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Deciding When Its Time To Say Goodbye

Thomas Carpenter, DVM, of The Newport Harbor Animal Hospital in California, believes making an end of life decision for a pet is a team effort between veterinarian and client.

To help owners with this difficult decision, Carpenter asks them a series of questions to determine the pet’s comfort level and quality of life.

The questions are meant to spark a discussion, he said. From there, they work together to sort out the answers.

“It makes it easier to deal with the grief process afterwards if you have a good understanding of what all your options are prior to making the decision,” said Carpenter, who is also president-elect of the American Animal Hospital Association.

The questions include:

Is your dog eating and drinking normally?

Is she acting like herself? For example, does she still greet you at the door after work, or seek your attention?

Does she pay attention to what’s happening around her?

Is she more lethargic than normal?

Is there evidence of pain? This may include reluctance or vocalization when she moves, or guarding her body against being touched in certain areas.

At that point, if he and his clients feel the dog is in pain, or her quality of life has diminished, steps are taken to determine what’s causing it. This gives them a better idea if the situation is a long or short term problem.

“We don’t want them to make a decision based on a sudden or acute illness, necessarily, if we think it’s something we can help,” he said.

Also taken into account is the owner’s personal and financial situation.

“Cost is kept in mind, if it is an issue for the owner and we try to come up with reasonable options, keeping the (pet’s) quality of life as the most important item,” he said.

If euthanasia is chosen, Carpenter offers grief counseling afterward, both by phone and in the office. He also provides clients with additional resources, such as pet loss hotlines and websites.

“It is important for them to know that there is help available and they don't have to grieve alone,” he said.

~ Staff, SeniorDogs.com

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