How Do You Know It Is Time?

It was a snowy day here (Come on! It is March. We should be done with that nonsense already!) so there are quite a few empty spots in the appointment book. I'm certain that is why the appointment for a euthanasia of an old dog made such an impact. They generally do, actually, and that is as it should be. The day that my staff and I can put an animal to "sleep" with no emotion is the day we should consider leaving the profession. Each and every euthanasia appointment represents the end of a relationship between that human or family and their special friend. Perhaps that pet is the last link to a deceased spouse or parent. Maybe they are the only source of friendship or comfort and support to a lonely, single person or one who has a serious illness. Bonds between children and pets are so wonderful-and don't last long enough. Service dogs, of course, have very important rolls in the lives of disabled people. The types of relationships are as varied as are the reasons for making that final appointment.

It may be simply "old age." Old bones and joints lose their bounce and freedom of movement so even the most simple actions are painful. Organs like the liver and kidney and heart can fail, and even though we have come a long way in the treatment of many of these diseases, there does eventually come a time when treatments are no longer helping the patient and may even be a source of stress. Medicating an old cat who fights violently every time just may not be the "right" thing to do to the cat, much less the relationship between that cat and his human. I had a wonderful old tabby cat named Tony who had a form of glaucoma when he got older. He was prescribed some eye drops by our ophthalmologist. Tony HATED them! He acted like I was putting acid in his eyes every darned time I did them. I just couldn't see putting him through that even if it could have helped his eyes. That darned cat!

Sometimes emergencies come up, pets can be hit by cars, mauled by other animals, endure broken bones eat things they shouldn't-the list goes on and on. Some of these situations may not be fixable; others may treatable be given extreme amounts of money that an owner just may not have. We talked before about euthanasia for aggressive animals-ones who can't safely be adopted out. Regardless of the situation, your decision to have your pet euthanized is very serious, and never easy to make.

You aren't alone, though. Although ultimately you alone are responsible for your pet's care and welfare, your friends and family may have valuable input into your situation with your pet. But you should never make the decision simply because a friend or family member tells you to. You should also consult with your veterinarian before the time comes. They can help you decide not only what is right for the pet, but can ask some questions to help you decide what is right for you, too. Be sure to ask questions about your pet's medical problems that might be a factor-don't be embarrassed to have them repeat the information or ask them to write things down. I have often had clients who will be facing the decision soon come in ahead of time to sign all the paperwork and even pay for it if they wish. That way you don't have to deal with all that stuff when those inevitable strong emotions are at hand. Some people wish to arrange for home euthanasias if their veterinarians offer this service. I also have some little booklets and handouts that can help children (and you) prepare to say goodbye-it is really best to be straight forward and honest with them.

You will very likely know when it is time. Really. You spend so much time with your special friend. You know what they like doing, eating, who they love to be around, get up to greet-everything that makes their life worth living. If a pet is no longer enjoying say 3 out of the 4 most important activities in his or her life, the time is likely near. Are there more bad days than good? Does he or she have a terminal illness and the emotional and financial strain is just too much to handle any longer? Would you, in all honesty, be willing to trade bodies with your pet and live their lives?

Once you've come to this difficult decision, you have still another decision to make-aftercare of your pet's body. Some people are fortunate to have property where it would be appropriate to bury a beloved dog under his favorite shade tree in the back yard. Cremation is a popular choice, with your pet's ashes either being returned or distributed in a group and used as fertilizer-life goes on. All my deceased pets were cremated (except my horse Ladyhawke) and their little urns are on my fireplace. I envision them all going in with me when my time comes!

The actual euthanasia is usually very quick and quite painless. We often shave over a vein on the leg of a pet so we will have better access to a vein, but sometimes they are difficult to find in older, debilitated pets. Some veterinarians give sedatives prior to the injection of a massive overdose of anesthetic agents. These are often brightly colored fluids so they can't be mistaken for anything else in a hospital setting. Following the injection, the animal will likely stop breathing and their heart will stop. The veterinarian or assistant will listen to the heart to be sure this has occurred and let you know your friend has passed. There can be sporadic twitches or contractions, even actions that sound like gasping for breath, but these are unconscious -the pet is not trying to come back. Many pets will void their bowels or bladder. Their eyes usually remain open, the natural position.

Not all people feel they should or could be present at this point. It is a very personal decision and we respect each owner for making the choice that is right for them. Some may want to be present until the pet is sedated only and then leave. Regardless, the procedure will still be carried out in as compassionate and as dignified manner as possible.

I wrote about grieving and bereavement in a previous blog. Grief over the loss of your friend is very real, one you should not feel embarrassed to share with your veterinarian-he or she will understand, even when other friends or family members might not "get" what you are going through. It will be very hard, and you will no doubt be very lonely after such a loss-I am always so sorry for that. But I can rest easy knowing I provided the best I could for the pet-you should, too. It is the ultimate gift of love.

Peace,
DrReneigh