I previously published an article “Canine Euthanasia-When Should You Say Goodbye” discussing the factors owners should consider when deciding their dog’s quality of life suffers to the point that it is not worth pursuing. As Cleo, my precious 15-year-old female Mountain Cur mix continues to decline, I again am faced with this excruciating difficult decision. To that end, I just finished reading an excellent book by Julie Reck, DVM titled “Facing Farewell” that expands upon the need for owners to make an informed decision regarding euthanizing their pet.
Dogs will instinctually hide their pain. Accordingly, Dr. Reck includes excellent graphs and checklists for owners to determine their dog’s pain level. Signs to consider include changes or initiation of: barking, salivating, appetite, pupil size, breathing, stance, ambulation, fixating on a body part, reaction to touch, restlessness, difficulty defecating or urinating, tail position, grooming.
Dr. Reck discusses how animals do not share our human fear of old age and death. Instead, they fear pain. The author identifies 3 different situations: a young pet with a serious medical issue, a senior pet with a terminal illness and a senior pet without a terminal illness.
For the young pet with serious medical issue(s) Dr. Reck advises the owner obtain a thorough understanding of his dog’s medical condition. www.veterinarypartner.com is a good place to start. Next the owner needs to understand the prognosis of his pet’s condition. Dr. Reck includes a helpful questionnaire so the owner can consider: financial commitment, a possible relapse of his pet’s condition, permanent disabilities and/or long-term special care or medications.
A senior pet with a terminal illness requires owners to manage their pet’s illness and discomfort while realizing there will be a point in time when therapies and medications can no longer maintain their pet’s comfort and quality of life. Owners must prepare themselves for the point in time when there are no longer treatment options or medications to keep their pets comfortable. She suggests outlining parameters defining your pet’s quality of life so you are able to make the best decision when those parameters are exceeded.
A senior pet without a terminal illness generally meets or exceeds their predicted lifespan. They have multiple health concerns related to the age of their bodies. Dr. Reck includes a helpful assessment regarding quality-of-life questions: can your pet get up and down without assistance, frequency of house soiling, playfulness, outdoor activities, healthy appetite, resting and sleeping comfortably, loss of sight or hearing, more bad days then good days, and interaction with family members and guests.
When a pet’s pain and discomfort increase to the point where their quality of life is severely diminished, it is incumbent upon owners to consider humane euthanasia to relieve the animal’s suffering. I highly recommend “Facing Farewell” and feel every owner facing pet end-of-life decisions should have it on their bookshelf and read through it well before that time comes.