July 12, 2024, 11:48 am | Read time: 6 minutes
For most pet owners, their four-legged friend is not just another animal, but a fully-fledged family member. It is, therefore, difficult to let your animal friend go. In any case, death is painful for the bereaved and always far too soon. That is why it is particularly difficult when the subject of euthanasia comes up, and the owners have to make a decision.
Being allowed to die with dignity. Most people want this not only for themselves, but also for their loved ones – including their pets. But when is the right time to put an animal out of its misery and have it euthanized? This is a question that many pet owners find difficult to answer. On the one hand, there is always the hope that the animal might get better. On the other hand, there is also the fear of losing their faithful companion. Then there is the guilty conscience of having made the wrong decision.
Pain is not the only reason for euthanasia
The Animal Welfare Act requires “reasonable cause” for an animal to be euthanized. However, the decision must still be made together with a vet. This is where it becomes difficult and painful for owners. Who wants to have to decide on the death and life of a beloved living creature?
Veterinarian Dr. Vanessa Herder reveals in an interview with PETBOOK that pet owners also share these difficult thoughts with their veterinarians. “With today’s pain therapy options, it really is possible for almost every animal to live relatively pain-free. But even if they are pain-free, their quality of life may be so severely reduced that euthanasia is appropriate. This is unique for each animal and should be assessed by each owner, as owners know their animals best.”
Owners should address the issue of euthanasia at an early stage
It is, therefore, understandable that many owners like to get a second opinion in such a difficult situation. For example, from a vet or from other pet owners they trust. “It often helps to talk about it with a competent person and to be open to a different opinion,” says Dr. Vanessa Herder.
Therefore, she recommends that all pet owners get to grips with this topic early. That way, they can act in the best interests of their pet. “Every pet owner knows their pet best and knows what it likes, how it behaves when it is happy and when it is not.”
To euthanize a pet or not? These criteria can help with the decision
The vet, therefore, recommends that owners draw up a list of criteria when their pets are still doing well. These should define how happy the pet is and whether it has a high quality of life. If some of these criteria are no longer met in the event of serious illness, it is important to consider whether the time has come to consider euthanasia, Dr. Herder continues.
Owners should define how they would like their animal to be euthanized in an emergency. As well as determine which criteria they use to measure their pet’s enjoyment of life in advance. For example, if the dog is no longer enthusiastic about its favorite ball, a walk or even its absolute favorite treat due to ill health or no longer wants to eat in general. This could well be a sign that your four-legged friend no longer wants to eat.
“One of the hardest decisions a vet has to make”
This is also not an easy decision for the vets treating them, Dr. Marco Antonio Fragoso told PETBOOK. “It’s one of the hardest decisions a vet has to make because it’s always emotionally painful. But we as vets understand that sometimes there is no other way to help the patient.”
However, the decision about an animal being euthanized should only be made after all options to cure the animal have been exhausted. But the response to treatment should also be carefully assessed, the vet continues.
“Pet owners should be aware that there are certain diseases and stages of disease that lead to a poor quality of life for the animal. Such as cancer, chronic and age-related diseases, and even inflammatory or infectious diseases in advanced stages.”
In these cases, an animal should definitely be euthanized, the doctor advises
To assess the severity and recommend euthanasia, vets should consider the stage of each type of disease and the response to treatment. “For example, cancer development is usually assessed in four or five stages. Where the last stage means that the tumor has spread to distant organs and the likelihood of it responding to treatment is low,” said the expert.
“In some other cases, such as severe acute traumatic events where vital organs are irreversibly affected or severe pain occurs, there is no other option but to relieve the animal of the pain,” Dr. Fragoso continues.
Occasionally there are reports from concerned neighbors!
Just how difficult it can be to make decisions in the interests of animal welfare is shown by cases where the opinion of the animal owner differs significantly from that of other people. Dr. Herder knows that this can also lead to complaints. “The neighbor notices that the dog of the family next door is suffering greatly in old age and reports them. There are also cases where the pet owner sees a reason to euthanize the dog, but the vet does not. These disputes happen again and again.”
In such cases, in particular, it is essential to seek advice from an independent person with expert knowledge in the interests of animal welfare, the expert concludes. Dr. Herder, therefore, emphasizes once again how important it is to deal with the topic of “euthanasia” at an early stage – even with young animals. “In some cases, this day can come suddenly because an acute illness occurs or animals are involved in an accident. Then it is necessary to make a decision quickly.”
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In the case of an illness, each owner decides how exactly they want to be informed about the details.
However, if it is a more slowly progressing disease, such as a tumor that spreads from the mammary gland of the bitch or kitten to the lungs, then it is important to observe the course of the disease and to remember the criteria mentioned above.
“In the case of a pet’s illness, each owner decides how exactly he or she wants to be informed about the details of the disease to get an idea of how it may progress.” Close cooperation with the vet and other pet owners should be sought to assess the situation in the best possible way, the vet concludes.
“The goal and our responsibility as vets and animal owners is to avoid pain and suffering for the animals entrusted to us. To achieve this, it is important to deal with the issue without discussing it daily.”
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