The Decision

When a pet owner and a veterinarian decide that a pet’s health is failing and their quality of life is poor, the possibility of compassionately ending their life (also called euthanasia or “putting to sleep”) may be considered. Whether this is a decision arrived at gradually as a pet’s health declines with age, or suddenly in the event of catastrophic injury or illness, the choice is never an easy one to make. Our goal is to help you understand how, when, and why we may consider euthanasia when it is beyond our ability to keep an animal comfortable and feeling well.

How do we decide when an elderly pet whose health has been in decline is finally having so much trouble that euthanasia should be considered? Every pet’s situation is different, and there is no single answer that applies to every owner’s choice. Here are a few things that may be taken into consideration:

  1. “Three Favorite Things” – What were your pet’s three favorite things to do when they were well and in optimal health? Can they still do at least one or two of these things to some extent? If not, their quality of life is in decline, and it may be appropriate to begin considering euthanasia.
  2. Basic Needs – When a pet can no longer urinate and defecate readily & without discomfort, if they cannot easily access food or water when they need it, if breathing becomes distressed with minor exertion, and if they cannot rest comfortably, these are serious factors to consider when evaluating quality of life. Not all pets will necessarily stop eating when they are very ill, but a complete loss of appetite would be a strong indication that the pet is uncomfortable. Furthermore, if a pet seems to be losing interest in what is going on around them, their ability to enjoy life is declining.
  3. Your Ability to Provide Care – An owner who is retired and can spend all day tending to the needs of a sick or elderly pet is in a very different situation than a person who works ten-hour days and cannot assure their pet is kept comfortable and their needs are well attended-to at home. While some owners hesitate to consider their own needs when deciding what is best for a pet, it is appropriate to consider what you will be able to manage at home.

The Process

When facing a stressful situation, it often helps to know what to expect. Some owners make an appointment to discuss their pet’s quality of life with a doctor as they begin to consider putting an animal to sleep. Others are already certain that euthanasia is the best course of action in their situation. In either case, a pet owner will have the opportunity to speak to the veterinarian before making a final decision.

Different veterinarians may have slightly different protocols and preferences in terms of which medications are administered for euthanasia. Some animals benefit from the option of being given an oral sedative at home in advance of their appointment. Typically, a sedating medication is given in-office to help an animal feel calm and relaxed, or even completely asleep, before the euthanasia drug is given. This drug which directly causes death is a barbiturate given at a high dose (at a low dose, a barbiturate would cause sedation). In simple terms, this drug acts immediately, causing the pet to first fall asleep, and then it stops the function of the heart and lungs. The veterinarian will typically give this drug via a needle or catheter into a vein, wait a few moments, then listen to check that the pet’s heart has stopped. Sometimes an animal will take a few last deep breaths or experience some muscle twitching after they have passed away. These are just the effects of the body’s cells losing oxygen after death, they are not anything the pet feels or is aware of.

When a pet is deceased, the owner may choose to have them cremated or take their remains home for burial. Bolton Veterinary Hospital works with a reputable local pet cremation service, Final Gift, for end-of-life care. An owner who chooses to have their pet’s ashes returned to them may also choose to have a clay imprint of their pet’s paw or other items made as keepsakes.

All of us in the veterinary profession have been in the position of having to decide whether it is time to say goodbye to a pet whose health is failing. We know how difficult this decision is, no matter the circumstances. It is quite normal for a pet owner, and even other pets in the household, to experience a grieving process after the loss of a pet. We have provided a series of resources for grieving pet owners below.

Euthanasia at Home

Bolton Veterinary Hospital does not currently provide in-home euthanasia services, but we are able to provide a list of local referral options for this service via phone (860 646 6134) or email (info@boltonvet.com). Aftercare of remains would be arranged with the veterinarian providing home euthanasia services.

Resources

The Pet Loss Support Page – www.pet-loss.net
The Pet Loss Support Hotline – www.vet.cornell.edu/Org/PetLoss
Books on Pet Loss and Grieving – http://www.petlossathome.com/pet-loss-books
Final Gift Pet Memorial Center – http://www.finalgift.com
OSU’s Pet Loss & Euthanasis resource collection – https://vmc.vet.osu.edu/services/honoring-the-bond