When is it time?

A difficult and important decision

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Euthanizing a beloved animal is one of the most difficult decisions an owner has to make. One wants to be sure that it is the right time. Finding answers to the following questions can be helpful: Does the animal still have quality of life? Can it move without great pain? Does it still enjoy eating and playing? Does it still take part in family life and does it usually seem relaxed? Does it suffer? A pain questionnaire and pain diaries can be useful. For professional advice, your vet of trust or me are happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

When is it time

Nobody knows your animal like you do. Therefore it is not always easy even for a veterinarian to answer this question 100%, especially if he or she has not been caring for your animal over a long period of time. Our dogs and cats show pain and discomfort in many subtle ways. A lot of them would cry out or vocalize only in extreme situations of pain.

In order to be able to perceive and assess these subtle clues better, there are now a large number of so-called pain questionnaires and pain diaries for animals. These are tools to assess the quality of life of our four-legged friends day by day on the basis of objective parameters. At regular intervals it is then possible to see whether and to what extent the quality of life of your animal has changed.

You as the owner know your animal best. A snapshot can sometimes be misleading, but I will try to get a better overall impression by talking to you in detail. I will perform a full physical examination. If I then come to the conclusion that we can still improve its quality of life significantly, I will discuss the possibilities of Palliative Care with you. Together we will find a way that feels good and right for you.

No, it definitely doesn't have to. When we know that our animal is terminally ill and that its quality of life is continuously deteriorating, that it will be in increasing pain, I find it legitimate to act according to the following guiding principle: "I would rather help a friend a month early than an hour late. We all want to prevent our animals from suffering. The possibility of euthanasia (Greek: beautiful death) helps to achieve this. A farewell is so much more peaceful for everyone if your beloved animal is allowed to pass away on one of its "good" days.

Natural death is often equated with a peaceful passing passing. Sometimes that is the case, oftentimes it is not. Natural death is unpredictable. Sometimes it comes suddenly, sometimes it lasts for many hours or even days. As such, natural death cannot be planned. It may strike us completely unprepared. With planned euthanasia, you are giving yourself and your pet the possibility to say goodbye in a way that feels right to you. Maybe you have a bucket list with your furry pal. A last ride to the beach? You can consciously take time for each other. The whole family has the chance to gather and say goodbye. With in-home euthanasia you are enabled to choose a loving and peaceful end of your precious time together.

I need more time

If you are not yet ready to consider euthanasia your four-legged friend, you may want to learn more about the possibilities of Palliative Care. As long as the well-being of your animal is guaranteed by these treatments, we can try to give you the time you need to be sure of your decision.