When should my pet be euthanized?
It is never an easy decision deciding when it is time to say goodbye to your pet. It is a joint decision made by owner and veterinarian. Euthanasia is often discussed when the medical problem affecting a pet progresses and the pet is unlikely to make a recovery. Euthanasia is done to end your pet’s suffering. While this is a tough decision for both owner and vet to make, it is important to recognize that it might be the kindest thing to be done in a pet’s final stage in life.
Euthanasia should hardly ever be done for non-medical reasons. Recently in Singapore, there has been an uproar over a social media post about a dog that was euthanized for aggressive behaviour. For dogs that are aggressive and have the potential to cause harm to family members or children at home, the following measures should be taken:
1) Sterilization.
A dog that is unsterilized is likely to be territorial and behavioural issues
2) Behaviour training
Engage a dog trainer to help with behaviour modification. Be present during dog training as well to continue with these methods once the trainer leaves.
3) Rehoming
Place the pet up for adoption and rehome with experienced owners.
If all of the above fail and the pet is still causing grievous hurt to its family members, then only should euthanasia be considered.
How is euthanasia done?
An intravenous catheter is placed into the vein of your pet to ensure that the drug can be administered safely and smoothly. A sedative is usually given to ensure that the animal is calm and not in pain. The euthanasia solution commonly used is a drug called pentobarbital. It is an anesthetic drug that is given at a much higher dose than normal. This results in a rapid loss of consciousness and suppresses the organ functions quickly. Your pet will not feel anything and the process is often so smooth and causes no distress to pet and owners. After your pet’s heart stops beating, the muscles start to relax and this can result in urination and defecation. Muscle twitching can sometimes continue even after the pet has passed on due to chemicals from nerve endings being released. Your pet may experience intermittent breathing for some minutes even after death has occurred. Your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart to confirm that it has stopped.
When is it time to put my pet down?
At Oasis Vet, we weigh a number of factors prior to making this decision:
How is their current quality of life?
How are the symptoms going to progress from here on?
As a family are you able to nurse your pet as her condition deteriorates and ensure that she is kept as comfortable as possible?
Is your pet experiencing chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication?
Is your pet having diarrhea and vomiting resulting in weight loss?
Is your pet not eating on its own?
Is your pet having trouble breathing?
Your Pet’s Final Resting Place
Your veterinarian can offer you some some options for your pet’s resting place. In land scarce Singapore, cremation is a popular option. Pet owners can choose to keep their pet ashes. A choice of urns can also be made.