How to Recognise When It’s Time: A Guide to Pet End-of-Life Decisions
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is a decision no pet owner wants to face, yet it’s often a necessary step to prevent unnecessary suffering. Horizon Palliative Vets offers compassionate guidance to help families make these end-of-life decisions with clarity and care. Here’s a guide on assessing your pet’s quality of life and recognising when it may be time to consider euthanasia.
Key Questions to Ask When Considering Pet End-of-Life Decisions
When assessing your pet’s quality of life, it’s essential to ask yourself some challenging questions. Consider your thoughts on euthanasia and think about whether you would consider it if your pet:
Experiences unmanageable pain
Cannot urinate or defecate independently
Has started having seizures
Is becoming violent or unsafe
Has stopped eating
No longer behaves normally
Suffers from a worsening, irreversible condition
Faces financial or other limitations on treatment options
Guidelines to Help You Decide
Consult with Your Veterinarian: Your vet won’t make the decision for you, but discussing your pet’s condition can provide clarity.
Reflect on Past Memories: Sometimes changes in your pet’s behaviour are gradual. Comparing photos or videos from before the illness can remind you of how they once were.
Mark Good and Bad Days: Keep a calendar to track your pet’s mood and behaviour. A pattern of more bad days than good may be a signal that it’s time to consider next steps.
List Favorite Activities: Write down three to five things your pet has always loved to do. If they can no longer enjoy these activities, it might indicate a decline in quality of life.
Honouring Your Pet’s Well-Being During End-of-Life Decisions
The goal is to honour your pet’s quality of life, prioritising their physical and emotional well-being. Deciding to euthanise a pet is never easy, but it’s often a compassionate choice to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Horizon Palliative Vets is here to support you through this difficult time, providing resources and guidance to help you make the most informed, compassionate decision for your pet.
For more information, reach out to Dr Ana and Kaori at 0434 468 600 or email us.