At some point, many canine owners may be faced with the tough decision of whether or not to euthanize their beloved pets. It can be difficult because pets grow attached to their owners and vice versa. It is not uncommon for individuals and families to take their pets with them on vacation and out for recreational fun. Dogs truly live up to being "man's best friend."  

There are a few situations that may warrant euthanasia being a wise decision. It can be painful to watch a pet's health decline due to old age, disease, or both. Some pet owners may get a recommendation from their vet to euthanize their pets. This can be disheartening, and the final decision will be up to the owner. Individuals who struggle with accepting whether it is necessary can do like humans who have loved ones on life support and get a second opinion. The following points identify a few factors that canine owners can keep in mind when considering euthanasia for their pets. 

Veterinarian Opinion(s)

Vets love pets. It's one of the primary reasons many of them chose their profession. They will be empathetic and cautious about any suggestions to consider euthanasia. The decision not will be forced on pet owners. Most euthanizations are done by appointment. This usually gives pet owners time to spend with their canines and prepare their goodbyes. Some pet owners use the time to plan for pet cremations or burials, which vet services can offer advice on. Some vets offer cremation services.

Changes in Behavior

There are a number of behaviors that may suggest a dog could benefit from euthanasia. Some pets may start to show aggression if they have conditions such as rabies or genetic disorders. Some pets may stop eating, which is a telltale sign of aging or disease. Veterinarians have a variety of diagnostic tests they can use to determine if a disease exists. Older dogs may get bone and joint conditions such as arthritis that cause them too much pain to be active. This can lead to them becoming withdrawn or yelping to indicate their pain. 

Terminal or Treatable Health Conditions

A heartworm disease diagnosis may mean that a dog will not survive. If they do, their quality of life is likely to be severely impacted by the disease. This is why many pet owners opt for euthanasia. The thought of their pets being sick and dying in pain is too much for them to bear. Some dogs also get diagnoses such as cancer that is too advanced for it to possibly go into remission.

Veterinarians are a good resource to use to get answers and stay informed about euthanasia options. Pet owners may choose to be present during the procedure or decline.

To learn more, contact an animal hospital near you. 

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