Pets enrich our lives and spread joy in so many ways. Whether your furry family member has been with you since puppy or kittenhood or joined your family later in life, end-of-life care is something that all pet parents eventually have to face. Unfortunately, animals can pass away for various reasons, such as an unexpected injury or an illness.
In veterinary medicine, we also have the option of euthanasia. (Trusted Source) If a beloved pet is diagnosed with a terminal condition or has a poor quality of life, a pet parent and their veterinary team can provide a “good death” to end their pain and suffering in a peaceful and dignified way.
If you have a senior pet or a pet suffering from an incurable illness, your vet will discuss monitoring their quality of life and knowing when to say goodbye. This time can feel bittersweet for many pet owners as you reflect on life with your pet and cherish your remaining time together. Most importantly, you can make plans for your pet’s passing, ranging from where, when, and who will be present to how to spoil them with favorite treats, activities, and people one last time.
It can be devastating to watch a beloved pet decline with age or slowly succumb to an illness. But, part of our job as pet parents is to monitor their quality of life. As a vet, I remind my clients that they know their furry family members better than anyone.
Your pet may show obvious signs that it is time to say goodbye, such as no longer eating, drinking, or moving. But it’s also important to watch for more subtle changes — when you stop noticing the sweet little quirks that make them unique, or they are no longer able to participate in their favorite activities, it’s probably time to have a talk with your vet about quality of life and euthanasia. It may also be helpful to keep a record of their good and bad days. It can also help to use a checklist such as this one from Lap of Love, and consider the HHHHHMM quality of life scale.
Choosing the right time and place to say goodbye is a deeply personal decision with several options. Many pet parents feel comfortable at their veterinary clinic, where the staff are experienced in handling euthanasia with care and compassion. However, the vet clinic can also be stressful and offer less privacy. Alternatively, your pet may feel most at ease in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds. This can provide a more private and peaceful environment for your family to say goodbye. There are many at-home euthanasia services, such as Lap of Love, which are highly recommended if financially possible.
No matter where you say goodbye, deciding who you want present is another important consideration. This could include family members, close friends, or anyone else who shares a special bond with your pet. Consider a few comfort items for your pet and yourself, such as their favorite blanket or toy, treats if they can still eat, calming music, and tissues. Discuss these options with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for you and your pet.
Some pet owners may not wish to be present for euthanasia, and this is a valid choice. It’s important to prioritize your mental health during this difficult time.
Although this is a difficult topic to discuss, it’s important to know what to expect during euthanasia, and the best way to do this is to understand the process. Euthanasia causes a peaceful and painless death due to the injection of a high dose of barbiturates — the same class of drugs used in general anesthesia. This medication causes unconsciousness and, within minutes, stops brain and heart function.
There may be slight differences in how each vet performs euthanasia, but the following measures can help provide additional comfort for you and your pet:
After your vet injects the euthanasia solution, most pets pass quickly and peacefully. It’s important for pet parents to know that their eyes will stay open. It is also normal for an animal to urinate or defecate at this time, and their muscles may twitch involuntarily in a way that looks like breathing (known as agonal breaths). But rest assured that your pet will not be in pain or aware. Your vet will listen for a heartbeat with their stethoscope to confirm death.
Saying goodbye doesn’t have to be filled with only sadness. Dedicate a day to celebrate your pet’s life and create lasting memories. This could involve:
If you decide to spoil your pet with foods such as chocolate or McDonald’s hamburgers, it’s best to do this right before euthanasia to avoid unnecessary stomach upset.
Your phone may already be full of pictures and videos of your fur baby, but memorializing these final moments can provide comfort and solace for the future. To help remember your beloved pet, consider these options:
During their final moments, shower your pet with love and reassurance. Hearing is often the last sense to fade, so speak softly and tell them how much they mean to you. Some pet parents even sing a special song or play calming music.
Making decisions ahead of time can alleviate some stress during an emotional time. Consider:
The loss of a pet is a significant life event that can trigger intense grief. It’s important to acknowledge your emotions and give yourself permission to mourn. There’s no timeline for grief, and everyone experiences it differently. Some may find solace in spending time alone, while others might seek comfort in the company of loved ones.
Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise — sadness, anger, guilt, or relief that your pet is no longer suffering. Don’t try to suppress or rush through your grief. Instead, embrace it as a natural part of the healing process. If possible, take time off.
Seek support from friends, family, support groups, or pet loss counselors. Pet loss affects so many of us that there are many dedicated resources to help you through this time.
Children form deep bonds with their pets, and the loss of a furry friend can be their first experience with death. It’s essential to approach this conversation with honesty, sensitivity, and age-appropriate language. While talking to your children about death and euthanasia is a personal decision, many take the following approach.
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, but by understanding and normalizing grief, proactively assessing your pet’s quality of life, and thoughtfully planning for their passing, you can ensure their final days are filled with love, comfort, and dignity. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Lean on your veterinarian, family, friends, and support groups for guidance and comfort as you navigate this difficult time. While the pain of loss may never fully fade, the memories you’ve created with your furry companion will remain in your heart forever.
It’s important to remember that every pet and their human family are different, and there is no single “right” way to grieve or say goodbye. This guide is meant to offer support and resources as you create a personalized plan that honors your pet’s life and helps you find peace during this challenging time.
Prioritize your dog’s comfort and quality of life by creating a peaceful environment and spending time with them, engaging in their favorite activities, and offering them their favorite treats. Capture memories with photos, videos, or paw prints. Plan ahead for when and where your pet will be euthanized, and discuss what to expect and aftercare options with your veterinarian beforehand.
Allow yourself time to grieve without rushing the process. Avoid feeling guilty if you made the difficult decision to euthanize, as you acted in your pet’s best interest. Don’t isolate yourself; reach out to loved ones or support groups for comfort.
Consult your veterinarian for guidance on pain management and comfort measures. Create a calm environment and offer love and support. Consider humane euthanasia if your dog is suffering from a terminal illness or severe pain.
There are no safe over-the-counter medications for euthanasia. Only a licensed veterinarian can perform this procedure using specialized medications.
The decision to let a dog pass naturally or opt for euthanasia depends on their quality of life, pain levels, and medical conditions. Sometimes death occurs unexpectedly, but often, when pets are terminally ill or suffering, euthanasia can be the kindest option to end their pain in a dignified way.
