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Euthanasia: How To Know When It's The Right Time
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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
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While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.
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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
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The journey of raising a pet is full of tough decisions, but easily the toughest one of all is when to let go. It may never feel like the right time to have your pet euthanized after a long battle with illness. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re deciding when to schedule your pet’s final vet visit.
Good Days vs Bad Days
You may have been told to euthanize your pet when they seem to be having more bad days than good. But it can be easy to lose sight of when that starts to happen.
Keep a journal of your pet’s health so you can record their symptoms and their overall wellness. You should also keep track of your own mental health through this difficult time. While the thought of losing your pet might seem unbearable, the toll of trying to care for them while they’re sick can wear you down over time.
Remember that your pet loves you more than anything. They would not want you to exhaust your mental and physical health and your bank account trying to keep them alive.
Talk To Someone You Trust
Reach out to a mental health professional, a spiritual leader, friends, and family members for support during this difficult time. While nobody can tell you when it’s time to let your pet go, having someone to talk to can help you gain clarity and ensure that you don’t feel alone when the time comes.
What If I Euthanize My Pet Too Soon?
You may struggle with the thought of euthanizing your pet too early. Will you regret not spending more time with them?
The truth is, pet parents seem much more likely to regret not euthanizing sooner.
While you may try to be there for your pet as much as possible towards the end of their life, you cannot be there while you are sleeping, working, or caring for other family members. Euthanization gives you the option of making sure that you are there while your pet passes peacefully.
Talking To Your Vet About Euthanasia
Most veterinarians have different options to make the process easier for you. Your vet can help you plan an in-office or at-home euthanasia, help you create mementos like a clay pawprint keepsake, and help you plan for cremation or burial. Many of these services can be prepaid so you do not have to worry about payment when the time comes.
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