When to Let go your Dog

We love our dogs so much that we want them to live forever. Sadly, this isn’t how nature works. So when the time comes, it’s important for you to be there for him, to make his passing as easy for him as possible.

Euthanasia is something we don’t like to have to think about, but it’s best to be prepared before it actually happens. It is simple and painless procedure that your vet will perform when you’ve decided it’s time. It results in a peaceful and dignified death. Some pet’s lovers view euthanasia as one of the greatest gifts we can give to a suffering pet. But it’s understandable that most people find, when it comes to the time, that letting go is very hard to do.

“Euthanasia is unquestionably the most difficult decision any pet owner will ever have to make,” says Dr. Brownstein. “Most of us wish our pets would simply pass away in their sleep, which would allow us not to have to face the issue. Unfortunately, this rarely happens.” More often, the dog’s quality of life deteriorates, and the owners start to see that the dog is having more bad days than good. When this happens, it’s time to discuss euthanasia with the vet.

“The key question every pet owner has to ask of themselves is whether their beloved pet still has dignity is free of pain and has a good quality of life,” says Dr. Brownstein.

Before you begin trying to make any decisions, talk to your vet. “Have a consultation either by phone or in person to discuss the issues at hand,” says Dr. Brooks. She emphasizes that it’s important to have this discussion before going through the process of deciding, since you may find that the problem your dog is having isn’t so bad after all, and may even be curable.

There is support for people who lose their pets, and also for those who are trying to decide about euthanasia. “Today, pet loss and pet grieving are recognized by the human medical community and there are numerous support groups and specialists who can help you deal with this most difficult time, both before and after losing your pet,” explains Dr. Brownstein. Do what feels right to you, and is best for him.