Euthanasia – how will we know when it is time?

The decision to euthanase a pet is hard. I write this recently having euthanased my own elderly cat, so I know this very well. My own experience of a slowly declining, mildly unwell cat made me think a lot about the question “when is it time for euthanasia?”

The advice given will vary from vet to vet and policies differ from clinic to clinic, so I will write this from a personal point of view with 30 years in the veterinary field.

I work from the premise that clients have a bond of love with their pets and are always looking to do the right thing for their animal. I also recognise that we all have different perspectives on what the right thing is. I think we can all agree that we do not want our pets to suffer. 

Now for the difficult part to work out whether our pets are suffering. 

The Oxford definition of suffering; “the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.” Suffering can be short-term and severe, which are easier to make decisions about, particularly when we can see a solution and easing of the suffering in sight. It can also be long term and not seem severe, which are the harder cases to make decisions about in my experience.

I often ask clients to have a family meeting and determine what their pet always loves – shaking of the food container for the food-oriented animals or getting out a lead in preparation for a walk. 

Some animals seek out family for cuddles and changes in this behaviour are notable – cats, may hide away and not want any interaction.

I advise that when your pet stops doing their “one thing”, that is a good indication that they are not enjoying life anymore and it is time to consider euthanasia.