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Thu, 05/22/2008 - 9:54am
Euthanasia is one of the toughest decisions pet owners face. Whether due to slowly debilitating disease, severe illness, or a traumatic accident, this is always a poignant time for the family, even when it's the right thing to do. How will you know when its time to say goodbye to your beloved elderly dog whose arthritis seems more prevalent this year than ever before? First, consult with your veterinarian about your particular pet's condition. There are many situations that may be treatable.
A complete physical exam and other tests, like blood work and radiographs, may be warranted. Some early signs of possible illness include: excessive water drinking, abnormal urination, changes in appetite, lameness, vomiting or diarrhea, weight loss, a new lump, or anything that seems odd for your pet.
Elderly dogs sometimes experience changes in attitude, confusion, or night waking. Of course, there are diseases and conditions that, despite the best care we humans can offer, cannot be altered. There's a lot we can do to alleviate discomfort, but there comes a point where that no longer is effective enough.
Signs to watch for to tell you the time may be near are an inability to enjoy normal things in life, inability to get up, uncontrollable pain, lack of appetite, inability to control bowel or urine functions, or a loss of your pet's dignity. Your pet's doctor should help you closely through this difficult time; that's a very important part of our jobs.
Average life of cats: 12 to 16 years
Average life of dogs: 8 to 15 years
Next month: Preparing your children for the loss of your family pet
Monica Mansfield is a small animal veterinarian who practices at the Medway Animal Hospital in Medway. She is the author of a veterinary memoir titled "The Black Panties: Tales of Animal Mischief and Veterinary Intrigue" These are stories from her first year in practice twenty years ago in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Family Pet
Knowing the signs: When it may be time to say goodbye
By Monica MansfieldEuthanasia is one of the toughest decisions pet owners face. Whether due to slowly debilitating disease, severe illness, or a traumatic accident, this is always a poignant time for the family, even when it's the right thing to do. How will you know when its time to say goodbye to your beloved elderly dog whose arthritis seems more prevalent this year than ever before? First, consult with your veterinarian about your particular pet's condition. There are many situations that may be treatable.A complete physical exam and other tests, like blood work and radiographs, may be warranted. Some early signs of possible illness include: excessive water drinking, abnormal urination, changes in appetite, lameness, vomiting or diarrhea, weight loss, a new lump, or anything that seems odd for your pet.
Elderly dogs sometimes experience changes in attitude, confusion, or night waking. Of course, there are diseases and conditions that, despite the best care we humans can offer, cannot be altered. There's a lot we can do to alleviate discomfort, but there comes a point where that no longer is effective enough.
Signs to watch for to tell you the time may be near are an inability to enjoy normal things in life, inability to get up, uncontrollable pain, lack of appetite, inability to control bowel or urine functions, or a loss of your pet's dignity. Your pet's doctor should help you closely through this difficult time; that's a very important part of our jobs.
Average life of cats: 12 to 16 years
Average life of dogs: 8 to 15 years
Next month: Preparing your children for the loss of your family pet
Monica Mansfield is a small animal veterinarian who practices at the Medway Animal Hospital in Medway. She is the author of a veterinary memoir titled "The Black Panties: Tales of Animal Mischief and Veterinary Intrigue" These are stories from her first year in practice twenty years ago in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire.
