When to euthanize checklist?

If their quality of life is getting worse, this doesn’t always mean that it’s time to say goodbye. The vet will only recommend this as a last resort, if they feel it would prevent your pet from further suffering. You can use the pointers to regularly check on your pet’s quality of life, such as Are they in pain, Are they struggling to get around, Are they eating and drinking normally, Are they going to the toilet normally, Can they keep themselves clean, Has the way they behave changed, How are you coping with looking after them, Are they coping overall. If the answers to many of these questions is yes, it’s a sign your pet is struggling. You may feel like you’re able to help them through the changes for a while longer or perhaps that it’s time to start thinking about euthanasia. Now is the time to speak to your vet, talk to them about your pet’s quality of life and the things you’re concerned about. They’ll be able to guide you and help you make the right decisions for your pet. Are they having more bad days than good days, is your pet finding being medicated very stressful, put yourself in your pet’s position – how do you think they would rate their quality of life.

When is the right time to put your dog to sleep. Some of the common reasons to put your dog down include advanced age, terminal illness, intractable pain etc. There are some situations when putting a dog down is the only solution – and most of these reasons include when your dog is: Critically injured and won’t be able to survive, In chronic pain that can’t be managed, Just existing rather than enjoying a quality of life, Very old and struggling. You’ll need to discuss the following difficult situations with your vet when: Chronic pain can be relieved with medication or treatment, A terminal illness is diagnosed but symptoms aren’t apparent, Drinking and appetite are reducing with incontinence increasing, Visits to the vets are regular and filled with anxiety and stress. Common Signs of Distress include: Vomiting and retching, Loss of appetite and thirst, Crying when touched or moved, Hiding and excessive sleeping, Rapid breathing, Shaking and shivering even when it’s warm, A rigid distended tummy, Excessive panting and drooling.