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Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, but because of the deep bond the owner shares with them, it’s often difficult to determine the appropriate time to let go. In general, a reliable metric is that once an animal's quality of life has diminished significantly, pet euthanasia is usually the kindest, most loving thing you can do. Here are a few important factors to observe as you decide on the next step.

How to Determine Your Pet's Quality of Life

1. Monitor Their Pain Levels

Pets are experts at hiding their discomfort, but there are ways to see if they're in pain. They may take on worried or weary expressions, with wide eyes or furrowed brows. They might yelp or cry out when moving around or doing simple tasks, which can compel them to become less mobile.

Pets in pain—especially cats—will typically hide in an out-of-the-way place where they can't be disturbed by other pets or humans. If a pet has a diagnosed medical condition, your veterinarian can give you a good idea of whether or not they're in pain and if pet euthanasia makes the most sense.

2. Check Their Appetite

pet euthanasiaOnce they reach the end of their lives, many pets will stop eating, so this should serve as a red flag that something is seriously amiss with their health. Check how often you refill their food dish and how much, if any, amount they eat at each sitting.

Offer them treats they’ve previously enjoyed to see if they're interested. An extremely aged or ill pet who doesn't eat may be making the decision to let go—which can inform your own decision to let go as well.

3. Keep Tabs on Their Breathing

A variety of health issues can cause breathing trouble, from allergies and upper respiratory tract infections to cancers and cardiac issues. Depending on the cause, breathing trouble may be remedied with medications or oxygen therapy.

However, if breathing problems are present in an animal with cancer or congestive heart failure, the lungs are likely filling with fluid, and while this fluid can be extracted by a vet, it will almost certainly come back. An inability to breathe can be painful and distressing for a sick animal, and pet euthanasia might be the most merciful treatment you can offer them.

 

If an animal is in pain, not eating, or experiencing breathing difficulties, see if pet euthanasia is the logical next step. Sweet Dreams In-Home Pet Euthanasia has been serving the northern Metro Atlanta, GA, area for over 10 years. They offer compassionate in-home euthanasia and end-of-life pet care to ensure you do what’s best for your beloved companion. Call (770) 880-1596 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.

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