Probably the most difficult decision dog owners will ever have to make is whether or not to euthanize their beloved little friend. We really do not want them to leave us, but we know it might be better for them. But when, we wonder, is the right moment to make that call?
But how could there be a "perfect" time for an act like this? There simply isn't, no matter how much we wish there was. And, yet, many dog lovers, who acted out of pure love when letting go of their friends, do feel guilty.
The emotion of guilt is something that many dog owners do not expect. So before making the decision to euthanize your dog, do yourself the favor to fully understand the stages of grief that you will likely be going through after you euthanize your dog.
Being prepared for your feelings and having a better understanding of the grieving process will put you in a position where you do not start doubting whether it was a good decision or not.
Perhaps it is easy to know it is time to euthanize if your dog is suffering, in pain or immobile. A dog hurt in an accident or dying from a terminal illness needs your love by letting him or her go, so your pet doesn't have to go through a slow, painful disease.
Euthanizing a dog in such a condition would be an expression of love, mercy, and kindness. But please beware, many dog owners still feel guilty wondering whether it would have been better to do so sooner.
Doubts often eat themselves into dog owners' minds. They start questioning whether some different treatment could maybe have saved their dog. So guilt my still come into play, even if there is no rational explanation for it.
But what if the decision to euthanize a dog is not as clear cut as when he is experiencing excruciating pain? In my opinion, it then comes down to the quality of life.
So what are signs to look for? Well, if your dog stops walking around, is nearly immobile, has lost his sight or hearing or both, and generally seems to be pretty out of it, then maybe, just maybe, he would be better off somewhere else.
But how could there be a "perfect" time for an act like this? There simply isn't, no matter how much we wish there was. And, yet, many dog lovers, who acted out of pure love when letting go of their friends, do feel guilty.
The emotion of guilt is something that many dog owners do not expect. So before making the decision to euthanize your dog, do yourself the favor to fully understand the stages of grief that you will likely be going through after you euthanize your dog.
Being prepared for your feelings and having a better understanding of the grieving process will put you in a position where you do not start doubting whether it was a good decision or not.
Perhaps it is easy to know it is time to euthanize if your dog is suffering, in pain or immobile. A dog hurt in an accident or dying from a terminal illness needs your love by letting him or her go, so your pet doesn't have to go through a slow, painful disease.
Euthanizing a dog in such a condition would be an expression of love, mercy, and kindness. But please beware, many dog owners still feel guilty wondering whether it would have been better to do so sooner.
Doubts often eat themselves into dog owners' minds. They start questioning whether some different treatment could maybe have saved their dog. So guilt my still come into play, even if there is no rational explanation for it.
But what if the decision to euthanize a dog is not as clear cut as when he is experiencing excruciating pain? In my opinion, it then comes down to the quality of life.
So what are signs to look for? Well, if your dog stops walking around, is nearly immobile, has lost his sight or hearing or both, and generally seems to be pretty out of it, then maybe, just maybe, he would be better off somewhere else.
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