Ending a pet's life by deciding to put them down through euthanasia is a difficult and emotional decision none of us want to make for our beloved pets. However, it may be a selfless decision when a pet is suffering from a serious illness, in extreme pain or injury that cannot be effectively treated or managed. Putting a pet to sleep is also a very personal decision, and only you can decide what is right for your pet.
Understanding Quality of Life for Pets
When contemplating this difficult decision, people often start by considering the pet's quality of life. This is subjective and highly dependent on your dog or cat's disease progress, their personality, and your personal beliefs. Quality of Life (QoL) scales try to make it as objective as possible by providing a tool to help pet owners and veterinarians assess the well-being of a pet. They evaluate various aspects of your pet's life, such as their physical health, pain, behavior, and emotional state. Most find QoL scales make the process easier, providing a clearer structure for evaluating your pet's comfort and well-being.
QoL scales typically consist of questions or statements that measure different aspects of a pet's life, such as appetite, mobility, energy level, and enjoyment of life. They are meant to be used over defined intervals (e.g., daily or weekly), based on how sick your pet is, to monitor changes in your pet's quality of life, and make informed decisions about the pet's care and treatment.
Lap of Love is a nationwide network of veterinarians dedicated to end-of-life care. Their website has several resources that can assist you in determining the quality of life of your pet:
QoL scales are often used for pets with chronic illnesses or those nearing the end of their lives, but they can also be used to evaluate a pet's overall well-being at any stage of life.
When using and thinking about the QoL scales, it is important to involve your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you complete the assessment, discuss the results, and monitor the changes in your pet.
Common Signs of Decline by Pet Illness
| Condition | Common Signs of Decline | Notes on Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer | Weight loss, pain, loss of appetite | May have ups/downs |
| Kidney Disease | Increased thirst, incontinence, lethargy | Gradual progression |
| Arthritis | Mobility issues, reluctance to move | May worsen in cold weather |
| Heart Failure | Coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue | Can progress rapidly |
| Dementia/Cognitive Decline | Disorientation, house soiling, anxiety | Often slow, but progressive |
Other Considerations with Your Pet’s Quality of Life
Quality of life is a major consideration when contemplating euthanasia, providing a painless way of ending the suffering of your beloved pet. However, there are others:
- Terminal illness. If your pet has a terminal illness with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options, it may be kinder to let them go rather than prolong their suffering.
- Aggressive behavior. If your pet is showing aggressive behavior that cannot be safely managed, it may be necessary to consider euthanasia for the safety of yourself, your family, and others.
- Chronic pain. If your pet is in chronic pain that is not being managed well, it may be humane to euthanize your pet.
- Financial considerations. While it's not the most important factor, it's worth considering the financial burden of continuing treatment or care for your pet.
Cat End of Life Signs
Cats often hide their pain, making it harder to know when to euthanize a cat. Watch for these cat end of life signs:
- Hiding or avoiding family members
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Trouble using the litter box
- Difficulty moving or jumping
- Sleeping more than usual
- Unusual aggression or vocalization
If your cat shows these cat end of life signs, discuss their quality of life with your vet.
Dog End of Life Signs
Recognizing dog end of life signs can help you understand when to put your dog down. Some common signs include:
- Loss of appetite and thirst
- Decreased energy or activity
- Labored breathing
- Loss of control over bodily functions
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Changes in behavior
If you notice these signs, talk with your veterinarian about your pet’s comfort and treatment options.
What About a Natural Death for Your Pet?
We all hope that our pets would peacefully pass away in their sleep, but unfortunately that rarely happens.
A natural death can be difficult to watch, especially for people who do not have a medical background, and pets can experience pain and anxiety during a natural death. It can manifest in different ways depending on the animal species and the underlying medical conditions. Some common signs are loss of appetite and thirst, decreased energy and activity, labored breathing, loss of control over bodily functions, withdrawal and isolation, and changes in behavior.
If you suspect that your pet is nearing the end of their life, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is comfortable and pain-free in their final days. There are more and more veterinarians that are offering hospice services that can help your pet have an anxiety and pain free end of life. If you want to consider hospice care, look for veterinarians in the area that practice hospice care. They can provide guidance and support and help you make the best decision for your pet's health and well-being.
Losing a pet is never easy. Allow yourself and your family to grieve. Remember, making the decision for putting a pet to sleep is an act of love and compassion. You gave your pet a happy, healthy life—and you’re making sure they don’t suffer.
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