Making the Decision

The decision to put a pet down is different for every family and every pet. I wish we could tell you exactly when, or that your pet would give you more obvious hints, but often they simply want to be by your side even if they hurt, and rely on you to make that complex decision for them.

We want to enjoy the last good days without letting them suffer. Unfortunately, pain and discomfort, whether physical or mental, is usually progressive and intertwined with happy moments. This is why the decision is so complex and there is usually not one perfect day.

Some people decide at the first signs of decline, while others wait sometimes too long (where pain becomes severe and happiness is scarce). Everyone else will make the decision somewhere in between, usually when the bad days are starting to outnumber the good ones. This also depends on many factors, like your pet’s tolerance to pain, their will to live, ability to take medications, etc. It is a grey zone. No one will or can judge you for when you are making the decision, each situation is unique to you and your pet.

Deciding to euthanize and booking the appointment may never feel quite “right.” To help you navigate this decision and have a better understanding of whether your pet is suffering, here is a list of questions to ask yourself:

• How quickly is their health declining and is there anything that can be done about it (a medical or surgical procedure, palliative care)? If something can be done, would treating your pet be an emotional, financial, or time burden?

• Do you have past experiences with euthanasia, is there anything you wish you would have done differently?

• Think of 2 or 3 things your pet used to love (eating, playing with a favourite toy, going for walks or car rides, greeting you at the door, snuggling on the couch, bird watching by the window, grooming, etc.) Is your pet still enjoying these things?

• Is your pet still enjoying interacting with you and being touched, or are they mostly sleeping, hiding and detached?

• Is your pet often showing signs of pain or discomfort, including panting, forceful breathing, whining, crying, or licking? Do they have difficulty moving, getting up, or laying down?

• Is your pet still eating willingly, or do you have to coax them?

• Is your pet able to eliminate normally? Or do they have accidents in the house, constantly straining to defecate, diarrhea, constipation, or have a soiled and malodorous coat?

• Have you noticed any personality changes including anxiety and depression, or unpredictable behaviours like growling, hissing, or nipping when approached? Could it compromise the safety of people or other household pets?

• Is your pet happy and interested in living? If you were your pet, would you prefer to stay or to go?

If you answered with “it depends on the day,” then does your pet have more good days or more bad days? You can mark them on a calendar at the end of the day to help identify the trend.