Knowing when the time may be right for euthanasia is very complicated. Your pet’s overall comfort and quality of life will be important to consider. Options in veterinary care and your ability to provide for their daily care must be considered. When no more options are available to prevent suffering euthanasia becomes a very kind way to release them from their body.
At Holistic Vet Norfolk, I come to your home to perform euthanasia, first I use calming essential oils while getting to know you and your pet, then gently sedate your pet so they slowly drift into sleep with you before the final injection. Afterwards I leave you with two essential oil blends to help process your grief. Lorraine is fully trained and experienced in supporting you over the phone.
What is Suffering? : An unpleasant or painful experience, feeling, emotion, or sensation.
In veterinary medicine, suffering can be experienced by the patient and the caregiver.
By deciding to euthanise your pet, thus releasing them from their suffering, your suffering may be magnified. As you move forwards without your pet, there will be grief and sometimes guilt. There is support available for you - Lorraine, registered veterinary nurse at Holistic Vet Norfolk is on the end of the phone for a chat. The Blue Cross run a free Bereavement helpline, via phone or email. Sometimes 1:1 in person counselling is needed. My recent series of Facebook posts about pet loss may help you in other ways.
Deciding when to say goodbye to a pet can be one of the very hardest decisions you will have to make. If you are already considering euthanasia, this checklist can help you to identify and examine some of the things that might indicate that the time is approaching, or if it has now arrived.
As you read through the questions, think about how they apply to your pet and to you as their owner. Not all of the questions may apply to your pet, so you do not have to answer all of them, however, each time there is a yes to a section, you have identified a factor that probably indicates a change in your pet’s quality of life.
Affection or Engagement
Has the level of their interaction with you changed? Are they less engaged in general than they were before? Has their behaviour or demeanour changed for the worse? Do they show less enthusiasm for greeting people? Are they less affectionate than before? Do they seem to want to be alone or hide away? Do they pick up their toys less or seem less keen to go for a walk?
Eating & Drinking
Are they eating less or more sporadically? Do they vomit, retch or appear nauseous? Do they refuse even their favourite foods? Are they drinking significantly more or less than before?
Sleeping
Are they sleeping much more than usual? Is their quality of sleep as good as it used to be? Does their night time behaviour disturb you or your family's sleep? Are they sleeping in places that are not usual for them?
Toilet Troubles
Do they have accidents in the house or appear to have forgotten their housetraining? Do they have any incontinence? Does going to the toilet appear painful or distressing? Do they produce urine or faeces that looks abnormal?
Are They in Pain?
Is reduced eyesight or blindness diminishing their ability to get around? Do they seem confused or are they showing simple signs of dementia (anger, anxiety, etc)? Has their hearing deteriorated? Are they mostly or completely deaf? Are they more restless, pacing or unable to settle? Have they lost a lot of weight? Do they often shake or tremble while at rest?
Movement & Getting Around
Are they as mobile as they used to be (getting up, climbing or descending stairs, etc)? Do they still enjoy activity? Are they avoiding one physical activity in particular (walking on a certain foot, lying on one side)? Do they groom themselves these days as much as they used to? Do they limp or appear to be moving more stiffly?
Mind & Body
Is reduced eyesight or blindness diminishing their ability to get around? Do they seem confused or disorientated? Does a reduction in their hearing affect their daily life? Are they more restless, pacing or unable to settle? Have they lost a lot of weight?
How Do You Feel?
Are you constantly worried about your pet? Is your pet having more bad days than good? Do you genuinely feel that your pet is happy? Are you delaying letting your pet go because you are worried about what will happen? Is your health affected by your pet’s condition?
Deciding to euthanise a pet will transfer some of their suffering to you, but by releasing them from their suffering and taking on that grief, you are helping them find their peace.
Consider Also …
Has your pet seen their vet about their current problems? Have they been diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness? Have they been given a poor prognosis? Whilst difficult to think about, can you give the resources, care and support they need in the coming weeks, months or years (both practically and financially)?
Remember, every pet and every situation is different. Now that you have completed this checklist, it may be useful to discuss your answers with family or friends or with your vet. You can also contact Lorraine or Helen for a chat. It may also be useful to complete the checklist again each week so that you can make comparisons and see if things are changing.
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