Pet lovers know one thing: their pets are family. And as a part of your family, you want to do the best for them, see to their care and needs, make sure they’re comfortable, healthy and well-fed in order to live long, happy lives. But what happens when that life is threatened? When your pet’s quality of life suffers?
When do you know if it’s time to say goodbye?
1. The treatment or cure isn’t reasonable or affordable anymore. If your pet has a condition and the treatment is going to be ultimately unaffordable, or if it’s no longer reasonable to expect your cat or dog, in their run-down state, to undergo the stress of the treatment, then it might be kinder to put your pet to sleep. This is especially true if your pet already seems to be beyond all medical help. That, or the chances of survival are so minimal that you know it’s better to say goodbye now than see your pet linger and suffer even more.
2. Your pet’s comfort is compromised. If your cat or dog has lost considerable weight, and is no longer able to take in food or water, then it’s time you looked into euthanasia as an option.
3. The additional time offered is too short. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay makes you ask this question. If the time is too short, it might be better to let your pet live out the last moments of her life with dignity instead of subjecting her to treatments that put her in a great deal of pain.
4. Your pet is in constant pain. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA says that animals in pain do not often outward signs like whimpering or crying. Sometimes, all it takes is a excessive panting or gasping for breath, reclusiveness, or pickiness towards food as indications that they’re not feeling well.
Seeking Help
Your veterinarian will know when the time is right. So if you’re thinking about euthanizing your cat or dog, then bring your pet to the veterinary hospital. There will be medical tests to be run so the doctor can be sure of your pet’s condition. If you think your pet’s pain far outweighs anything else, if you think it’s time to say goodbye to the dear pet who has loved you unconditionally, then putting them to sleep is the kinder, more humane choice to make.
All Creatures Hospital offers veterinary services to keep help you keep your pets healthy and happy. For help and inquiries, book an appointment with us today. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates.
