Making an End of Life Decision for Your Pet is Never Easy

Introduction

No one wants to have a pet die.  Unfortunately, they don’t live as long as we want them to.  Too often we have to have our veterinarian assist them to pass over the rainbow bridge to the other side.  It’s one of the hardest decisions to make and carry out.

I was inspired to write a few tips as my good friend and her husband went through the end of life process last week with their dog. 

How do you know when it’s time to let go?

Many factors go into making a decision for the best life/end of life for your beloved pet.  We will look at your pets health and perspective and also you (all family members). 

Let’s start with your pet’s perspective

1.      They chose YOU (your family) to share their life with, to care for them. 

2.     They love you unconditionally.

3.     They view death very differently than a human, it’s a part of the life cycle to them and they don’t think about it or stress about it, as they are living in the moment.

4.     They are trusting you to make the best decisions for them.

5.     The sum of their whole life is not defined by the process for them passing over.

Your beloved pet never leaves you in spirit.  You can read here for signs and signals they are contacting you and visiting you from the other side.

Your pet’s physical health and well-being: some questions to ask yourself:

1.     How is your pets appetite and drinking of water?

2.     How is your pets breathing and/or panting? 

3.     Is your pet able to urinate and how are their bowl movements?

4.     Walking?  Are they walking with pain?  Are they moving with difficulty?

5.     Can your pet stand up or sit up on their own from a sleeping position?

6.     Is your pet sleeping through the night or wandering around the house?

7.     Mood swings that are new or not normal?

8.     Are they highly medicated to get through the day and or night?

9.     Have they suddenly lost interest in normal “fun” activities ?

I like to put myself in an animals position or point of view on their quality of life.  How would I feel if I couldn’t go outside and pee on a tree anymore?  How would I feel if I was in pain and agitated and had to wander around the house at night unable to get comfortable?  How would I feel if I couldn’t squat and poop, it was just too hard on my hips?  How would I feel if I was taking so many pills every day  that my tummy hurt?  These are questions to ask yourself and family members who live with the pet how you would feel in that position.

Questions to ask yourself/family members:

1.     Are you able to perform nursing care for your pet?

2.     Are you able to go through YOUR daily activities without stressing about your pet?

3.     Are you able to leave your pet alone while you go out for a bit?

4.     Are you able to recognize your pet may be in pain or very sick?

5.     Are you “waiting” for your pet to pass on their own because you don’t want to make the end of life decision?

6.     Are you worrying you are making the wrong decision either way and frozen?

Having a senior pet is an honor as they have probably been with you a long time J Remember they can feel your stress and moods.  They know you love them, but when you are up ½ the night every night with them, they know you are tired and stressed.  YOUR quality of life is important to THEM.  They will always be with you from the other side!

Do a little preparation/education with your Veterinarian:

Unless it’s an emergency or circumstances don’t allow for some preparation and education on the end of life process, I suggest you take the time to do the following as its very hard to make any further decisions once you get to “the” vet appointment or the vet arrives at your home.

1.     Ask and understand the entire process of what the vet will be preforming on your pet for end of life.  Ask further questions if need be. 

2.     Is the vet coming to your home?  Where do you want your pet to pass over?

3.     Does your pet need sedatives to interact with the vet?

4.     Cremation? Burial? Paw print?  These questions are overload at time of appointment, try to do this beforehand.

5.     Ask about pre payment or invoice as payment can be overwhelming at time of appointment.

6.     Can you take the day off work or any extreme responsibilities?

7.     Do you have friends or family to support you after your pet has passed?

Conclusion

Having a pet pass over to the other side is heartbreaking and never easy.  Everyone, including other pets will grieve the loss differently.  Give everyone time and space to process all the feelings.  Veterinarians are trained in end of life process for pets.  My dog’s vet was phenomenal with the process and it was a peaceful transition and experience.  As it’s an extremely hard decision for any pet owner, I wish a peaceful transition and experience for all in that position.