When is it time to let go? Euthanasia.

Oh, the subject of euthanasia.  I get asked, often, when will I know it's time?  Did I do the right thing?  Are they suffering?  My answer is, well, each situation is different.  This not being what a person wants to hear, I thought I"d do a little research and see what I could come up with from our medical community.

I found some very good Q & A that a pet's owner should consider when trying to make the Big Decision.  Hopefully this will give you an idea from the medical standpoint.

Dr. Alice Villalobos is a well-known veterinary oncologist. Her “HHHHHMM” Quality of Life Scale is another useful tool. Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Happiness, Hygiene (toileting), Mobility and More (good days than bad days). Dr. Villalobos recommends grading each category on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being poorest quality of life and 10 being best). If the majority of categories are ranked as 5 or above, continuing with supportive care is acceptable.

Another thought process is that animals, bless their hearts, do not think the way we do.  They live for NOW, and are not possessed by thoughts of an afterlife, the future, or their wills, or most anything else humans have instilled into the subject of death. 

Quality is more important than quantity in this case.  Why do you want to keep your pet alive (for yourself?) or euthanize him (for yourself?).  If you pet is suffering and the joy is gone, it is time to let go.  I feel we OWE our pets, for all the things they've given to us over their lifetime, a kind passing even if we must hurt ourselves in the process. Are they facing recovery or will they simply have more days of pain, vomiting, seizures, or the like?  Are they facing $5000 in medical bills that most people cannot afford to pay?  An older pet without monetary value (unlike an animal such as a horse) may fall into this category.  Guilt is the biggest motivation here.

I have been there myself.  A young dog facing a straightforward amputation is not the same as an older cat with diabetes facing dialysis. Without insurance, we must pay the veterinarian CASH or perhaps credit.  Does this take college education or even food away from our family?  Would your unselfish pet want you to go into serious financial hardship to give them a few months of life that won't be much fun anyway?

Setting your dear friend free of a painful body is not unkind; it is the greatest kindness.  When medicine can no longer cure or ease the pain, if you pet no longer lies in the sunshine nor wags their tail to greet you, it's time to discuss the end.  Your pet would thank you for your sacrifice.