We have all read news stories about controversies over killing animals for their fur, using animals in medical research, killing animals that have attacked and maimed people, and putting sick and/or old animals to sleep.
Some of the ideas about animals now parallel our beliefs about how to treat people. We are seeing that more people are participating in drug trials. More people are being executed under our present capital punishment laws. And assisted suicide remains a major issue in today's society.
Assisting injured, sick and elderly pets to die has always been an accepted practice. This accepted means to humanely alleviate the suffering of animals is referred to as euthanasia. You may also hear people call it, 'putting the animal to sleep' or 'putting the animal out of its misery'.
This is the hardest decision a pet owner will ever have to make about their pet. It is often a decision that must be made after many years of devoted love and companionship between owner and pet. Sometimes an owner will meet with judgmental condemnation concerning this matter from others. It takes courage to consider this option. It is always a good idea to seek the advice of your vet.
Be prepared to answer questions about your pet's behavior in recent weeks and days. Has your pet been eating and drinking liquids? Has your pet been as active as usual? Does your pet respond to you in his/her usual manner? Does your pet appear to be in pain? Is your pet's elimination of urine and feces normal? Has the pet been having accidents and using the bathroom in the house? Write down any information that you need to tell the vet.
After furnishing the vet with this information, the pet will need to be examined by the doctor. The vet can determine if the pet is suffering from a terminal illness, has an injury or illness that cannot be successfully treated, or if the animal is in continual discomfort that cannot be eased with medicine.
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