Euthanasia
Saying goodbye to a long-time friend is painful.
Euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will have to face. Although owners may recognize it as the right thing to do, euthanasia can be confusing and lead to overwhelming feelings of fear and guilt. Our staff at Linderman Animal Hospital work with clients to ensure their pets comfort and dignity. Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian questions or concerns you may have regarding end of life decisions.
It is inevitable that we will grieve for ourselves, but we must recognize that this is the ultimate loving act for our beloved companion animals. We should not be selfish but instead make the best decision for the well-being and comfort of our pet.
Many people worry they will not know when the time is right. Questions to ask yourself and take into consideration include:
- Does the pet still seem to enjoy life?
- Are they able to carry out normal body functions as before — eating, walking, and eliminating?
- Is the pet in pain?
- What is the medical prognosis?
- What are the treatment options & will they improve quality of life?
- Are you able to afford the cost of treatment?
When making the final decision it may be helpful to weigh the good days versus the bad days. When the bad override the good, it probably is the right time.
Linderman Animal Hospital offers home euthanasia to our existing clients to decrease stress for pets and owners, and for those pets too sick or debilitated to be brought to the clinic. We offer several after-care options including use of a cremation service, which allows owners to have pets’ ashes returned for spreading or in an urn.