Euthanising pets – an essential act of love

If you own a pet, you need to be ready to say goodbye to them at some point of their life. Hopefully, this doesn't happen before they have lived a long, healthy and happy life with you – however, sometimes illness and injury can get in the way. Euthanasia can be heartbreaking. But it is also a final act of love.

Why euthanasia might be necessary

Deciding to end your pet’s life is far from easy, when they have brought you endless amounts of love and joy. If your pet is suffering and medical treatment is no longer an option, euthanasia might be the only other alternative.

According to the Australian Veterinary Association, “Euthanasia is the act of inducing humane death with the minimum of pain, fear or distress to the animal involved. It is most often used with terminally unwell or injured animals, where the prognosis is considered hopeless, and should also be considered for animals with intractable behaviour problems.” 

Euthanising your pet is an extremely tough decision to make, but ultimately it can save them from further pain and discomfort. Your vet can’t make the decision to euthanise for you, but they can help you decide when and how to do it, and provide you with other support and services such as cremation.

How to prepare for euthanasia

The purpose of euthanasia is to provide a pain-free and gentle death. At times, making this decision might be urgent. The euthanasia might happen at a vet clinic or in your home (or in the case of large animals, in their yard / stable).

“Ask your veterinarian to talk frankly with you, and consider getting a second opinion if you’re in doubt. Make sure that you’re not prolonging your animal friend’s suffering because of your own fear of letting go. The tendency is to wait too long, at the expense of the animal you love.” – PETA

What to do afterwards

It’s important that you look after yourself, your family as well as other pets in your home following the event. Emotions will probably be running high, so give yourself the opportunity to grieve.

“The feelings may be a mixture of grief, relief, guilt, or simply a practical approach of necessity.  There is no wrong way to grieve over the loss of a pet or the decisions you make.” – Greencross Vets.

For most people, pets are a member of the family and nothing less. The loss of a pet is definitely not to be underestimated. If you or someone you know has just said goodbye to a pet, check out this factsheet from PETA about loss here.

Article sources: 

https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/animal-companion-factsheets/euthanasia-compassionate-option/

https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/euthanasia/euthanasia/

https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/pet-library/articles-of-interest/how-will-i-know-when-is-the-right-time/