Dying Well

Whether a family elects euthanasia or a natu­ral passing, it is paramount that the pet remains in as little discomfort as possible. I believe that it is our responsibility as veteri­nary professionals and advocates for the pets to ensure the comfort of the pets and educate the owners on the disease they are facing and setting expectations.

There will be some families that want to wait for as long as possible before they decide on euthanasia and that may be more impor­tant to them then a peaceful passing. They are fearful of doing it too soon and giving up without a good fight. With that said, pain and anxiety medication is typically required to support the pet through the final weeks and days. I also have a frank conversation with the owners about what to expect in the end and where the emergency clinic is in case it occurs during off hours. Often, just hearing about the side-effects and possibility of emergency clinics will gently guide an owner to euthanasia sooner.

It is often easier for families to decide on euthanasia if they actually see their pet in pain, anxiety, or suffering - it reduces the guilt they feel. This of course is not always fair for the pet and I encourage families to say goodbye on a “good day.” Make it an experi­ence that they can remember as a positive one. Do their favorite things the day before (or day of), provide whatever they want to eat (even chocolate!), take pictures/videos, and so on. Usually regret happens when they wait too long - but it requires that to occur before they realize that. An interesting trend that I did not expect when starting my hospice practice is that the more times families experience the loss of a pet, the sooner they make the deci­sion to euthanize. With the first passing, they tend to reflect back on the past days, weeks, or months, and feel guilty for putting their pet through those numerous trips to the vet or uncomfortable medical procedures that did not improve their pet's quality of life. The next time they witness the decline of a pet, they are much more likely to make the decision at the beginning of the decline instead of the end.

Encouraging and supporting a “good death” on a “good day” can help mitigate feelings of guilt as well as the suffering of the pets. I've been to euthanasia parties for the pet and as odd as that may sound - it is actually quite lovely. The entire family is sup­ported and the pet feels how loved they are (Figure 36.11). There is no better way to say goodbye.

Figure 36.11 12-year-old Dixie was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and the family wanted to say goodbye to Dixie on a good day - before she ever struggled with the disease. This picture was taken the morning of her euthanasia when she was given treats and love by the entire family.