One of the most difficult decisions an animal owner will ever make is when to euthanize a pet. Most owners want to do what is right for their pet and will agonize over the decision whether to euthanize or not. The only criterion that should be used in this difficult decision is if the quality of life is good enough to justify the quantity of life. With people, we do not have the luxury of keeping them from going through those last agonizing moments of life. We are kinder to animals. We can exempt pets from excruciating pain, the anxiety of body processes shutting down without our control, and agonal moments gasping for breath. Another time to consider euthanasia is in the event that an individual loses sensory input and the pet’s mind falls into the mindless abyss of advanced cognitive dysfunction. When the quality of life is nil, the resolve to euthanize comes easily.

The family, in close conjunction with the attending veterinarian, should make the decision to euthanize. A veterinarian may help determine the quality of life present, but in the end the owner must decide what is right for their particular situation. A pet will often be more animated when not in familiar surroundings such as a veterinary clinic. The deciding factor should be how the pet is doing in the home environment and not how they react to stress when out of the home. A pet under stress may suddenly become more animated and alert, due to fear.

Once the decision to euthanize has been finalized and all family members have said their good-byes, it is up to each individual family member whether or not to be present during the euthanasia process. Most veterinarians will allow owners to be in attendance if they so choose. The veterinarian may decide to give a tranquilizer or sedative to the pet while family members are still present. Depending on the sedative used, the pet may then fall asleep in the owner’s arms, typically taking from five to ten minutes. Once the pet is no longer conscious, it is again up to the owner to decide whether it is best for them to continue. I strongly suggest that young children exit at this point or earlier after all good-byes are made. Following sedation the pet will no longer be cognitive of whether the owner is present or not. Some owners will find it is easier to exit at this point. Those owners who wish to endure the final stages of the euthanasia process may hold their sedated pet or stroke and talk to the larger pets while euthanasia solution is administered. Pets at this point are not even aware that an injection is being made. Euthanasia solution is typically an overdose of a barbiturate which is administered intravenously (through a vein).

The administration of the euthanasia solution typically takes less than a minute to stop the heart. In cases of heart failure or poor circulation, the length of the euthanasia procedure may be slightly prolonged. Typically, respiration slows and you may notice a sigh or cry. In some instances you may see some muscle fasciculation or one or two breaths even after the heart has stopped. While all the body systems are shutting down, urination or defecation may occur as death ensues.

Although your pet has exited this life at that point, they will always live on in our hearts and minds. Two wonderful poems from unknown authors follow to help with the grieving process.

Please remember that other four-legged family members will also grieve for the lost individual and may need your loving support. Grieving is a normal part of life. Unfortunately very few of us escape this life without losing a significant other.

Grief councilors may be reached at various phone numbers found in Pet Hotlines.