by John Edwardson

Created on: February 26, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Here's help in knowing when it's time for euthanasia, from someone who's spent a lifetime helping others decide.

- The last thing you want for your beloved companion, is a prolonged agonising death! Or, to put a beautiful animal down before it's time. People make huge mistakes on both sides which are entirely unfair to the animal.

Common Mistakes:

Too Short - Some abandon ship at the slightest sign of their pet's declining health. It makes you want to really question why! Quite often, their excuse is, "I just can't bear to watch her suffer!" Some pet owners do just that! They can't face the impending loss, and try to put it off as long as possible, adding more days of pain and suffering on their poor pet

Too Long - Others hang on, when all hope is long gone, pain is unreal, starvation is well underway. Frequently, very gross, diseased, terminal conditions that make you sick to observe, are painfully endured for months ... for what reason!

How to decide the RIGHT TIME:

1. When people are at risk from your pet ... vicious or contagious.

- Some people feel they can give an aggressive pet to someone else, but others can't, and decide on euthanasia.

- If human lives are at risk, because of a biting dog, or one with a contagious disease such as rabies, your decision cannot be put off. Your compassion for your pet cannot preclude the welfare of others. The right time is obvious.

2. When your pet is suffering, and incurable.

- Often, when your pet becomes terminally ill, the decision will be clear.

- When you're not sure, watch for changes in your pet's normal behaviour. EATING is a major part of most pet's lives! Pain and suffering have to be significant factors before the food is skipped! This is by far the best indicator. People are relieved when they have such a definitive sign to watch for!

3. Incontinence.

- This is a difficult one for a lot of pet owners. Some owners work around it. Others cannot. If you are one that cannot, then it's usually time for euthanasia. If you are going to try to work with the problem, make sure you consider the total situation. If the pet will have to endure suffering and pain along with the incontinence, then you must do what is right for the pet.

Your vet, family, friends can usually see the situation from a different perspective, ... as they are not blinded as you are, by your love for your pet. Ask them to help you decide, but after listening carefully, make your own decision, as your LOVE for your pet's life is your treasure, not theirs.

Now that you know how to decide when it's time, do what's best for your pet! Try to deal with your own feelings of loss later.

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