Euthanasia: Making the Decision – American Humane

While some pets die of old age in the comfort of their own home, many others become seriously ill, get injured in some way or experience a significantly diminished quality of life as they grow very old. In these situations, it may be necessary for you to consider having your pet euthanized in order to spare it from pain and suffering. Here are some suggestions for dealing with this difficult decision, as well as some information about the euthanasia procedure itself.

Talk to your veterinarian. He or she is the best-qualified person to help guide you through this difficult process. In some cases, your veterinarian may be able to tell you definitively that it is time to euthanize your pet, but in other cases, you may ultimately need to make the decision based on your observances of your pets behavior and attitude. Here are some signs that may indicate your pet is suffering or no longer enjoying a good quality of life:

Once you have made this very difficult decision, you will also need to decide how and where you and your family will say the final goodbye.

Making the decision to say goodbye to a beloved pet is stressful, and your anxiety can often be exacerbated if you do not know what to expect during the euthanasia procedure.

Your veterinarian can offer you a variety of options for your pets final resting place.

Read the rest here:

Euthanasia: Making the Decision - American Humane