When is it "time"? - A Guide to Pet Euthanasia

What is euthanasia?

The word "euthanasia" originates from Greek, meaning a peaceful or "good death." Veterinarians use humane methods, typically an intravenous injection, to ensure animals pass without pain or distress.  “Euthanasia is the act or practice of ending a life in a painless and humane manner by injecting a medication that stops the heart from beating.”.

Often, euthanasia occurs when the pet’s quality of life has declined, due to age or disease, and cannot be restored. Sometimes this is because treating a medical condition would require more resources than the family can give.

When is the right time to euthanise a pet?

Deciding to euthanize a beloved pet is never easy. It’s a deeply emotional choice that involves evaluating the pet’s well-being, the owner’s capacity to provide care, and the broader context of the situation. To help make the decision more manageable, consider the following key factors:

Quality of Life Assessment

Use tools like the HHHHHMM Scale to evaluate:

  • Hurt – Is the pet in pain, even with medication?

  • Hunger – Is the pet eating voluntarily and maintaining weight?

  • Hydration – Is the pet drinking or requiring fluids?

  • Hygiene – Can the pet stay clean, or are they soiling themselves?

  • Happiness – Does the pet still enjoy interaction and activities?

  • Mobility – Can the pet move around or get up on their own?

  • More good days than bad – Are positive experiences outweighing suffering?

If suffering becomes consistent and quality of life is poor, euthanasia may be the kindest option.

In addition to the pet’s condition, reflect on:

  • Emotional readiness
    Is the client emotionally able to care for a sick or dying pet? Are they prepared for the grief that follows?

  • Financial reality
    Can they afford ongoing or advanced veterinary treatments? Would the financial strain affect the client’s family or the pet’s comfort?

  • Ability to provide care
    Do they have the time and energy to continue round-the-clock care? Is caregiving affecting the client’s own well-being?

What to expect during the euthanasia process 

The first step will be placement of an intravenous catheter in your pet’s vein. This step allows for easy administration of sedation and/or the euthanasia solution. The veterinary team may take your pet to a treatment room temporarily while placing the IV, or they may do it in the room with the client present. Some clinics may elect to sedate before administering the euthanasia solution, while others may not. 

When you are ready, the veterinarian will administer the euthanasia solution. After which, there are a few bodily activities that can occur:

  • Your pet may urinate and/or defecate

  • Your pet may take a few, deep, last breaths

  • Your pet may experience body movements, like twitching

  • Your pet may vocalize

Because your pet is unconscious when these bodily activities occur, these are not signs that your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort.

Lastly, the veterinarian will listen with a stethoscope to ensure that your pet’s heart is no longer beating. You can then leave the room or choose to spend additional time saying goodbye to your pet.

Aftercare and memorial options

Following euthanasia, veterinary nurses will help to gently clean your pet if necessary, and remove any intravenous catheter that was placed. Then, depending on whether you are burying your pet at home, having your pet cremated or are still undecided, a few different things may happen. 

If you have decided to bury your pet at home or if your pet is being cremated and you are taking your pet’s body directly to the crematorium yourself, the veterinary team will help you to place its body in a towel or blanket in a curled position, as if it were sleeping. When rigor mortis sets in after a few hours, your pet’s body will stiffen and it can make burial more labour-intensive if your pet is lying on their side.

If your veterinary practice is arranging cremation for you, then your pet’s body will be kept at the veterinary practice until it is picked up by the crematorium and brought to the facility in their own transport. Pick-up timing will vary, depending on the arrangement that your practice has with the crematorium. 

Many veterinary clinics provide owners with keepsakes created after the euthanasia to help them hold their pet’s memories close. For example, they may make an impression of the pet’s paw print in a piece of clay or using ink on paper, or they may clip a lock of the pet’s hair.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is often one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner can make. However, euthanasia is a compassionate choice that can prevent further suffering.

Done by: Nurse Alex