VIP Advice
VIP Advice
Is It Time To Euthanize My Dog/Cat?
2 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
Is It Time To Euthanize My Dog/Cat?
2 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Jan 2019
WHEN IS IT TIME TO EUTHANIZE?
I have never had any pet parent regret making the decision to euthanize too soon, but I have heard many say they regret making the decision too late. Making the decision a little bit sooner than you want will be a great relief to you. Helping them a day too early is far better than helping them a second too late. You never want to be placed in an emergency situation that takes the decision away from you. See my article, A Natural Death For Pets, for more information on how an emergency situation effects their quality of death.
IS THERE REALLY A GOOD TIME TO EUTHANIZE?
The decision to euthanize isn’t black and white. There is a subjection time frame where euthanasia is an appropriate and good decision.
Before this timeframe, many veterinarians will feel morally opposed to euthanasia. After this time frame, veterinarians will strongly advocate for euthanasia because they believe there is prolonged suffering taking place.
There is a middle ground – a grey area. This subjective timeframe is when a veterinarian partners with you, your family and your pet to determine if we will go into hospice care or where, why and when we will bring a high quality end to your pet’s life.
HOW WILL I KNOW IT’S TIME TO EUTHANIZE?
You know your pet best. Some people just know when it is time and others need reassurance and guidance along the way. There is no easy road or path to follow when it comes to euthanizing your beloved family member. Being a pet parent during these final moments is difficult, but the loving bond between you will never be broken. Know that you are not alone and that it will take all of your love to give them the peaceful, calm, loving and high quality death they deserve.
If you still feel unsure and would like more guidance, you can use our Quality of Life Calculator to assess your pet’s current Quality of Life and get recommendations on how to improve it. You can also schedule a Quality of Life consultation online with one of our Veterinarians if you are looking for a more in-depth and intimate discussion on your pet’s individual and unique situation.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO EUTHANIZE?
I have never had any pet parent regret making the decision to euthanize too soon, but I have heard many say they regret making the decision too late. Making the decision a little bit sooner than you want will be a great relief to you. Helping them a day too early is far better than helping them a second too late. You never want to be placed in an emergency situation that takes the decision away from you. See my article, A Natural Death For Pets, for more information on how an emergency situation effects their quality of death.
IS THERE REALLY A GOOD TIME TO EUTHANIZE?
The decision to euthanize isn’t black and white. There is a subjection time frame where euthanasia is an appropriate and good decision.
Before this timeframe, many veterinarians will feel morally opposed to euthanasia. After this time frame, veterinarians will strongly advocate for euthanasia because they believe there is prolonged suffering taking place.
There is a middle ground – a grey area. This subjective timeframe is when a veterinarian partners with you, your family and your pet to determine if we will go into hospice care or where, why and when we will bring a high quality end to your pet’s life.
HOW WILL I KNOW IT’S TIME TO EUTHANIZE?
You know your pet best. Some people just know when it is time and others need reassurance and guidance along the way. There is no easy road or path to follow when it comes to euthanizing your beloved family member. Being a pet parent during these final moments is difficult, but the loving bond between you will never be broken. Know that you are not alone and that it will take all of your love to give them the peaceful, calm, loving and high quality death they deserve.
If you still feel unsure and would like more guidance, you can use our Quality of Life Calculator to assess your pet’s current Quality of Life and get recommendations on how to improve it. You can also schedule a Quality of Life consultation online with one of our Veterinarians if you are looking for a more in-depth and intimate discussion on your pet’s individual and unique situation.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
