We have all had,
currently have or will have pets in the future. An
unfortunate fact of life is that (except for a few species of
reptiles and birds) our family pets do not have the life span of
a human. This leads to the inevitable time that we must
deal with their passing.
In many instances
animals will pass away on their own, but in other cases we are
in an uncomfortable position of having to make a decision due to
their pain and suffering or poor quality of life.
First and foremost
you are the best judge of your pets quality of life on a daily
basis. How's their activity level, appetite, do they
respond well to you or is there little response and interaction
with the family and other pets anymore? Is the pet in
pain, or do they have any current diseases causing discomfort or
disability? These questions can be determined best by the
pet's owner.
Veterinary advise
can often be very helpful to give additional information on your
pets physical condition and sometimes mental status. An
animal behaviorist (not the same as a trainer) can also give an
excellent appraisal of both quality of life and mental status as
well.
Many animals reach
a point of disability where they cannot even get up anymore,
have heart, kidney, liver failure or cancer and should be
accessed by your veterinarian through physical exam, blood-work,
x-rays, ultrasound, etc. Sometimes, if severe conditions
exist, this may make the decision easier for you, but in many
instances you're still unsure. Have you tried various
medications to help your pet's condition or alternative
therapies such as herbal, acupuncture, chiropractic, etc. before
giving up? It is very important to find a Veterinarian
skilled in these areas since some herbs are dangerous to animals
and only a certified Veterinarian Chiropractor or Acupuncturist
should be consulted. I have had good results and extended
many pets lives employing or referring other therapies where
traditionalists have given up.
Once you have
tried proper therapies and have had no response or all efforts
no longer work, you alone or together with others have
determined there is no other hope and the quality of life is
poor (this can be very stressful to you and your family) you
should then consider humane euthanasia to relieve
suffering. Humane euthanasia may be considered a privilege
since we can give our pets the dignity and humane option of not
continuing to suffer and being in pain day after day. This
is a time to think about your pet's condition, not yourself
(even though it is difficult to let go) and give them the full
consideration and respect in return for all those years of
companionship and pleasure they have given you.
The above is a
reprint of an article written by Jack Landess, D.V.M., as a
public service. Reprint permission was obtained from the Florida
Pet Pages.
