Euthanasia is by far the most difficult decision any pet owner can face. When you love your furry companion, there really isn’t anything that can make the idea of putting your friend to sleep any easier. However, sometimes it truly is the only humane option.
The act of putting an animal to sleep should be a loving and gentle move, filled with kindness and compassion. The only humane method of euthanasia can be performed by a qualified veterinarian.
In all honesty, euthanizing your pet doesn’t need to become a forum for self-determined values or any type of statement on the right to life. While our feelings about people can differ from our feelings about pets, euthanasia is about one pet: yours. Doing what is best for your pet, your family, and your situation is a personal matter. Some individuals find that the process of putting their beloved pet to sleep is as peaceful as death can be. And in reality, for most animals suffering from long-term illness or disability, it is the most peaceful option.
When to Make the Decision
The number one concern for most pet owners considering euthanasia is ensuring that it’s the right time. Nobody wants their pet to suffer needlessly, but nobody wants to rob their pet of potential active and tolerable months or even years either. While this is a very difficult decision, the best piece of advice I have ever heard regarding the timing of putting a pet down is simple yet profound: “Look into his eyes and trust your heart.” While it may not seem scientific or medically precise, people who share a deep bond with their pet can often sense when the “light” in their pet’s eyes has faded too far.
In some cases, your pet will tell you it’s time. If your pet has always slept beside you and suddenly seeks out isolated, hidden places, he may be preparing for death. Pack animals, in particular, are known to separate themselves from the pack to avoid putting others at risk while protecting the weak.
It’s natural to search for signs of improvement, even when they are not there. I watched my neighbor carry her Dalmatian around for six months, convinced he would recover while she fed him painkillers. We could hear him crying out in pain for hours at night, yet she insisted he wasn’t ready. Perhaps she was right, but it’s not uncommon for humans to be much less ready than the animal. It is normal, and it is an act of love to opt for a peaceful death. It’s also an incredibly difficult act to carry through. Another neighbor made the euthanasia appointment six times before he could finally take his dog in. For some people, this can be part of the process.
You are not obligated to witness your pet’s euthanasia. While it is a simple and peaceful procedure, there is no shame in keeping the memory of your pet as he was in life. Some people feel they are betraying their pet by not staying with them until the end, but that does not have to be the case. If you choose not to be present, the veterinary staff will ensure that your pet receives everything they need. There is no shame, and no guilt is necessary.
Children often struggle to understand the reasons for euthanasia, and they may fear that you might do the same to them if they become ill. While children are deeply affected by the loss of a pet, it’s important to remember that most adults are, too. Just because you are grown doesn’t mean your feelings are any less valid. It is crucial to express your grief and go through the grieving process as you would for any other loved one. Even though you may not have anything to feel guilty about, you may still experience feelings of guilt. It’s important to address these emotions, as unresolved grief can affect your ability to love again. The human mind is complex, and it’s okay to talk to someone you trust about the emotional impact of euthanizing your pet.
Euthanasia has become a standard, humane way to allow our ill and ailing pets to pass on without pain. While there will always be protestors questioning our motives, if you feel you made the right decision, those who disagree should not influence your feelings. There is no value in adopting someone else’s guilt as your own.
Financial Considerations
As human beings with other responsibilities and bouts of misfortune, euthanasia is sometimes used as an alternative when a pet is diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal disease that is too expensive to treat. These decisions are especially difficult because it can be hard to justify either course of action. If you spend money you don’t have trying to treat your pet’s cancer while your children need new shoes, how do you justify that? At the same time, how do you justify not treating a pet for a disease simply because it costs too much?
One of the best ways to protect yourself in this situation is by purchasing a pet insurance policy. For a nominal fee, pet insurance can reimburse the majority of your pet’s healthcare expenses. While no insurance policy guarantees you won’t face a situation where euthanasia is the most reasonable choice, it can ease the financial burden, helping you make the decision that is best for both your family and your pet.
