Most dog-owners at some stage face the need to decide whether to euthanize. Usually, such decisions are aided by veterinary advice and it is often quite clear there's no alternative. However, some cases are not so 'black and white,' and owners need more guidance. In any event, every dog-lover agonizes over whether he or she is making the correct choice when the time comes.
Listen to the Veterinarian's Advice About Euthanasia
Veterinarians are careful about advising dog-owners to opt for euthanasia, except where it is absolutely clear that an animal has reached the very end stages of its life. It is an emotive subject area and vets cannot make decisions on behalf of dog-owners, or steer owners' decisions in case these are later regretted and vets held accountable.
Veterinarians give best advice, however; dog-owners must listen to what vets are saying about prognosis, quality of life and treatment options. If euthanasia is mentioned proactively, it is sensible to ask whether this might be recommended now? Simply asking the question may give a vet "permission" to recommend euthanasia, since many vets feel it isn't their place to pass such comment unless owners ask outright. Vets mentioning euthanasia are often saying indirectly "now is the time to let your dog go."
Act in the Animal's Best Interests
Many dog-owners try to hold onto every last minute of life with their beloved dog, so that they can spend more time with their pet. Many people say they could not subject their dog to euthanasia.
Consider, however, the alternative. Euthanasia is a gentle, compassionate way of bringing suffering to an end, and by "not subjecting" a dog to euthanasia, the alternative may be to subject the dog to another year of pain and misery. If a dog is wholly inappetant, sleeping most of the time, immobile, suffering extreme pain or ongoing and severe cardiac or respiratory difficulties, the dog is probably not getting a lot out of life. Allowing continued suffering or a sustained state of lethargy is never in a dog's best interests.
Act on Gut Instinct
The dog-owner is attuned to his dog's moods and state of well-being; if a canine is suffering, the dog-owner senses this and feels "he just isn't right". No amount of veterinary assessment substitutes for the strength of this relationship. Consequently, dog-owners usually know when it is time to let a dog be put down. It is not usually inappropriate to act on "gut instincts," even if it seems too early to act; intuition can prevent later suffering.
Euthanasia isn't only used when dogs are already suffering extreme pain; sometimes it is appropriate in terminal illness in order to prevent extreme pain. Certain diseases are particularly debilitating at the end. Should a pet suffer a sudden collapse or "crash" such as in heart or kidney failure, death can be painful. If someone will not be present at all times this leaves the dog open to suffering without veterinary attention at the time of death. A "crash" can be prevented by choosing euthanasia when the dog has begun declining markedly but is not yet at the point where total organ failure is expected.
Act on Physical Signs
Dogs have unique personalities, small quirks and behaviours, and things they enjoy doing. Dog-owners know every trait of their pet, so looking out for marked changes to behaviours is one way to spot the point at which the dog is suffering decreased enjoyment of life.
Some signs indicating poor quality of life, if seen on a sustained basis:
- Decreased appetite or loss of interest in food
- Sleeping excessively, not wanting to exercise
- Inability to exercise without exhaustion
- Persistent vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Lack of excitement at things, people or activities he used to enjoy
- Poor response to owner's presence or encouragement
- Increased irritability - unusual biting, growling, snarling which may indicate extreme pain.
If major changes are noted in a critically ill dog, seek veterinary help at the earliest opportunity, and make clear to the veterinarian that he should feel free to discuss euthanasia when it becomes the right time.
Being a responsible and loving dog-owner includes knowing when to let a dog die; making the decision for euthanasia at the right juncture is the best gift to make to a failing canine friend, and is a decision which wins the respect of veterinarians and other dog-lovers.
Other Petcare Articles by Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson:
Kittens With Fleas; Hints and Tips
Pet Adoption Centers; Tips for Making A Visit
Relocating With Cats: Home Moving Day
Complaining About A Veterinarian
Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson - Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson is 44 years old and has spent the last 20 years working in the qualitative strategic research sector, where she has ...
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