Euthanasia Myths
Apr 20, 2022 17:16:26 GMT
Post by Sef on Apr 20, 2022 17:16:26 GMT
Separating Myth from Reality
Many pet people have mixed feelings about euthanasia. No matter what our head may tell us about the need to release our pet from his or her suffering when they are in pain, in failing health due to age or injury, or have an incurable illness, the heart does not always agree. We can feel very conflicted no matter what the circumstances are, and guilt can linger for quite some time. We second-guess whether we made that choice too soon or too late, and it can very much feel like a no-win situation. To add to the dilemma, our society still has a lot of misconceptions around euthanasia that can cause further conflict and emotional pain. Common myths around euthanasia include:
I am killing my pet. No, the “culprit” is the illness or other issue that is affecting the length and quality of their life. You are simply giving your pet an opportunity to pass humanely and with dignity.
Euthanasia isn’t natural. Some would argue that only God can decide when to end a life, or that euthanasia is “not nature’s way.” This argument ignores the fact that by providing treatment, surgery, medication, or other forms of care for an ill or injured pet, we are already extending that pet’s life beyond what would occur “naturally,” without medical intervention. Euthanasia can be one final, loving gift in which you can put a merciful end to your pet’s suffering. Surely there is nothing unnatural about showing such compassion.
Euthanasia means that we have given up. Many pet parents inevitably feel as though they should have tried another treatment or consulted with a third or fourth veterinarian before making the decision to humanely euthanize their suffering animal companion. It is often seen as a sign that we have in some way failed our pet. Ironically, most pet parents who feel as though they should have done more for their pet, have already gone to great lengths to seek the best possible veterinary care for him or her. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that a veterinarian would agree to euthanizing a pet if other viable treatments or options existed.
My pet will tell me when it’s “time.” While this would certainly help make our decision a little less burdensome, this seldom actually happens. We cannot rely on our animal companions to let us know when they need for us to release them from their pain. As their caretakers, it is up to us to recognize when their quality of life has become significantly diminished, and when we are only prolonging the inevitable—and their suffering—by extending their time with us any further.
It is better just to let an animal die on its own. Of course, pets often do die without our help. Perhaps we were at work at the time, or they passed away in the middle of the night. However, this is not to say that it is “better” just to let nature take its course. Death can be a very difficult process to witness, and there can be prolonged and unnecessary distress before the animal finally succumbs. Euthanasia generally allows for a much more peaceful, painless passing than the animal might otherwise experience.
The unfortunate reality is that, if your pet is terminally ill or their body is otherwise failing, he or she will die. Your decision, therefore, is not whether their life will end, but rather how and when. Please do consult with your veterinarian to help determine the quality of life of your pet so that you may know when it might be time to consider making that most selfless and loving decision.
Many pet people have mixed feelings about euthanasia. No matter what our head may tell us about the need to release our pet from his or her suffering when they are in pain, in failing health due to age or injury, or have an incurable illness, the heart does not always agree. We can feel very conflicted no matter what the circumstances are, and guilt can linger for quite some time. We second-guess whether we made that choice too soon or too late, and it can very much feel like a no-win situation. To add to the dilemma, our society still has a lot of misconceptions around euthanasia that can cause further conflict and emotional pain. Common myths around euthanasia include:
I am killing my pet. No, the “culprit” is the illness or other issue that is affecting the length and quality of their life. You are simply giving your pet an opportunity to pass humanely and with dignity.
Euthanasia isn’t natural. Some would argue that only God can decide when to end a life, or that euthanasia is “not nature’s way.” This argument ignores the fact that by providing treatment, surgery, medication, or other forms of care for an ill or injured pet, we are already extending that pet’s life beyond what would occur “naturally,” without medical intervention. Euthanasia can be one final, loving gift in which you can put a merciful end to your pet’s suffering. Surely there is nothing unnatural about showing such compassion.
Euthanasia means that we have given up. Many pet parents inevitably feel as though they should have tried another treatment or consulted with a third or fourth veterinarian before making the decision to humanely euthanize their suffering animal companion. It is often seen as a sign that we have in some way failed our pet. Ironically, most pet parents who feel as though they should have done more for their pet, have already gone to great lengths to seek the best possible veterinary care for him or her. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that a veterinarian would agree to euthanizing a pet if other viable treatments or options existed.
My pet will tell me when it’s “time.” While this would certainly help make our decision a little less burdensome, this seldom actually happens. We cannot rely on our animal companions to let us know when they need for us to release them from their pain. As their caretakers, it is up to us to recognize when their quality of life has become significantly diminished, and when we are only prolonging the inevitable—and their suffering—by extending their time with us any further.
It is better just to let an animal die on its own. Of course, pets often do die without our help. Perhaps we were at work at the time, or they passed away in the middle of the night. However, this is not to say that it is “better” just to let nature take its course. Death can be a very difficult process to witness, and there can be prolonged and unnecessary distress before the animal finally succumbs. Euthanasia generally allows for a much more peaceful, painless passing than the animal might otherwise experience.
The unfortunate reality is that, if your pet is terminally ill or their body is otherwise failing, he or she will die. Your decision, therefore, is not whether their life will end, but rather how and when. Please do consult with your veterinarian to help determine the quality of life of your pet so that you may know when it might be time to consider making that most selfless and loving decision.