As pet owners, we form deep, loving bonds with our dogs. They are more than companions; they are family members who bring joy, loyalty, and unconditional love to our lives. Unfortunately, as our furry friends age or face serious illnesses, we are often confronted with difficult decisions, including when and if euthanasia might be the most compassionate choice. This blog is designed to help you assess your dog’s quality of life and provide guidance on navigating this challenging time with care and empathy.
Assessing Quality of Life
When evaluating your dog’s quality of life, it’s essential to consider their overall comfort, happiness, and ability to enjoy daily activities. Veterinary professionals often use a framework called the “HHHHHMM Scale,” which evaluates seven key aspects:
- Hurt: Is your dog experiencing unmanageable pain?
- Hunger: Can they eat enough to maintain their health?
- Hydration: Are they drinking enough water to stay hydrated?
- Hygiene: Can they keep themselves clean, or are they soiled frequently?
- Happiness: Does your dog show signs of joy, such as wagging their tail or enjoying favorite activities?
- Mobility: Can they move around without excessive difficulty?
- More Good Days Than Bad: Are they having more positive days than days filled with discomfort?
Monitoring these factors can help you and your veterinarian determine whether your dog’s quality of life is still acceptable or if their condition is deteriorating.
Making the Decision
Choosing euthanasia is one of the most heart-wrenching decisions a pet owner can face. However, it is also an act of love and compassion when a dog’s suffering outweighs their ability to enjoy life. Many pet owners feel guilt or uncertainty during this time. It’s important to lean on your veterinarian, who can provide medical insights and help you make a well-informed choice.
When considering euthanasia, ask yourself:
- Is my dog’s pain manageable?
- Are they still able to enjoy the things they once loved?
- Am I keeping them alive for their benefit, or because it is too hard to say goodbye?
There are no right or wrong answers, but reflecting on these questions can help you gain clarity.
Honoring the Human-Animal Bond
The bond between humans and their pets is profound. It’s a connection built on trust, love, and shared experiences. When facing the loss of a beloved pet, honoring this bond can provide comfort and healing. You might consider:
- Creating a memorial or tribute, such as planting a tree or crafting a photo album.
- Sharing stories and memories with loved ones.
- Keeping a special keepsake, like their collar or paw print.
These acts can help preserve the legacy of your dog’s life and the joy they brought to your family.
Talking to Children About Euthanasia
Children often form deep attachments to pets and may struggle to understand the concept of euthanasia. When discussing it with them, use simple and honest language:
- Explain that your dog is very sick or in pain and that euthanasia is a way to help them pass peacefully.
- Reassure them that their feelings of sadness or anger are normal.
- Encourage them to say goodbye in their own way, such as drawing a picture, writing a letter, or simply spending quiet time with the pet.
Avoid using phrases like “put to sleep,” which can be confusing for young children. Instead, focus on the idea that your dog will no longer feel pain and will rest peacefully.
Coping With Grief and Seeking Support
The grief of losing a pet can be profound and is often underestimated by others. Allow yourself to mourn in your own way and at your own pace. Talking with friends or family members who understand the human-animal bond can be comforting. If you find it difficult to process your emotions, consider seeking help from a grief counselor or joining a pet loss support group.
Veterinary clinics and animal shelters often have resources or can refer you to professionals who specialize in pet loss. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Deciding on euthanasia and saying goodbye to a beloved dog is never easy. By focusing on your dog’s quality of life, honoring the bond you shared, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate this emotional time with compassion and love. Remember, the decision to let your pet go is a reflection of the deep care and respect you have for them. It’s a final gift of kindness to a faithful friend who has given you so much.
Barks & Recreation is proud to feature Dr. Eileen Savier CVA, CVCH as our Veterinary Blogger in our “From the Vet” Series — offering information related to the health and welfare of your furry family members! Currently part of the team of doctors at Keystone Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Savier is a 2012 Graduate of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, She completed her clinical experience at The Ohio State University and after veterinary school she pursued further education and certification in Veterinary Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Fear Free veterinary visits. Dr. Savier has a special interest in integrative medicine, animal behavior, and internal medicine and is committed to improving animal health care by integrating Eastern and Western philosophies. She enjoys working with fearful & aggressive dogs and cats and she has had additional training in low stress handling techniques and encourages positive reinforcement during exams and procedures. Her clinical interests include pain management, animal behavior, geriatric patient care, and internal medicine.
Dr. Savier shares her home with two (soon to be three) dogs, two cats, and a toddler. She lovingly refers to her two dogs as Coconut Retrievers as they were rescue dogs she brought home from the island of St. Kitts. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and planning her next Disney vacation.
