can make it hard for your pet to breathe and this can make them anxious. If your pet can’t breathe well, it’s very reasonable to consider euthanasia before they get to a point where breathing is hard work.
Joy
Is your pet happy? Can they do the things that make life good for them? One idea is to list the three things your pet loves to do. For dogs, that may be eating, playing ball and going for a walk, for example. When your pet has lost interest in two out of the three things they love most, it’s time to question how much joy life is giving them
Deciding on euthanasia involves balancing your pet’s physical and emotional well-being with any medical issues, whether it be an age related condition such as arthritis or a life limiting diagnosis such as cancer.
Consulting with your veterinarian is essential; they can provide a professional assessment of your pet’s health and guide you through the decision-making process such that you prioritise your pet’s well-being and dignity.
