Part of the Expert Perspectives on Canine Health Series

One of the most painful experiences we may endure in our lifetime is the loss of a beloved pet. The decision to euthanize is so difficult. We face agonizing conflict about the best possible course of action and, as more and more signs of aging and disease develop in our pets over time, we naturally tend to avoid discussing or even planning for end of life care.

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It’s so painful to face the end. We never want to say goodbye, even when our pets are telling us that they’re ready to move on. All too often, we get stuck. We can’t decide what to do. We love our pets too much to accept that our time with them must come to an end.

So many people tell me, “I just don’t want my pet to suffer.” I understand, because it’s the last thing any of us wants. Unfortunately, however, our pets can end up suffering for far too long while we linger in indecision. Our pets depend on us for everything and when their pain becomes too much for them to bear, it is our responsibility to be courageous enough to ease their suffering.

Taking action is the only way to truly ensure that our pets endure minimal suffering. But how

can we know when it’s the right time to take that action? And how can we find the strength to make one of the most difficult decisions we’ll ever face?

The answer to both questions is knowledge. By gaining knowledge about our pets’ signs of suffering, true level of pain and poor quality of life, we begin to gain clarity. We realize that as much as it breaks our heart, euthanasia is an opportunity for us to give our cherished pets the gift of relief from terrible pain and suffering.

As a veterinarian, I am an advocate for pets. I understand that natural death is often a cruel, painful and prolonged experience and that euthanasia can be a loving gift. It is my job to speak for pets and explain suffering clearly so that we can all feel a little more confident that we are doing what is best for our pets.

Our pets want to be functional and comfortable. The more we know about what they’re going through, the better able we are to provide them with ethical, responsible care. Looking at common quality of life issues is one important way we can gain the understanding we need.

Pain management

The worst forms of pain and suffering are breathing difficulty; bone pain, which can be caused by debilitating arthritis and bone cancer/osteosarcoma; and nausea, which commonly occurs because of kidney failure.

Eating and drinking

Is your pet eating enough? Significant weight loss can mean serious cancer or organ failure. Another sign of trouble is when pets begin to either drink too much or too little.

Elimination difficulties

Pets who fall, shake or exhibit other signs of being unable to comfortably eliminate waste may be experiencing severe pain or disease. Similarly, pets who eliminate inside the house or lay in their own urine or feces may be in so much pain they can no longer control their bowels.

Depression and weakness

Does your pet seem trapped in a body that doesn’t work or is painful? Our pets are part of the family, and a prolonged lack of joy, interest or responsiveness to family, toys and other pets can be a significant sign of sickness or disease.

Mobility issues

Old age, injuries and other factors can all contribute to once-active pets becoming unable to move comfortably on their own. When pain medication, physical therapy and dietary supplementation are no longer making a significant difference in a pet’s mobility, advanced stage disease may be a factor.

Learning to recognize and address common quality of life issues not only gives us the ability to pursue early treatment options that can add years to the life of a beloved pet, but also recognize when pain and suffering has begun to take too much of a toll.

When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life has become too compromised. Euthanasia is our way of giving cherished pets a last loving gift by taking away their pain and suffering. Our pets spend their entire lives as our loving companions. We owe it to them to be strong when they need us the most.

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About the Expert

A 1997 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Karen Twyning is the owner of Pet Loss At Home Euthanasia Service. She has personally helped over 3,000 families say goodbye in the comfort of their own homes and now spends her time making home pet euthanasia readily available everywhere, nationwide.

Pet Loss At Home Euthanasia Service maintains as many as 20 or more veterinarians in each major metro area and provides local service within a two-hour radius of Chicagoland. Pet Loss At Home veterinarians provide pre-euthanasia counseling, help with the euthanasia decision, private home pet euthanasia with relaxing sedation, clay paw print impressions and cremation transport. Visit www.PetLossAtHome.com or call 877-219-4811 for more information.