subject: When To Put A Pet To Sleep - 5 Steps To Help Determine When Is It Time [print this page] Many of us see our pet as a very real member of the family. We provide nourishment, enjoy play and exercise time, talk to, and sometimes even sleep with our pet. Because of the intensity of this relationship, when he/she sustains a severe injury, has a debilitating disease, or shows painful signs of aging, it can be very difficult to know when to put a pet to sleep.
To better evaluate your pet's quality of life, it can help to discuss any medical concerns with your veterinarian. The veterinarian can give you information that will allow you make the best decision possible. You can learn about the end result of a terminal illness or condition, and be aware of what is likely to happen as time goes on, and the costs involved for further treatment.
Most pet owners will be able to tell a good day from a bad day for their pet. In trying to decide when to put a pet to sleep, if there are more good days than bad, then perhaps the time has not come yet. Keeping track of the days for a week or a month can help identify any patterns.
The following five steps can help to determine when it may be time to put your pet to sleep:
1) eating pattern - try different foods to improve your pet's desire to eat - not eating can cause malnutrition and loss of strength
2) bowel and bladder control - if your pet has no control over bodily functions, sitting in urine or stool can cause a rash or infection - for a pet that takes pride in cleanliness, incontinence can create much stress
3) bowel habits - diarrhea or constipation are a symptom of an unhealthy digestive system
4) human interaction - does your pet show signs of enjoyment being with you and recognize who you are?
5) observe your pet's movements - can he/she get around easily and pain free?
Knowing when it is time to put a pet to sleep is something none of us wants to think about, however, if we see our pet suffering needlessly, it may be time to evaluate what their quality of life is.
