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Please go to my sister website that is dedicated to pet euthanasia: https://apeacefulendingathome.com
This is an important starting place for any discussion euthanasia. The definition of euthanasia as stated in numerous dictionaries is: “An easy or painless death, or the intentional ending of the life of a person suffering from an incurable or painful disease at his or her request.” Of course, this is the definition as it applies to humans, but the same definition applies to euthanasia of animals: an easy or painless death. However, the interesting part of the definition, for me, includes the last 5 words: “at his or her request.” A person, unless incapacitated, can make their own decision. If they are “incapacitated” there would not even be a discussion to end their life unless the person was being kept alive by instrumentation. It must be understood that an animal’s reality makes them conceptually incapacitated, for our creatures cannot voice whether they would or would not choose euthanasia. For them, in almost every case, there is no oversight, no one to stand back and ask if euthanasia is truly necessary at the time unless their caretaker decides to wait. The decision is often made because of an ominous diagnosis, or because the pet is “old,” or related to any other reason, sadly, that makes ending an animal’s life seem appropriate.
Many pet owners ask me if I can give them a formula for determining when “it’s time.” Having been put in this position with my wonderful cat, Smudge, I can honestly say, that you will “know” when the final time has arrived. There will be an intuition and knowledge in regard to your pet’s situation that will let you “feel” when it’s the proper timing. I do believe that it’s important to understand that our pets are not “little people” from the standpoint of suffering or quality of life. They are are in the “moment,” are not emotional, and are not concerned about their malady. Each moment is a new normal for them and they are constantly adapting to what is going on with their bodies.
The Internet is full of quality of life (QOL) check off lists and other ways to determine if your pet is ready to be euthanized, but I don’t believe any of them should be used to influence you, nor do I feel it is the veterinarian’s decision. It is your decision and your’s alone. If you are concerned or unsure, please don’t hesitate to call so we can discuss your concerns.
The actual process involves an intravenous injection of a medication similar to an anesthetic agent that stops brain, respiratory and heart function. It is almost instantaneous in it’s action and cannot be reversed. I administer a sedative prior to the final injection. This quiets the animal and makes them comfortable in a “twilight” sleep. It is important to know that there may be a very small amount of discomfort associated with the sedative injection. Ninety percent don’t notice, but occasionally one will react to it.
Euthanasia does not provide a natural passage. It simply hastens it with medication designed for that purpose. A natural death allows the animal to choose its own time and, in some cases, its own place to do so. The process of dying can either be short or prolonged depending upon the underlying cause. Maladies like cancer and heart disease can shorten the time frame (although not always), whereas the aging process can prolong the end for a long time (we are all terminal when born). There is no time frame although many veterinarians will give one. I’m not a fan of setting a date. If you are considering this approach, please contact me so that I can “walk” you through the process. Death can be dramatic visually, but if you know the stages, it won’t catch you by surprise. It’s important to understand that most veterinarians and the vast majority of global pet owners view the natural death of a pet as “inhumane” because they believe this will lead to unnecessary “suffering.” This feeling, I believe, is based on the view that death is “horrible” for the pet when, in fact, it is a natural process. There are built-in protective mechanisms in the brain that allow for a pain-free passage. Call me if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
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