Most of us agree that pets are family. So naturally, the hardest part of pet ownership is recognizing when it’s time to say goodbye. And like so many things in life, the hardest decisions are made easier with knowledge. So, when is it the right time?
The American Kennel Club says, “the overwhelming joy of having pets is unfortunately accompanied by the inevitable sadness that comes with ending their lives.” We all want to do right by our pet and eventually, that means being cognizant of a deteriorating quality of life. Are they reluctant to go on walks? Climb stairs at bedtime? There are varying levels of distress for our pets as they grow older or are diagnosed with a terminal illness, and talking through options with family members and your veterinarian will help. There’s a reason it’s called “humane euthanasia”–your pet’s decline in health and happiness can happen quickly and one of our responsibilities as their caretakers is to alleviate suffering in their final days.
Just how do you know? The answer is different for everyone but the “Quality of Life Scale” can help take the emotion out of the decision. The scale, also known as HHHHHMM, shifts the focus from the pet caregiver’s feelings of heartbreak, regret, and guilt to the pet’s well-being: is life worth living anymore? The scoring system, from 0 (for bad) to 10 (for normal), allows us to assess basic criteria of a quality life. The five Hs in the name stand for hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, and happiness, while the Ms represent mobility and “more good days than bad days.” In the end, that’s what it’s really about–do the bad days outweigh the good days? Unlike humans, our pets live for the now, not the future. If they are in continuous pain or suffering, peaceful and painless humane euthanasia may be the best option. Owners sometimes consider allowing their pet to die “naturally,” and oftentimes they regret the decision. The dying process can be long and painful, and watching your pet suffer can be even more difficult than the decision to euthanize. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, but prolonging their life to avoid having to make a tough decision is rarely the best option. Instead, focus on making most of your pet’s final days meaningful by doing their favorite things, which may be as simple as quiet time side by side.
In day-to-day living with your pet, watch for behavior changes. A dog whose favorite part of the day was mealtime but now refuses to eat may be in quiet distress. This might be the most telling key to whether or not your pet’s quality of life is on the decline. You should look for signs of cognitive dysfunction, excessive crying or panting that could be a result of pain, and even defensive and aggressive behavior. An inability to move freely or needing assistance to get outside is definitely a consideration. All of these are contributing factors to making a decision that alleviates unnecessary pain and suffering.
The idea of facing your life without your beloved pet at your side is daunting, and it’s never easy. But sometimes the kindest, most generous action you can take for your friend is recognizing that it’s time to say goodbye.