Euthanasia is the Most Difficult Part of Owning a Pet
There will likely come a time when you have to balance euthanasia and a pet’s quality of life. Euthanasia, or an ending an animal’s life with medication, is the most difficult part of owning pet. The grief process generally begins at this stage. Even if your pet is healthy now, this is something you can prepare for well in advance. The grief after a loss that hasn’t happened yet can be even more complicated. You also have to consider at what point, despite your best efforts, that you can’t save your pet. There are plenty of issues to consider as you go through deciding what is best for their quality of life.
Eternal Life Cremation Services doesn’t perform euthanasia. A veterinarian will have to euthanize your pet.
When Should You Consider Euthanasia?
Euthanasia may seem like the last thing you want to be considering, but you may have to consider it soon. Ask your veterinarian what symptoms you should expect during your pet’s illness. Think about what could happen at various stages of the disease. How long before their organs will give out? Consider when the disease your pet is dealing with is no longer manageable or treatable. When can your dog or cat no longer function like they’re used to?
Are You Going to Be Present for Euthanasia?
Are you going to be present for euthanasia? This is a question that can be difficult to consider for many people. Some don’t feel that they can handle seeing such a traumatic event. It can help you better understand the end of your pet’s life, but it is traumatic. This decision is not simple, and don’t make it without careful consideration. You have to do what you feel the most comfortable with in your grief.
Some feel that the pet’s well-being is the most important consideration. If you believe a pet will be better served with you being there, you may want to stay. But, if your own grief may be too much, you might decide to stay away.
Make Sure Your Veterinarian Doesn’t Wait
If you do decide to leave, make sure that your pet isn’t just left with the veterinarian. There are clinics who do choose to hold pets until after clinic hours, which can add to their own trauma. Make sure this happens immediately while you’re either in the waiting room or your car. The Pet Loss Support Page has more resources for your situation.
What is Next After You Euthanize Your Pet?
The worst time to consider what you will do with your pet’s remains is at the last minute. You should be considering these options before euthanasia. Even if your pet is healthy, you can develop these plans for special arrangements. You will have to consider spiritual aspects such as how do you view body and soul upon death. If you think it would be better to keep the pet close, you can place their remains in an urn. Burying your pet in a beloved location may also be an answer. This process is not simple, and requires you to be careful.
There Are Common Pet Euthanasia Myths
Euthanasia creates mixed feelings, and for good reasons. Some may feel that this is murder, and guilt may haunt them after the act. While it may be the most humane decision you can make, it doesn’t mean the decision is any less challenging. Each pet’s situation is different. Here are some of the common myths about euthanasia and your pet’s quality of life:
Euthanasia Isn’t Nature’s Way
Pet owners may not believe euthanasia is natural. They believe it goes against timetables for each life, and it artificially ends it. Providing further treatment for your pet’s ailments may also do the same thing. You may want to have them receive more medicines or operation, but you have to consider if it is improving their quality of life.
Euthanasia is Selfish
One of the most common sources of guilt is the belief one has euthanized a pet too soon, or for selfish reasons. Owners may feel they should’ve tried harder. This is a far more dangerous mindset than you think. Sometimes you may have done all you can do.
My Pet Will Tell Me When It’s Time
Some believe that pets offer some indication about accepting death and being ready to move on. That signal, though, generally doesn’t come from the pet. If you fall into this trap, you run the risk of holding on to a pet’s life too long. You can also experience the guilt of acting too soon. You could be negatively impacting their quality of life.
You’ll Most Likely Have to Deal with End of Life Decisions
No matter what you do, if your pet is terminally ill, or suffering, you’ll most likely have to deal with end of life decisions. You have to decide how much you’re willing to let the illness or injury impact their quality of life. The choice you have to make is the one that will bring you the least regret. No regret is generally never an option. This is a decision you may need the help of a veterinarian to make.
For more information on euthanasia and a pet’s quality of life, call Eternal Life Cremation Services, LLC, at (724) 547-2468. Follow us on Facebook. We understand how complicated and emotional that balance is between a pet’s quality of life and euthanasia.
