Compassionate Pet Euthanasia – A Vet’s Insight

by Veterinarian Dr Linda Morgan DVM, MVS , Dip Ba

As veterinarians, we are involved in all of the life stages in a pet, from birth to their passing.

However perhaps one of the more challenging aspects for many veterinarians and their team is euthanasia. For families the decision to euthanise a pet, beloved friend, member of the family is often one that is often pulls on the heart strings.

It takes much deliberation . The final moment is never easy perhaps especially so because it seems so… final. It can be a  time filled with mixed emotions; a blend of sorrow, sense of responsibility, sometimes doubt and so many more feelings. For some, due to personal beliefs, it may seem like not even an option.

I wanted to take a moment to share my perspective as a veterinarian and express that during this deeply emotional process, it is a profound honour to be part of this final journey. These are difficult moments for the families we support and also for those of us in the veterinary field.

As veterinarians, we take an oath to help alleviate animal suffering and promote animal welfare. When we provide care for your pet, we also feel a strong sense of responsibility to balance not only the needs of a pet but their family.

Every day, we witness the bond between families and their pets—the connection, the trust, the love and companionship. Sadly, there comes a point where illness or suffering may present before us and there may be little or no further option to alleviate suffering or restore a good quality of life. At this hard time, families may be faced with the difficult decision on whether to euthanise a beloved pet.

It is never an easy decision but here are some factors that may be worth considering when faced with having to make the hard decision.

Factors That impact on Quality of Life

• Pain and Suffering: Consider if your pet in constant pain that cannot be managed effectively with medication or treatment.
• Mobility: Look at your pet’s ability to move around. Difficulty to walk, stand or maintaining balance could impact on daily activities like going to the toilet or getting to their food.
• Hygiene: Observe if your pet is able to groom themselves or maintain basic hygiene.
• Interaction and Behaviour: Assess changes in behaviour. A significant decrease in interaction, loss of interest in activities, or signs of aggression or withdrawal can be indicators of pain or distress.
• Appetite – this is affected by many factors such as environmental stressors, how your pet feels on the day (if there is a fever, dehydration), medications, and as a result of other underlying medical conditions. Sometimes ours pets may refuse to eat and there are ways we could try to encourage eating. However  if anorexia ( not eating) persists despite treatment, this is not a  good sign.

Consult with a Veterinarian

When worried about the quality of life of your pet it is important to consult with your pet’s veterinarian. They can offer a professional assessment of your pet’s condition and discuss potential options for further evaluation like diagnostic tests, prognosis and treatment options.

Consider Your Pet’s Preferences

If it difficult to imagine what out pet’s might be thinking or feeling but reflecting on how your pet appears  to be coping with their condition can be useful. It is worth noting that some pets might hide their pain or discomfort and may only show subtle changes.

Evaluate Your Own Feelings and needs

The emotional and financial impact of ongoing treatment could sometimes be stressful for both you and your pet and is worth acknowledging.

 Time and Effort: Assess whether you have the time and resources to provide ongoing care and support, including any necessary changes to your pet’s environment or routine.

Look for Clear Signs of decline

Consider if your pet experiences a sudden or severe decline in health and suffering outweighs their ability to recover. In terminal illness where the focus is more on comfort rather than cure, euthanasia may be a compassionate option when suffering becomes unavoidable.

Make the Decision with Compassion and trust in your instincts

As a pet owner, you know your pet best and you may sometimes have a deep-down sense about when your pet is suffering.

Seek Support

We all deal with loss differently and it is important to remember that it is ok to seek support from friends, family, or pet loss counsellors.

Saying Goodbye

Sometimes in emergency circumstances it is not possible to plan ahead, and it may seem like a short time between your pet’s diagnosis and having to make the decision. But this is not always the case. Where the situation permits:

• Comfort: Ensure that the process is as peaceful and dignified as possible. You may choose to be present or have the procedure done at home
• Remembering our pets: Sometimes memorialising your pet may help with the grieving process. This might include keepsakes such as a Reterniti Stone, a memorial service, or simply creating a space to remember them.

Remember, deciding to euthanise a pet is a deeply personal choice. It’s about balancing compassion and the quality of life, and it’s okay to take the time you need to make the decision.

As veterinarians we strive to approach this task with empathy and ensure that the final moments of a pet’s life are as peaceful and dignified as possible.

We are grateful for the trust you place in us during this difficult time and hope to honour the life of your pet.

This post was provided by Dr Linda Morgan, Veterinarian who runs Post Pet Meds, an online veterinary pharmacy & pet supplies in New Zealand.

Visit at www.postpetmeds.co.nz