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When is it time for euthanasia?

QUESTION:

My dog is getting on in years. She's got arthritis and a heart murmur. I love her and I'm going to miss her, and I'm not sure if I'm holding onto her for my benefit or hers. How do I tell when it's time for my dog to be put to sleep?

answered by Bridget Pilloud

ANSWER:

The biggest fear that pet owners have is that their pet will suffer at their expense. The second biggest fear is that they'll say goodbye too early and their pets won't understand why they're being put to sleep.

Pets don't fear death. Death is like taking off a suit of clothes. It's easy. Once they pass over to the other side, there is great joy and no regret. They miss us, but they don't have the burden of their physical form, and all the physical pains and emotional issues that come with it.

How do you know when it's the right time? Here's how to make that decision and feel at peace about it.

First, consider your views on quality of life. Are you the kind of person who doesn't want to live if your health was compromised? Or do think that any day above ground is a good day?

Once you understand your view, observe your pet and her behavior. Do you think she shares that view?

Do you still get a good tail wag and smile, even if she can't make it outside without your help? If she's food-oriented, does she still have an appetite?

I recently talked with a beagle named Moxie. Moxie suffers from chronic kidney disease. He has an extensive medical regimen, which includes an IV several times a week. His owner was worried that she was putting him through this pain for her expense.

"I wouldn't want to go through this, myself," she said.

When I asked Moxie if he was ready to go, he said, "Of course not! I'm just fine. My owner doesn't want me to die, does she?"

I assured Moxie, that she did not want him to die. She just didn't want him to suffer. We arranged that he'd signal that he was ready to go by refusing his favorite treats, and lying down and refusing to get up.

I have another client who had an eighteen-year-old wheaten terrier named Muffin. That's 126 dog years! When I asked Muffin if it was her time, I got an emphatic "Yes!" I asked the other pets in the home. They all agreed. It was her time. Her euthanasia was a relief. She passed away, surrounded by her loving family.

The key to all of this is honoring your pet's wishes. You know your girl better than anyone. Don't be afraid to experience the twilight of your relationship. It's a beautiful part of the journey.


Bridget Pilloud is a professional intuitive animal communicator.  By telepathically communicating with animals, she helps pets increase understanding, resolve conflict and improve relationships with their human companions.



Read more about Bridget Pilloud in the DogTime expert center...

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Comments

AvatarThank you so much for this article. Last Monday, my husband and I took our 18 year old poodle and our 13 year old schnauzer to be put to sleep.
It was honestly the hardest decision I have ever had to make.
Pepper our schnauzer only had days or weeks at most. They both had become blind and deaf.
When Pepper became ill and started shutting down and falling over Teddy our poodle suffered terribly. For months almost a year Teddy would just howl because of his pain.
We couldn't imagine Teddy without Pepper. He could not hold his bowels from his room to ours. My husband and I took them to our Vet. and he said it's time. We each held them....and it's been hard....however, I know they are not hurting anymore. I knew Pepper would pass on his own any minuet. But I was in denial to how bad Teddy was as well. I am so thankful we have a 3 year old boxer and a 9 year old cat. But the same, I am grieving and still feal a vold in our family. Time will heal the wounds and I'm glad I read you article because I probably if we had the money gone right out and bought a puppy. I have been worrying about it. Your article helped me not worry just know that the right time will come for all of us.
Thank you,
Amy Garcia” — Amy, May 23 2009

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