One of the hardest decisions we face as pet owners is knowing when to say goodbye. It's a deeply personal journey, often influenced by various factors, including your pet's quality of life, your emotional well-being, and practical considerations. Whilst letting go is incredibly difficult it can be helpful to remember; we are not choosing to end their life, but instead their suffering; one final act of kindness that you can give to your cherished pet.
Quality of Life
When considering your pets quality of life, ask yourself; ‘are they having more good days than bad?’ Their five freedoms should be considered. As pet owners we have a legal requirement to ensure that these are met.
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Freedom from hunger and thirst: Are they able to eat without discomfort? Your pet’s appetite may naturally reduce with age but a consistent inability to eat should raise concerns.
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Freedom from discomfort: As your pet ages they will require increasing levels of care. If, despite your best efforts, you are unable to keep your elderly pet comfortable then euthanasia may be the kindest option.
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Freedom from fear or distress: A loss of senses or change in cognition make elderly pets become more fearful. If your pet remains distressed, despite a calm and comforting space, we must consider that their quality of life.
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Freedom from pain, injury or disease: Many older animals have chronic disease and it is essential that we do our best to alleviate any associated symptoms, particularly pain. Discuss palliative care options with your vet and take a look at our suggestions for ways you can manage pain at home. When their symptoms become unmanageable then the kindest option is likely euthanasia.
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Freedom to express normal behaviour: What brought your pet joy as a puppy will naturally differ from their behaviour in old age. They should, however, still show an interest in their surroundings and maintain positive interactions with you. Can they still groom themselves and are they still able to stand and walk? A decline in any of these areas is an important indicator.
Objective Decision Making
Emotions can cloud our judgement when it comes to such a sensitive topic, so it is useful to be able to assess your pet objectively. Keeping a diary can help make sense of their symptoms. Various quality of life scales, like the Lap of Love QOL Scale, the Grey Muzzle - Calendar App, or the HHHHHMM QOL Scale, can provide a structured way to evaluate their well-being.
Your vet can also provide a professional sounding board to provide some clarity to these difficult situations. What can seem like a hopeless situation to pet owners can sometimes have a simple solution. Build a support structure by talking to friends and family. It can often be much clearer to those looking in from the outside, with a view unclouded by emotion.
Family Factors
Financial considerations can significantly impact the decision to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Veterinary care can quickly become costly, making it vital to have open discussions with your vet about your budget and available options. Exploring alternatives, such as sourcing medications online or seeking a second opinion, can help you find more affordable solutions. However, it’s important to recognize that sometimes, despite your best efforts, diagnostics and treatment may still be out of reach financially. Being realistic about your pet’s prognosis is crucial, especially when considering financial implications. You could find yourself investing significant amounts of money into diagnostics and treatments that ultimately offer little chance of improvement for your pet.
Caregiving factors must also be considered. Your ability to provide the necessary care for your pet is a crucial factor in deciding whether to consider euthanasia. If you work long hours and your pet’s condition makes them vulnerable when left alone, it’s important to explore options for regular check-ins, whether from friends, family, or professional pet sitters. Whilst having to work doesn’t reflect poorly on your commitment as an owner, you must prioritize your pet’s well-being. A young, healthy dog may adapt to being alone more easily than an older or ill pet, who may require more attention and care. Chronic conditions often come with significant nursing demands, which can be overwhelming both physically and emotionally. Recognizing your limitations is essential. Even with love and dedication, some situations can become unmanageable. In these cases, making the compassionate decision to let your pet go may be the kindest option.
When Euthanasia is Not an Option
For some people, euthanasia is simply not an option, be this for spiritual, religious or mental health reasons, and this is completely valid. In these circumstances, it’s essential to engage in open discussions about palliative care with your veterinary team. While you may not support the choice of euthanasia, it’s crucial to ensure that your pet does not suffer. Palliative care focuses on managing pain, preventing nausea, and providing hydration and nutritional support. Navigating this process can be challenging, as allowing a pet to pass away naturally can be difficult to manage effectively. Remember that pets rarely pass away peacefully in their sleep; natural death is seldom peaceful nor kind. The goal of palliation should be to keep your pet comfortable as they approach the end of their life, rather than prolonging suffering unnecessarily.
Conclusion
Navigating your pet’s end of life decision is a deeply emotional experience, reflecting the beautiful human-animal bond you have shared. Whilst the decision can be overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. Talk to friends and family and consult professionals. Make use of objective scales to help you assess your pet’s quality of life. Most of all trust your instincts; this is a decision better made a day too early, than a day too late. You are giving your pet the ultimate gift of love and peace, allowing them to rest free from pain. Whatever situation you find yourself in, be kind to yourself.
