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| For many owners, our pets are loved and cared for like any other member of the family. They are included in family pictures, they receive gifts on their birthdays and holidays, and if they can’t vacation with us they are often sent to their own special “camp” or pet “spa.” It is no wonder, then, that we struggle when these animals reach the end of their lives. Our pets trust us to do what is right for them. But determining what is in their best interests can be difficult, especially amidst all the emotions involved. Generally speaking, pets have a shorter life expectancy than that of their human owners. Dogs, for example, live an average of 12.8 years, although different breeds are considered to be geriatric at different ages. The Irish wolfhound has a life expectancy of six to eight years, while dogs like the Chihuahua and Maltese usually live to be more than 15 years old. In the case of purebred dogs, a broad rule of thumb is that the heavier the dog the shorter its life expectancy. Mixed breeds, however, usually live longer than their purebred counterparts. This is thought to be the result of a varied family lineage. Of course, there are a number of factors at work when it comes to the actual number of years a pet will live. Like their human counterparts, some pass sooner than their expected life span due to accidents or disease, while others live much longer due to a combination of luck, good genes, and appropriate preventative care. The American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org) reports that, “Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age.” Other causes of death for our pets include household hazards such as poisonous cleaners and other chemicals, untreated parasites like heartworm, and organ failure including kidney and heart disease. Pets are very good at camouflaging illness. The American Animal Hospital Association (healthypet.com) explains, “To protect themselves from predators, animals naturally hide their pain. Your pet may be suffering even though he isn’t showing obvious signs.” The organization adds that owners can look for clues in their pet’s body language such as abnormal chewing habits; severe weight gain or loss; avoiding regular affection and handling (or even hiding to avoid painful contact); decreased movement and exercise; and problems with incontinence. If your pet has a progressive disease, is in discomfort or pain, and successful treatment is unavailable or not recommended, euthanasia is something to discuss with your veterinarian. According to the ASPCA (aspca.org), “Euthanasia provides a painless, peaceful end for a pet who would otherwise continue to suffer.” The organization further explains, “During the procedure, your vet will inject your pet with a sedative followed by a special medication. The animal experiences no awareness of the end of life—the process is akin to undergoing general anesthesia for a surgical procedure and takes about 10 to 20 seconds.” Making the choice to euthanize a pet is never easy, but understanding some of your options to ease its suffering can clarify what is in the animal’s best interests. The ASPCA suggests that owners be as aware as possible of their pet’s condition. It recommends, “With your vet’s help, figure out the signs of a good day as compared to a bad day and keep a record of how often the signs of pain appear. If you observe that moments of discomfort outweigh his capacity to enjoy life it is time to euthanize, even if your pet still experiences pleasure in eating or socializing. If your pet is in pain, your main goal should be to minimize his suffering.” Being sure to seek out a good veterinarian to help you and your pet through these end-of-life events is paramount. If you already have a good relationship with your vet, be sure to consult with him or her first. While euthanizing a pet is often done in a veterinarian’s office or animal hospital, many vets today are able to perform the procedure in another setting such as your home or even your vehicle if it is more comfortable. Whether you want to be with your pet during the procedure or you wish to say goodbye beforehand, your veterinarian should be supportive of your decision. When a pet passes away, the owner is still responsible for the body of the animal. In many places, it is still acceptable to bury a pet on your property. If you choose to do this, be sure there are no local laws against it. It is becoming more popular for owners and friends to hold a more formal memorial service or ritual after a pet dies, which is often very therapeutic. Some owners choose to have their pet cremated. They scatter the ashes in a special place or even keep them in a dedicated urn. Most states also have pet cemeteries. Here a pet can be buried and rest undisturbed, which can give owners peace of mind. (Be sure the cemetery is located on dedicated land.) Many veterinarians will accept your pet’s remains and cremate them as part of a group of animals. The cremated remains are not returned to the individual owners in this case, but are buried or disposed of together. Again, a good veterinarian can advise you of what choices are available in your local area. It is always difficult when a loved one passes away, and losing a pet is no different. Grief after a pet’s death may show itself as anger, sadness, confusion, or a combination of these emotions. Your life changed when your pet came into it, and your life will change again when it is gone. Displaying your dog’s collar or making a donation to a local animal rescue organization in your pet’s name are just a couple of ways to honor your pet and help you mourn its passing. There are a number of organizations that can offer support and assistance through this type of grief, including a hotline affiliated with the ASPCA. Of course, veterinarians are also familiar with this kind of emotional pain. They should be able to suggest other avenues of support. |
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