Deciding when it is time for euthanasia
It can be very difficult to decide whether it is time for euthanasia
It is often difficult to tell whether a dog is in pain or suffering. If your dog has been diagnosed with a spinal condition such as intervertebral disc disease, fibrocartilaginous embolism or degenerative myelopathy you may be faced with the possibility of lifelong paralysis.
Your vet should be able to help you to determine if your dog is in pain. Some dogs who have spinal pain can be well controlled with medications such as NSAIDS like Metacam, Rimadyl, Deramaxx or Previcox. Sometimes we will add a medication called Tramadol which is quite effective for pain as well. There are also narcotic medications that may help. By far, your veterinarian is the best resource you have to determine whether it is time for euthanasia.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a condition causing possibly permanent paralysis or weakness, I urge you to consider the use of a dog wheelchair. Many dogs can get around extremely well with a wheelchair and live quite happy lives.
Here is a video that shows several dogs running, playing and generally having fun in their wheelchairs:
Here are some general guidelines I give to people to help them with their decisions in regards to euthanasia:
- Is your dog’s appetite suffering? If so, this is often a sign of pain.
- Do you feel that your dog is enjoying life? Does he or she still do the things that give him or her joy?
- Are you enjoying having your dog still?
- Do you find that your dog is happy more often than not? Or do you find that he or she looks distressed or uncomfortable most of the time?
These guidelines can help you to make your decision. In my experience most owners just know when it is time. If you are still unsure…then it is not time.
If you would like help in deciding whether it is time for euthanasia, you can ASK DR. MARIE A VET QUESTION.
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