Choosing to put your pet down can be a challenging, emotional experience. You must work together with your veterinarian to come to this decision. This article explores when pet euthanasia is a necessity, why you should consider it, and the methods vets use to perform it.
When is Euthanasia Necessary in Pets?
While the most common denominator of pet euthanasia is old age, other circumstances can influence this decision. Accidents, poisonings, and other traumatic events lead to the deprecation of life quality in an animal to the point that putting them down is the most humane option.
Vets use a scale to measure the amount of pain and distress an animal is in to determine if putting them down is a better choice. The scale, also known as HHHHHMM, assesses factors such as hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, and mobility.
You, the pet owner, and your vet must assess these factors as neutrally as possible.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your pet capable of walking without being in immense pain?
- Can they feed themselves autonomously?
- Do they still experience happiness?
- Are your pets in constant pain even when undergoing treatment with painkillers?
Your vet will let you know their assessment, and you can make an informed decision based on that. Asking for a second or a third opinion is always an option if you’re unsure about putting your pet down.
Why Resort to Euthanasia?
All pet owners will want their friends to live for as long as possible. As such, some will refuse the possibility that their pet’s condition is unmanageable. Many will attempt to keep their pet alive against all odds and recommendations.
While this perspective is understandable due to emotional attachment, choosing to extend life might not be in the pet’s best interest. This is the biggest “why” when it comes to pet euthanasia. We all strive to offer our companions the best in all areas of life—whether that be food, entertainment, hygiene, or more.
However, some aspects pertain only to your pet. Suppose your vet diagnosed them with a terminal illness. In that case, if they’re unable to walk or they experience extreme pain levels, euthanasia is a better option than forcing them to undergo constant suffering day after day.
You must also ask yourself if you’re financially capable of prolonging your pet’s life, given their condition.
Let’s face it — caring for an animal whose quality of life has decreased to the point of being non-existent comes with massive financial expectations.
Vet bills are not cheap, but even if you can handle them, a time investment is also involved. You may have to quit your job to be able to care for your pet properly, or you may need to hire someone for the task.
How Do Vets Perform Euthanasia?
Veterinarians rely on a variety of medical substances these days to perform euthanasia. Regardless of their choice, there are two standard methods:
- The one-injection approach
- The two-injection approach
The first technique involves mixing a sedative and a final medication in the same syringe and administering it as is. This method is typically used in cases where the animal is comatose and does not respond to any stimuli. In other words, this approach leads to the outcome quicker and more effectively. However, because the euthanizing agent is administered along with the tranquilizer, some animals may appear to struggle.
The second method is the most commonly used one. In this situation, vets administer heavy tranquilizers with the first injection. They move on to the second shot once they complete the sedation process.
The pet’s response to the first medication (or complex of medications) determines the requirement for the second shot. For example, heavy tranquilizers can help a pet pass peacefully, especially if the injection is overdosed.
The entire process typically lasts under 20 minutes. Because the second method highlighted in this section is considered more humane, you should clearly communicate this preference to your vet.
At Home or At the Clinic
While it is uncomfortable to even think about it, the location of your pet’s end-of-life matters immensely. Most animals are extremely attached to their owners and surroundings. Therefore, the process will be a lot easier and more soothing for them if they pass in a known place.
The veterinary clinic is the other obvious choice, but it is not great. It is more often than not a cold, unknown, and strange place (no matter how friendly vets try to make it) where pets feel scared or confused instead of at ease.
Animals are especially receptive to smells, sounds, and environments. Their senses are superior to those of humans. Consequently, it is much better to perform pet euthanasia at home.
How Much Does Pet Euthanasia Cost?
No one likes to talk about it, but euthanasia is a procedure that comes with some associated costs, just like any other veterinary procedure. Depending on where you live, you could look at costs ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to five hundred or more.
In addition to the process itself, you’ll need to talk to your veterinarian about what happens afterward.
Of course, you can choose to bury your pet by yourself, although this is something authorities heavily frown upon. Pet cremation is another professional option you have available. Depending on your location, it costs between one hundred and three hundred dollars (or more). Your pet insurance might cover a part of these costs.
The reason burying your pet in your yard isn’t as common as it used to be is that not everyone is informed while doing it. Some things can go wrong, and if you’re located next to a body of water, it can actually be illegal to bury an animal in its proximity.
