When is it time to say goodbye?
Of course, you want your pet to be able to go to sleep and die at home in peace. But as beautiful as that thought is, unfortunately it rarely happens. Often, the animal’s suffering is so great that it is best to euthanise it.
But when is the right time to say goodbye to your pet? Understandably, this decision can be quite overwhelming for pet owners. On the one hand, you feel that the time to say goodbye is approaching. On the other hand, the thought that your pet will die is hard to bear.
Perhaps it is good to realise that there is no “right”, “optimal” or “best” time. Instead, as the owner of a critically ill pet, it makes sense to assess your pet’s condition as objectively as possible – without thinking about how much you will miss your pet if it is no longer there.
- Ask yourself honestly whether your pet can still live an animal-friendly life. Is it able to eat, drink and move by itself? Can it still clean itself? Does it have chronic pain or shortness of breath? Does it still show joy and interest in its surroundings?
- Think about how difficult life is for your dear pet and discuss this with your vet, who may have known your pet for a long time. This will make it easier for you to make a decision together with your vet.
- Ultimately, it is important to see euthanasia as a way to release your pet from its incurable suffering. The decision on when an animal should be euthanised is as individual and personal as the relationship between you and your pet.
