✨Euthanasia can be viewed as a gift and a blessing for suffering pets.
💔The hardest part of being a veterinarian is breaking the news of a pet's terminal illness or suffering to their owners.
📖Gather as much information as possible about your pet's illness or condition to make an informed decision.
🗓️Tracking your pet's good days and bad days can help you assess their overall quality of life.
📝Keeping a pet hospice journal can provide clarity and track their behavior, appetite, sleep, and more.
How can I know when it's time to euthanize my pet?
—Assess your pet's quality of life, considering factors like pain, appetite, mobility, and enjoyment of activities. Seek an outside perspective and consult with your veterinarian.
Should I consider my pet's feelings and perspective when making this decision?
—Pets live in the present moment and experience life differently from humans. Considering their perspective can help prioritize their comfort and well-being.
What if my pet has a terminal illness?
—Talk to your veterinarian about the options and prognosis for treatment. Consider the potential impact on your pet's quality of life and weigh the benefits against the potential suffering.
How can I cope with the emotional burden of making this decision?
—Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand what you're going through. Allow yourself to grieve, and remember that you made the decision out of love and concern for your pet's well-being.
Can veterinarian-assisted euthanasia be done at home?
—Discuss this option with your veterinarian, as many offer in-home euthanasia services to provide a peaceful environment for your pet's final moments.
00:09The veterinarian shares the most challenging question they face: When is it time to put a pet to sleep?
01:16Euthanasia can be a gift and a blessing for pets that are suffering or in pain.
03:52The hardest part for the veterinarian is breaking the news of a pet's terminal illness or suffering to their owners.
05:16Gather information about your pet's illness and prognosis to make an informed decision.
09:44Assess your pet's quality of life using techniques like the five good things, good days vs bad days, HH HH MM scale, and a pet hospice journal.
13:30Remember that the most important thing in life is the quality of life, not the quantity of days.
