In-home pet euthanasia
Euthanasia is never an easy decision. We have included information to help you determine when it’s time to choose euthanasia, what to expect during the home visit, and how to prepare your home.
How do I know when it's time?
Choosing to euthanize your pet is never an easy decision. Your entire time together has been spent creating fond memories and keeping each other safe and happy. That’s why no one knows your pet better than you. However, if you are unsure and haven’t pursued a medical work-up of your pet’s condition, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. At this time, discuss your pet’s quality of life. Based on the symptoms, age of your pet, and likely underlying causes, he or she can support you in making the decision to proceed diagnostically and/or therapeutically or re-direct toward a goal of keeping your pet comfortable, until this is no longer possible.
When there is no reasonable hope for improvement, then it is likely time to intervene humanely, if your pet’s:
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Pain is uncontrollable
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Breathing is so difficult it’s the main focus
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Anorectic for 2-3 days or unwilling to drink for more than 1 day
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Unable to move and intensive nursing care isn’t an option
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Unable to defecate or urinate
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Mental impairment is causing severe behavioral changes
Be comforted that you are making
the right decision.
In general, it is rare for folks to feel like they scheduled the end of their pet’s suffering too early. If there is regret, it is almost always that they waited too long. When the good days don’t make up for the bad ones and you wouldn’t want to live with the quality of life your pet has, you know it’s time. There will be no perfect hour, but please know that you are making the best decision you can based on the information you have; and that is good enough.
Have more questions? Contact Dr. Lusk for a consultation.