Animals: Large and Small

Your beloved pet has been with you for years and given you the best years of their life, but our pets aren't meant to be with us forever, even if this is exactly what we would want. If your pet is getting older, you do have to start thinking about whether their time is coming to an end with you and if you are going to at some point euthanize your pet so he can leave you in a humane, calm and planned manner. If you aren't sure if it's time to euthanize your pet, read on for helpful information you can use as a guide.

1. Your Pets Age

Your pet's age should be a factor when thinking of euthanizing your pet. If you have a large breed dog that usually only lives until 9 or 10 and your pet is even older than this and has failing health on top of it, it may be time. You may not be able to extend their life for much longer, and even if you can, how much life do they actually have left in them? Don't extend their life if they aren't exactly doing much living. If your pet has lived out their best years already and hasn't been well lately, talk to your veterinarian about euthanizing your pet.

2. You Pet Is Living Just For You

If your pet is staying alive just for you, meaning they aren't having any fun anymore, isn't playful, isn't running around, doesn't play with their toys, and doesn't get excited when you come home anymore, it may be time to euthanize your pet. It may be that your pet is simply living and not really "living." In this case, your pet could actually be suffering without you even realizing it.

3. Your Pet Has Failing Health

If your dog has poor health, is taking constant medication, is always at the veterinarian for medical reasons, isn't able to walk because his hips or legs are failing, then it's time to talk about having your dog put to sleep and allowing him to pass on. Your dog's poor health may be causing them to suffer, even if you are trying to help with medication.

Don't allow your pet to suffer. If you think it may be time to euthanize your pet, talk to your veterinarian to see if they agree that it may be time as well.

For more information, contact an animal hospital like Sepulveda Animal Hospital.