Pet Euthanasia: How to Know When It is Time
Your pet is your best friend, and for better or worse, you owe it to them to give them the best life possible. Sometimes, though, that means saying goodbye when their quality of life declines too much. Pet euthanasia can be a very difficult decision. Thankfully, the pet professionals at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital are here to help you determine when it is time.
What You Need to Know Pet Euthanasia
Our pets need us most in their final days. While this is a difficult time for many of us, we must understand our responsibility to make our furry family members as happy and comfortable as possible as the end nears.
Sometimes pet euthanasia is the best answer to help a pet pass peacefully and with dignity. It is not a decision that is taken lightly, but it is a very important one.
When It is Time
Pets are not always the best at telling us when they are in pain or no longer enjoying life. Many pet owners have a hard time knowing when the time to say goodbye is drawing near. So what should you be watching out for? A pet who is enjoying life is:
- Able to move around comfortably
- Eating and drinking adequately
- Able to relieve themself without lying in a mess
- Still excited about their favorite activities
- Sleeping comfortably
A pet who is not doing one or more of these things may have a decreased quality of life. Sometimes it is possible to improve quality of life to an acceptable level with things like pain management, a change in nutrition, mobility assistance, and socialization. Always let us know if you feel that your pet could benefit from our help.
At some point, though, despite our best efforts, many pets reach a point where no matter what we do, we cannot help them to check all the boxes.
Saying Goodbye
Our team will work closely with you to decide when it is time for your pet. While we all wish that they would pass peacefully in their sleep, it is unfortunately not often the case.
Pet euthanasia is a very personal experience and it can vary depending on what your family wants and needs. It is painless and peaceful, however. We encourage you to bring a blanket or other familiar object for your pet to use. An IV is typically placed to ensure easy and stress-free access to your pet’s vein. Through this we are able to deliver a high dose of an anesthetic agent to help your pet cross the rainbow bridge. They really do just “go to sleep.”
Some people choose to take their pet home with them for home burial while others utilize our cremation service. Pet urns, lockets, and other memorabilia are available to help you remember your special friend.
Saying goodbye to a pet is not the most glamorous part of pet ownership, but it is very important. Our animals are such integral pieces of our lives, and they deserve a pain-free and peaceful departure from this Earth.