How to Know if it is Time to Say Good-bye to Your Beloved Pet
Most of my clients struggle severely as they contemplate their decision regarding the timing for the euthanasia for
their pet. Over more than 35 years working with animals in Veterinary Medicine I have developed a set of
parameters that can be used to determine if it is appropriate to make the decision for ending a pets’ time with us
here on earth. Rather than focusing on any one of these factors, it is the whole picture that needs to be assessed.
Some pets only need one or two items to place them in the negative category to motivate us that it is time to
make the decision for euthanasia. For other pets we need all six of these factors to be negative for the decision to
be made. These parameters are not listed in any particular order. They must be viewed in total before making the
decision. They assume that your pet has had an evaluation by a veterinarian and has had a basic work-up including
blood tests, x-rays, and so on and that their basic health care needs have been met.
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Mobility. When you leave the pet for any length of time, do they move from place to place around the
house, or do you find them in the exact place and positon that you left them? If they are not moving
around, that is a negative indicator.
Appetite. Is your pet eating? Is your pet declining to eat even tasty treats with any enthusiasm? Are they
refusing food? Most pets will have a diminishing appetite as they approach the end of their lives. If you
can encourage your pet to eat, then you may be able to delay the decision for euthanasia. If your pet
refuses to eat even with strong encouragement and enticing foods like meat, cheese, etc., then their time
is near. If a pet goes one day without eating, no big deal. If they go 2 days without eating, be very
concerned. If they have gone 3 days without a bite, it is time to consider euthanasia.
Toileting. Is your pet able to take care of their toileting needs, or are they often found lying in their own
excrement? No animal chooses to soil themselves. If you are not able to maintain them in a state of good
hygiene, then you are at the point of having to say good-bye.
Pain. Consult your veterinarian to make sure you have tried the latest medications and techniques that
are designed to mitigate pain. If your pet’s medical condition is causing pain to the point where you
cannot keep them comfortable, it is not fair to prolong their life just because you can’t face life without
them.
Terminal Diagnosis. Does your pet have a terminal diagnosis such as cancer, end-stage kidney failure,
liver failure, heart failure, etc. If your pet has one of these conditions you need to take this into
consideration when evaluating the overall situation. A terminal diagnosis weighs heavily towards the
decision for euthanasia.
Cognitive impairment. Some will use the term “dementia” when discussing this area of patient wellbeing. Does your pet pace aimlessly around the house? Do they stare blankly into space? Do they
vocalize frequently for no apparent reason? Do they walk into an empty room and seem to forget why
they are there? Does your pet no longer recognize you right away? If your pet exhibits these signs of
cognitive impairment you may wonder “what is the point of continuing on any longer?”
Let me state clearly that this is not a checklist that you need to complete before making a decision for
euthanasia for your pet. It is a set of circumstances that is meant to guide you in making this difficult and
heart-wrenching decision. There is no exact proper time for euthanasia. There is usually a gray-zone of time
where the decision is appropriate. No one will be able to make the decision where one day of life longer
would be inhumane, but one day sooner would be rushing into this too early. Discuss these factors with your
veterinarian and family members whose lives will be impacted by the loss of your pet. Other factors can sway
your decision including the pet’s age, the cost of ongoing medical care, the logistics of providing for their wellbeing, and so on. I hope this helps to guide you. If you have any doubts or concerns, by all means call Dr.
Deutsch to discuss them. 703-401-1005.