Should I let my pet die at home? | Dr. Justine Lee
Making the decision to humanely euthanize your pet is a tough decision. As a veterinarian, even I really struggled with the decision when it came to my own beloved pit bull, JP. So the question is: shold you let your dog or cat die at home?
The short answer?
No.
I have a lot of friends and family who think it’s okay to let their pet die at home versus having to bring them to a veterinarian for humane euthanasia. You may think you’re sparing your pet the “stress of a veterinary visit,” but in fact, your intentions (while well intended) are, to put it bluntly, wrong. Let me be bold — for the sake of your pet’s quality of life — by stating that allowing your pet die at home often results in the double “S”: Slowly Suffering. If you surveyed veterinarians, I’m willing to bet that the majority wouldn’t let their cat or dog die electively on their own at home (unless it was for religious purposes, but that’s a whole different ball of wax). Our oath as veterinarians is to prevent suffering and, in my opinion, it is a gift that we are able to relieve suffering via a pain-free injection.
By letting your pet die at home, you may eliminate that hard “decision” of having to end your pet’s life … but it’s not always for the best. Making the decision to euthanize is a horrible, stressful, painful process, and I had to make it with my own dog back in July 2011, so trust me, I know how hard it is. In human medicine, hospice care often involves a lot of analgesia — pain medication — that relieves any symptoms. This is traditionally in the form of intravenous, constant rate infusions (a.k.a. “CRIs”) of morphine. The benefit of a constant flow of pain medicine into a vein? No pain. Unfortunately, the tradeoff for that CRI of pain medication is that your loved one is unconscious, sedated, can’t relate or respond to you, and has poor cognitive response because they are heavily sedated. That said, they are pain free, which is good.
In veterinary medicine, hospice care is just starting to take off (I’ll elaborate on this another time). When pet owners take their pets home knowing that their beloved pet has been diagnosed with end-stage disease, they don’t always have that option of intravenous morphine being constantly dripped into their pets’ veins. In fact, it’s important that a veterinarian counsel the pet owner on when the “right” time to humanely euthanize is appropriate. For me, it’s when their quality of life is affected: when they can’t get up, when they don’t want to eat, when they are hiding, when they cry out in pain or act really clingy, or when they stop acting like a joyful puppy or kitten.
The key thing to keep in mind is that you, as a pet owner, may not be able to pick up on the body’s sympathetic response to stress; in other words, how the body (your pet’s body) will always try to save itself. The body doesn’t want to die and will attempt to trigger key homeostatic mechanisms designed to try to keep itself alive. The body’s goal: to maintain its heart rate, blood flow, and blood pressure. When you let your pet die at home, it may seem “peaceful,” but it’s not — with the exception of severe, acute hemorrhage (where the body bleeds out quickly and the patient loses consciousness). When you have a pet with chronic anemia, chronic kidney failure, cancer, or other metabolic problems, they are typically very dehydrated and “in shock.” Their heart rate is typically racing to try to maintain their blood pressure and oxygen delivery. It’s the equivalent of feeling light-headed, dizzy, oxygen starved, and too weak to get up, while having heart palpitations for the 1-2 days before you actually succumb to death. Not a fun way to go. If you can imagine feeling really, really hung over, that’s you just being dehydrated after 12 hours of drinking. Imagine the headache, nausea, and light-headedness that your pet actually is succumbing to from days of not eating. Because they may not show signs of suffering (as their goal is to please you, right?), you may not pick up on these subtle hints of the “double S.” Any easier way to check? Check their pupil size. Depending on the lighting in the room, pupils are typically very dilated in the presence of shock and body stress.
I know this isn’t a topic people like to talk about, but I don’t like seeing pets dying at home. It’s painful. It’s slow. And, contrary to what you think, it really is a gift to be able to prevent your dog or cat from reaching that point of shock and dehydration before humanely putting them to sleep. When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian. A lot of veterinarians will now go to homes to minimize transportation stress. I’m a firm advocate of this, as it’s much more peaceful for all involved.
Valid advice, and there is an even better alternative – have your beloved pet euthanized in your home. It is humane and less stressful than having to travel and perform the emotionally challenging procedure in a less familiar environment. This service is available and often not much more expensive than in-office euthanasia.
I completely agree with Josh’s comment. I went the “in-home route” a couple of years ago, and it was so much easier on me, not to mention my departing friend. I recall that it cost somewhere in the neighbourhood of $250, money well spent, if you ask me.
I absolutely respect and admire you Dr Lee, but i think your point of view here reflects two things that you can’t know about from your young, inexperienced and untrained in animal hospice vantage point.
Don’t get me wrong- you are brilliant, an excellent writer and an amazing vet but you just don’t know much about end of life. You can’t know this without targeted training and or – experience with a loved one going through hospice.
I am a veterinarian practicing for longer than you’ve been alive (well maybe – you seem less than 30 to me)…. And I have seen many dogs pass and sadly done many euthanasia’s for pets of clients I am usually Very attached to.
When Amir Shanan first brought the AAHPC -organization training and guiding veterinarians forward- I (like you and most practicing vets( thought… what? Wby go train in pet hospice that must be for new vets or ones that don’t know euthanasia or …. But I was VERY WRONG!
The week after my father died at home – surrounded by family and … an amazing team of hospice workers- I knew for sure I needed more training in end of life care for both myself and my staff!
Since that week- I gave taken as much training as I could find on the topic and I now have a much different prospective that is way too broad to summarize here, but …. That I suggest you take a look at yourself because the way our animals lives end has as much to do with our bond to them as how their lives were lived.
As veterinarians we are trained to save lives. We fight like hell to do whatever we can to do that. We are NOT The type to quit and we also don’t know how to stop trying to save our patients even when it is apparent that we can not.
It is At that point that our training ends. And… it is at that point that everyone benefits from training in animal hospice. EVERYONE benefits!
Our patients, our Clients who are the caregivers, our staff who also lice through the process and ourselves. Everyone benefits.
This year I helped my mom on her journey from this life. I also had a powerful team around me – hospice workers, helpers, friends, our family…
I also had knowledge of what mom was experiencing. I knew many things I could do to help her. I stayed with her and without panic without fear- I had the honor of holding her hand as she peacefully slipped from this world.
Our pets are no different.
Mom didn’t suffer. She also wasn’t over dosed on morphine although I had it with me in case she needed it. It’s the same for our pets. Control their pain (the absolute most important thing) – teach their caregiver what they can do and what to expect. Have a team around to support them and provide what they need to make it easier… give the owner caregiver the control over how much they want to do and how they feel about what their pet is going through… it’s not a let them languish and suffer at home until death finally takes them or … bring them to the clinic to euthanize choice… there are many fine moments in between .
I have – as you have – brought my own pets to my own clinic for euthanasia at the time of a terminal diagnosis and not wanting them to suffer and I -like you- have felt before that this is the kindest and “rightest” way to help them. But I now know so much more. And hope that someday you have a chance to gain this training as well!
There is a group that is offering training to everyone – vets, vet staff and layman or people who have been through a hospice journey with their own loved ones and want to somehow help others on this path.
It is called THE ANIMAL HOSPICE GROUP and it has an amazing informative website that offers a certification training that contains the most succinct and powerful information about ANIMAL HOSPICE AND END-of-LIFE care for pets. It is also taught by lecturers who are top authorities in the field of Animal Hospice and Palliative care and who are passionate about getting this information to veterinarians and the world! They are truly on a mission that will change the way the world views pet end of life care!
If you will let me list it here it is:
https://www.animalhospicegroup.com/
Thank you for all of your informative articles and for brining up this incredibly important topic! Can’t wait to see your future articles about it after you’ve had a chance to delve into the literature!
Thank you Vet Girl for all that you offer the world as well!!
Thank you for this comment. My dog was almost 18 and she died at home just last week after taking a few minutes of very deep breathes on her pillow with Jim holding her and telling her it’s okay to go back home. Her blood work prior to dying was perfect, she had died of old age and it was peaceful, she was not scared or in pain. She just lay there and took some very deep breaths and stopped breathing. We were thinking we may have to intervene but we didn’t. Each situation is different. This is a very good post. I had two other dogs who also died naturally, they went from playing and running to collapse and dying, they were 15 and 16 years old. My pitbull lost his ability to walk at 15 due to a spine tumor, and so we intervened with an at home euthanasia, made sure he was sleeping first. But our 17 year old dog, her passing was poignant to this article because we helped he through all of the bodily breakdowns of old age, and she was eating and drinking and walking 30 minutes before she transformed back into the spirit. Her situation might be rare and required a lot of work on our part to get her there. But I will say this; it allowed her to slowly prepare herself for the transformation.
Comment *Finally an example that illustrates it’s ok for a pet to die naturally of old age- yes every situation is unique. Old age versus a terminally ill pet. But to be so bold to imply, as this article does, that unless you have your pet put down you are cruel, is not only ignorant but ill advice. Pets just like people can and do pass of old age without suffering. Thank you for your story.
Thank you for this comment and information about the training. I have just received my certification as a veterinary assistant. One day I want to own a rescue to rehabilitate animal’s with behavioral and physical injuries. I am always eager to learn more and know that this training sounds amazing. I am definitely going to check the website out that you provided.
Comment *thank you Dr Ravin for this insight. I came upon this article as I’m seeking counsel. My most faithful companion dog is now 19yrs and he lies in a soft bed where I’m doing what I can to support him in his last few days if not hours. I figure, he chose me and has stayed by my side as my protector, providing love and companionship all these years. Now I want to do the same for him by staying by his side, one last time, providing water, cbd and caresses. I wasn’t sure that I was doing the right thing until I read your comment. I saved him once from parvo when he was only a few weeks old, I know I can’t save him this time but I want him to know how much he is deeply loved and appreciated. He will have me by his side til he decides he is done. Thank you again. Now I know I’m doing right by him.
Thank you Dr. Rabin. I have been researching since yesterday when my cat was diagnosed with carcinomatosis. I am still in shock. Yesterday at the urgent care, the attending vet recommended euthanasia, and highlighted not to prolong it more than three days, and to do it soonest possible. I took my kitty home and paid great attention to him. He has always been a very tough kitty so I know he is holding strong but I am sure he is experiencing pain that he won’t show. He still eats, drink water, jump, play with his favorite wobbly food dispenser. I watch him from the camera and he would do these things when everyone has gone to bed (including the kitten I just adopted two months ago). Observing my kitty’s behavior and condition, I made the decision and email the vet office that I am not putting my kitty down when he is still doing the things he normally do. He does have a decreased in appetite but anyone who is sick experiences that, the most important thing is that I see him get up to eat and drink and play for a bit. I had opted to remove the fluid from his belly and is religiously providing him pain medication. I was also issued a pill for nausea but I have not started that yet since I don’t show him sign of being nauseated as of yet. I was thinking of continuing to refill his pain medication, and have also expressed seeking second opinion.
I appreciate your sharing your thoughts about the end of life for animals (also humans). I have also decided that I will let him die naturally, keeping him as comfortable as possible. Death as I knew at a very young age is our end game. I always believed that when it’s time, it’s time. As with my kitty, we will ride his last days together in my home, surrounded by family and friends. I even thought of moving the new kitten away temporarily thinking the kitten may be causing our big kitty unnecessary stress. I am observing my two cats at this time so I can arrive at a better conclusion. I just think that every situation, as with family, is different. I have to follow what I know and believe would be best for my kitty and the family.
Thank you, again.
Please publish this version instead – sorry I misaddressed my first copy:
Kitty Rajah, how do you confidently control pain in a dog that, for example, is suffering from dementia? There may are scientific studies that show that even humans with dementia often suffer from uncontrolled pain during end of life care especially when sufferers lose the ability to communicate so how can you be confident that you can control pain in a dog that’s suffering from dementia? A dog with dementia may show outward signs of distress that have a physical or mental origin. Alternatively, a dog with dementia might not show any signs of distress even when it’s suffering greatly. Giving a dog pain medication as part of hospice care is not a guarantee that it will eliminate pain and when you compound that with the issue of dementia and the loss of normal signaling from a dog’s brain the task is nearly impossible. Dog hospice has its place but euthanasia in cases such as dementia is a gift for the dog.
Dr. Rabin, how do you confidently control pain in a dog that, for example, is suffering from dementia? There are scientific studies that show that even humans with dementia often suffer from uncontrolled pain during end of life care especially when sufferers lose the ability to communicate so how can you be confident that you can control pain in a dog that’s suffering from dementia? A dog with dementia may show outward signs of distress that have a physical or mental origin. Alternatively, a dog with dementia might not show any signs of distress even when it’s suffering greatly. Giving a dog pain medication as part of hospice care is not a guarantee that it will eliminate pain and when you compound that with the issue of dementia and the loss of normal signaling from a dog’s brain the task is nearly impossible. Dog hospice has its place but euthanasia in cases such as dementia is a gift for the dog.
DOGS CANT TALK. IF THEY COULD THEY WOULD WANT TO DIE ON THEIR OWN JUST LIKE HUMANS DO.
TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL GUILTY FOR ALLOWING THEIR PET TO DIE NATURAULLY IS DISGUSTING AND DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE GREED OF AMERICAN VETENARY BUSINESSES
A lot of humans don’t die peacefully.
Comment Dogs can’t talk…so YOU are going to talk FOR them?
You’re a disgusting individual. How dare you.
Comment *i agree to allow your family pet to pass peacefully at home unless you see your pet is in pain and believe me they well let you know .. I’ve experienced both and at this particular time I’m going through it right now..
My fur babies were fearful at the vets office and full of anxiety like they knew what was going to happen they looked at me as to say why did you bring me here 3 times that happened to me NO MORE!!! I will give my baby the care he needs right here at home like I said unless he’s in pain he’s not he’s 17 years old chihuahua a little guy and he’s precious he’s very comfortable right here next to me I know it will be soon I believe today or this evening but I’ll never go to a vet to euthanize them ever again that is unless I’m pain .. I hope this can help someone decide what to do..
Thank you for allowing me to share my experiences with you and by the way this is not the first time one of my fur babies passed at home peacefully without any drugs or oils
Thank you again for allowing me to share my experiences
Sincerely Gia Chestnut
Comment *either way someone is peaking for the dog, there is no way of knowing what a dog wants. Neither decision is wrong. A person can only do what he or she thinks is best for their pet. To say someone is cruel for making a choice they believe is best for their pet is ignorant and irresponsible. At the end of the day humans are making decisions to do all sorts of things to pets. Do people think a pet would choose medication, vaccines, surgery, etc… let’s get real.
Use some logic. A dead patient earns a vet $0. Milking chronic illness is greed. Euthanasia is selfless and eases their transition. Until you’ve been there for a loved one as they died, you won’t understand.
Comment *my last furbaby passed on in bed with me, she was asleep, i had told her i loved her and she could go that night if she wanted (or stay ) she had been hospitalized and brought home to me and familiarity for just a few days , love her always
Comment *My baby died at home and it was horrible gasping fore breath jerking never a gain I feel guilty fore not doing uthenasia
Amen. Fuck euthanasia! That’s just giving up and being cruel! Go to hell everyone who puts an animal down!
Comment *your vet is only going to be interested in the dollar signs.
The drugs themselves cost only a few dollars.
There is no reason it needs to be unobtainable for those less fortunate financially.
They will hide behind “regulations”, and professional fees.
They couldn’t care less about you, or your pets physical or emotional well being.
They just want to get paid.
The only “quality of live” they’re interested in, is their own.
You gotta break a few eggs to make an omelet right?
…it just sucks being the egg.
my thoughts exactly.
I don’t agree at all. My 17 year old had gone downhill with kidney disease….since I have a holistic vet, she did advise me to have home euthanasia but I decided to up his cannabis drops, (for pets) Ronaldo had gone from a dribbling, hardly moving, hardly lifting his head and wailing to back to normal…..He can’t tell me how how he is but I see him in no pain whatsoever, going back to jumping on things and being the affectionate kitty he always was….he has had 3/4 lapses working out his dose but I think while not in any pain, Ronaldo can pass at home….imagine if I’d been so quick to have Ronaldo euthanized and I could of said…..he is in a better place…….but would he be? He is eating and drinking and loving, just very old….He will pass at home in a loving environment with his hot water bottle and much love
I have a 13 year old tortoiseshell cat that me and my girlfriend rescued from a shelter.. I am a dog man at heart but this little kitty made her presence known when i walked past her enclosure.. The staff saod they were surprised as she hadn’t made a sound since being there.. But she miaowed at me.. And i was smitten. We both are. Wallis came home with us and has been with us for 3 years.. She has been nothing short of a life saver.. Helping us both with anxiety and always showing up at the rght time with kisses and showering us with affection.. We love her dearly but recently discovered her onset of kidney disease had become chronic despite her being on a renal diet.. She had stopped eating and was becoming less active.. We took her to the get who gave her fluids and monitored her for aroubd five days and in that time she got her appetite back and we were told that she could come home and that if she kept on eating she should be fine.. Or at least be comfortable.. Now at home she eats very rarely but when she does its a lot at once and then back to sleep.. This morning i fell asleep with her head nestled in my hand and her paw gripping my thumb.. She began to purr very quietly and it was the first time since coming home from the vets.. We look at her sleeping and she is so peaceful.. She is our first cat and is our world. The vet said she had a good chance of recovery and that it could take time and its only been a few days since she has come home.. I love her with all my heart and am hoping she recovers.. Yesterday she was up and about but today she is just sleeping near the heater curled up in a ball.. With her favourite toy mouse wrapped up in her tail..
James, fluids should be continued maybe biweekly. Your vet will decide. Don’t just have the vet do it. Once kidney disease starts it won’t go into remission without constant fluids. You can do it yourself at home. I did it for my cat LuLu for years. It maintained her and she lived a long life. This was years ago. There is a special needle to use that doesn’t hurt as much as the one the vet gives you. There is so much info on how to administer fluids to your cat .
Rita made an issue to u about needles to use may l ask where do l get them…are they in mississauga area Ontario. I have to give fluid every other day to two 17 yr old cats…
I was reluctant to give my cat fluids at home, but I did, because it helped her. She was 18, when I started.
I never put my cat on a renal diet. I fed her wet food with Royal Canin Chicken kibble as a treat. You can get saline bags, tubing etc at Costco for a cheaper pics than buying through your vet.
Where do you find cannabis drops for cats and dogs and is there a dosage by weight?
Rightratio.com
Very professional
I agree with you completely. This person in the article, seems awful quick to decide to put a pet down. If they become clingy. Really? My cat is 18 years old, he started being exceptionally clingy a couple of years ago, but still occasionally runs around, tries to get up on the fridge, wants me to take him outside, and cries to go with me for rides on numerous occasions. But just like an 85 year old human, he has good days, and bad days. I certainly would not euthanize my best friend because he is elderly, and a little clingy!
Well stated Edith c.
Our baby Missy just died at home 2 days ago. Her decline was so rapid. We considered euthanasia and then decided no. Her car and comfort was all to us. In the end, we put her in her bed, watched her every hour, cleaned her, watered her lips so she wouldn’t dehydrate. When we saw the signs, we made a small covering over her bed to imitate a tent so she’d have privacy, and we stayed close. We knew her time was coming. Our daughter was gone for a few days during it all, and the day before she returned Missy looks me in the eyes and tells me it’s time for her to go. The day our daughter came home she and Missy spent that first hour together and then the decline was very rapid. We put her under her tent Monday morning. She passed that afternoon. I know she hid her suffering, I do. There’s no way for us human should to know. She died naturally. She and we are truly grateful we spent all those moment s together. We had her for 17 years and 2 months. She took care of us during those years. We could do no less for her. Comment
RIP, Missy. Peace to your family.
I lost my 18 year old best friend today, it is so hard , he died here at home, I dont know if I did the right thing especially after reading this article but I am sure a trip to the vet to get put under would have been as dramatic or worse than suffering at home… honestly I just dont know what would have been the right way to go but I feel terrible if I caused him to suffer more by letting him die at home…He was diagnosed with cancer in his respiratory system a few months ago, I have been able to make hip purr every day up until today, the day he died…. I loved him so much and it has been one of the hardest things I have ever gone through seeing him get sick and now dying today…I am totally gutted, not sure if I could ever go through again, this is the second cat I have lost and it was just as bad last time…I do not think I will be taking on another pet….:(
Interesting information. my feline friend is almost 16 and needs some pain relief -no vet gave him any pain relief I guess they thought dental infection only needs antibiotic.anyway he has had it rough lately( most likely kidney disease) no no vet tested.but he demanded to be outside because we have other cats.he likes his space. Brought him back in during cold weather and he will be better inside unless I can watch him outside.
We found a way to give him a room with pet gate. Anyways
I’m interested in this product you talk about I’ve tried looking for something- pets.
Not al euthanasia is created equal either.the one that put our dog down didn’t put to sleep first. it was one injection.very horrible to watch.sleep first would have been humane. Anyway I’m not doing that again.if need be, home euthanasia but pain relief is important.
This article website was somewhat not agreeable because then should we do the same for humans. I will never forget one time an ER gave me morphine.it was horrible.if hospice is just pain medication that ends up killing you then no thanks.I guess everyone is different.I believe the same with our pets.
I don’t think instinct is the only thing keeping you alive and that includes “ animals” they speak a different language doesn’t mean they can’t decide.
CBD, it is a miracle for pets. 600mg-1000mg. Go to a professional place near you, or ask a vet for a recommendation. Don’t buy just any online, they might not have the right amount in it. My 14 yr old chow acts like a teenager with CBD. Life saving.
Thanks for all your imput. My Keli will be 19 years old in just a few months. I know she is dying. She has always been a very small black cat with her white chest and paws and I only 6wks old when I got her when I lived in Hawaii. The last month or so she’s become very emancipated her hair looks like she stuck her paw in a light socket. But she’s always had a good appetite and still jumping up and down from my bed. But she’s not eating now and very thin but clingy. I look into her eyes and know it’s just a matter of time now . I know if I take her to the vet he’s either going to inject her with liquids and send her home or want to put her down. I know she’s fighting it and I tell her it’s ok to go that momma will be alright. I watched my little dachshund little jack be put down two days before thanksgiving and the trauma he went through just getting there because they Know! Plus the injection that didn’t put him to sleep only stopped his heart as a few seconds later his last little breath caressed my wrist as I held him. I cant do that to my Keli. Im praying God will take her home as she sleeps. This may be the wrong decision but I pray its not. !
Well stated and overall I concur. For me, I look to “quality of life” (happiness, comfort, love received, relatively pain-free, etc.) in my pet’s life. Certainly I could not allow agonizing pain or suffering to continue. But I won’t have a pet euthanized out of “convenience” for myself nor because he or she may not be as “pretty” as they once were, or because I may have to clean-up some messes or deal with some other less pleasant moments. Ultimately I ask myself what I would do if my pet were one of my parents or my child. The answer to that is the same as it would be for my pet. I understand what Dr. Lee is saying, and I agree with some aspects. But I wonder if he would subscribe to my approach with his pets given equal consideration and “due process” as he would a parent, spouse or child.
With due respect, it’s different for a doc who can bring the needle home. Each situation is different, but it is 100% truth that YOU WILL KNOW exactly the moment you decide to euthanize … it WILL be clear, so if it’s not, I know you won’t regret a natural death at home. When death is immenent, you’ll know the day before. It’ll come quickly. Hopefully you will have a beautiful memorial garden over the ground you laid him in. You’ll feel good about it. Sorry, doc. Bad answer.
Which cannibals oil do you use for Ronaldo? Interested in purchasing for my own grandfur son
I used Nuleaf highest potency pet CBD for my dog from age 15 to age almost age 18 when she crossed over. It made her so calm for her final years and it totally helped her arthritis. However as they get really old, even CBD can’t save them. She died naturally at home on her pillow, and was not afraid or in pain. The CBD transformed her from a very nervous dog to a calm one. What a gift for any one in old age.
CommentThank you for sharing <3 What a beautiful reminder. big love to you and Ronaldo.
Hello Lys. Thank you for your testimony. The fact that you had a pet that seemed to be near death and then all of a sudden back to normal is encouraging for me at this time. I have a cat that maybe blocked. I was contemplating if I should put him to sleep. However I just started using a natural medicine that supposedly dissolves the stones or crystal. I want to give this medicine a chance to work. He is currently on pain medicine Gabapentin which is a mild sedative and pain reliever. My thought would be to continue with the pain medicine so he feels no pain and continue using the natural medicine along with hemp oil that I have too. I want to give him a chance of being healed.
we dont have money for a veterinarian and he has a cancer which we cant heal nor afford i know he’s suffering and I cant bare to see him like that what should I do?
I’m so sorry – bring him to a local animal rescue or animal control and they will help you.
hello, so sorry to hear that. how is he now?
Maybe you can start a gofundme or share his bills online hopefully people will come forward to help. I would like to contribute too.
Sorry to hear this Meri. I can help you set up a gofundme or try to reach out to a local vet for you, if you want. I have some experience.
Email me at mimi@simplehabitsblog.com. Much love sent your way.
Holistapet CBD has helped all of my pets … a dog with frequent severe seizures who now has none too rarely every few months and much more minor not a grad mal anymore and I slowly was able to get to only one low dose seizure medication because the side effects were too much for her little body and liver and kidneys and I use it with my elderly 14 year dog (both Maltese) with many issues flare ups of like a human meningitis type thing that requires serious medication and steroids and neck, back, leg, hip, arthritis pain and she literally recovered and acted like a happy puppy again even though she still has flare ups they are nowhere near as severe. Now my older cat may have cancer waiting on results there is a large mass in his abdomen and I will do everything humanely possible to help him at any expense and I will probably be starting him on the CBD as well however his behavior is still happy, loving, and normal so we will see but that CBD from holistapet has been a high quality, organic, comes with instructions, many different doses to choose from based on what your fur baby needs, and it has been a life saver and quality of life saver for my pets which I consider and treat like I would my parents and or my children they are family.
I have a 12 year old almost 13 diabetic cat who is constantly thirsty and hungry and now he’s recently not covering up his urine and pooping on the floor it’s very difficult to take him to the vet to check him because he gets very stressed and nasty and the readings are never accurate so right now all we’re doing is giving him his shots twice a day he’s now starting to cry late at night after her snack or in the morning is it fair to keep him alive or do I take him to the SPCA to be euthanized?
I”m so sorry to hear that – you can always ask your veterinarian for gabapentin (100 mg) orally 2-3 hours before your veterinary visit to help ease the anxiety about the vet visit. It sounds like he may be more hungry and his diabetes isn’t under control. It’s not a wrong decision to humanely euthanize but this is a decision you’ll have to make with your veterinarian. My heart goes out to you.
Best,
Dr. Lee
CommentMy cat Mew who was less than or exactly a year old was pregnant. I knew she was pregnant from when I felt her belly, but I didn’t want to believe it and I never took her to a vet because she was scared of humans other than me and my family. She started going through symptoms being clingy, very vocal, in distress, always leading me to her nesting place for support etc. But the following day she became extremely Ill. I noticed fluids leaking from her uterus and she can barely move and extremely unresponsive. The following day me and my brother bought a carrier and took her to the emergency vet in an attempt to save her life which she was barely holding on to she was breathing but still very unresponsive. The vet took her and broke the news to me and my brother that she was pregnant and there was a dead kitten inside of her and that she could die very soon since her organs were messed up and shes in very critical condition. She gave us 2 options: Euthanize her, or give her emergency surgery at the cost if $10,000. I am a college student without a job and only $3,000 in my bank account ready to throw away, but when I heard $10k, my heart DROPPED. I decided to go with euthanizing although I didn’t know what it meant at first, but when they told me what it meant i was in despair and my heart dropped. I unfortunately had to go with euthanizing her and never felt the pain of losing someone you love so much until that day. When they injected the killer fluid that will stop her heart inside her, I dropped to the floor in despair. She trusted me so much with her life and she was probably scared and confused. Even when she was suffering the night before she still jumped and slept next to me on my bed still breathing when I thought I would wake up to a dead cat under my bed or on the floor of my room and that hit me hard that she loved me that much. The vet always hit you with the “You did what was best” or “At least she knew she was loved, now she’s in peace ” but I don’t think she felt like that. She was probably scared to be in a cage she never been in before taken to a place she never been to, she was probably scared to be around other humans she had no idea who they are or what they were doing to her, she was probably scared shitless for her life and confused but too sick and barely conscious to express it, she was depending on me to save her life and I was expecting to take her there with that 1000000% intent and to show her to trust other humans too. But because I, a college kid, was unable to afford $10k which wouldve saved my baby cat’s life which I guarantee 1000000% she would’ve made it through, I was given no other option but to euthanize her, a scared confused extremely I’ll, semiconscious, one year old cat, who trusted me with her life as being the only human friend she lived and cared about. And the fact that she was euthanized by the same species she feared. At the end, I felt like she felt betrayed and that if I would’ve been able to afford it, she could’ve been here with me today. Now I look over the water in my room and a full plate of untouched catfood under the chair of my living room. Every time I open the door to go outside I only get reminded of her playing outside and climbing the tree and chasing the squirrels, very happy cat. If only I read the signs early and reacted earlier, things would’ve been different and maybe I wouldn’t have had to spend $10k. But I ask myself if I would’ve spent $10k I wouldve some it even if I was in $10k debt but I didn’t know if it was possible to use my card to put me in $10k debt if I knew I would. I didn’t even know if a GoFundMe would help. It was in the moment and we chose life ir death for a cat who was trying it’s best to survive. I hope she forgives me
Oh, I’m so, so sorry to hear that. This is super rare, and it sounds like she was extremely ill. I always say as much as we all love our animals and pets, I don’t want to see family members or people going into significant debt over it! Blessings to you and RIP, kitty. <3
Dr. Lee
Very touching story. I was crying as I was reading it. It happened to my cat, a one year old, a month earlier. They are just too young to give birth to kittens. By the time I realized that she needed delivery at hospital , the kitten was already dead. The surgeons just removed her uterus. Why?!!! There was one fetus. They did huge incision across the whole length of her tummy. The surgeon made a mistake and he cut her ureter. Now we are spending hundreds of dollars on various tests to see if she is living with one kidney or two. The c-section did not cost 10K, but around 2k. I could not let my small girl die. She is pretty joyful now and grateful for saving her life. First hospital asked 5k, so I had to go outside of the city to get a c-section done at lower price. The first hospital wanted me to surrender my cat to human society because I told them I do not have 5K. They did not offer me to put her down. Neither did they want to give her back to me until they confirm I have an appointment with the other hospital. We lost a lot of time because of it which resulted in fetus being dead. Lower cost c-section possibly left my cat live with one kidney. I am so mad with vets in both hospitals who refused to even examine the cat without discussing costs first. I am mad that they make mistakes and don’t even say sorry and threaten me so I do not file a lawsuit. The surgeon was a real butcher to my small girl. I nursed my girl day and night for 15 days after that brutal surgery. This is how weak she was. It was early March 2021.
Please check his glucose at home on the outside of the ear vein right along the ridge. There are many videos of how to do this online so you can get an accurate reading. It sounds to me like he may be getting into too low blood sugar and insulin needs may have changed. I managed my diabetic cat through 8 years and he is now in remission.
Your full of crap doc. The only reason you encourage people to bring their dog in is so you can get your damn bottom line like every damn vet in this town where my dog just died. I held him while he died for a week because all you fucking vets want to have your entire pay up front. Don’t act like your our friend when this is clearly a shameless grab at peoples money just like everything else you guys do is. You want to prove your or a heatless asshole like all the other vets? Give free pet care to at least one person who can’t afford their vet bills without mentioning euthenasia. I dare you.
Pet responsibility is part of pet ownership. Just like you have to pay your mechanic or plumber or CPA or lawyer and MD (via insurance) when you utilize services, same for veterinary medicine. Best of luck and I’m sorry for the loss of your dog.
In my town, it’s $850. That’s if you want the ashes back. If not, and if you keep the corpse, it’s $350-400. Not very affordable.
AZ42 – not very affordable? It’s a one time expense! And if $350 to $400 is not worth sacrificing for all the love your cat [Or dog.], supplied you with all those years and years of unconditional love and loyalty, then I don’t know what is.
Easy for you to say…. you’re clearly not a single parent working PT during a crisis.
Get over yourself
Why are so many people angry and harsh. I feel sometimes we think we are best served when we say what we think, even if that means being rude. I’d rather comment only if it will add a benefit to the reader. People will not always agree. Can’t that be ok?
Are you feeding her prescription diet food for the kidney disease. My started at the age of 13 with kidney disease. He was put on Hills prescription cat food.
He lived to 18. Love stories like this. Something so tiny can steal a heart. Best of luck to you and the furbaby. ❤️❤️
I don’t know where you live, but $350- $400 IS exorbitant for euthanasia; of a cat or dog especially. The drugs they use don’t cost anywhere near that much! Vet charges have gotten quite out of hand. They all say how much they care for our pets, but it seems to be more about the money.
It’s not about the pet not being worth the sacrifice for me. Many of us are struggling to take care of our pets properly. Especially with the pandemic going on. It would be nice to see the vets attempt to make things a little better…
It’s $350 where I’m at too and I think that’s a good price. That includes cremation and ashes returned. I’ve seen it close to $500 for an in-home euthanasia and that was a pretty good deal. If you get stuck making the decision after hours or on the weekend, tack on the ER fees. I’d pay it 3 times over if I had the money but unfortunately I had to recently borrow just for the cremation. Times are hard so please don’t judge during an already heartbreaking time.
NJ wants 250 for euthanasia at the vet. In Home euthanasia 350 and 375 for cremation. My cat is declining fast I have to make a decision fast. We love our pets, we don’t want they suffer. I don’t have a job since August and I already spent 450 in the vet to tell me that she was going into renal failure. I and devastating and crying every day.
All you’re thinking about is the cost of the drugs plus a little extra for the vet’s time and effort. After all, they’re in the business because they care for animals, right? Otherwise, they’d be working as a plumber or sales clerk or some such.
Rent/buy a place to practice; fill it with exam tables, laboratory analysis equipment, x-ray machines, surgical suite equipment, drug pharmacy, kenneling, isolation areas, reception area, computer network to run the business; recruit vet techs, receptionists and their salaries and associated costs; pay for utilities, supplies, insurance, continuing education required to maintain their license, and needed services such as lab services, bookkeeping, janitorial services; obtain transportation to and client’s homes and it’s associated costs (insurance, vehicle maintenance, licensing, etc.), and, oh yeah, the veterinarian’s salary (they’ve got to live on $$ the same as you). All of this has to be paid for. Add it together, divide by the average number of appointments and services per time period, and I suspect you’ll find the costs are more than you may think. That’s why the fees are what they are. You want the services? You pay for them. The alternative is the vet runs out of $$ for everything above and goes out of business, then you won’t have anyone to call for help when you need it.
No, I’m not a vet and have not worked in the field. I’m just someone thinks beyond the cost of a few drugs and a little extra for the vet’s time and energy. I’ve spent a fair chuck of $$ at my vet’s offices, vet home visits, and, yes, euthanasia for many of my pets. I’ve used at-home vet services for euthanasia for years now and wouldn’t have it any other way if only to reduce the stress of the dying pet.
Thanks for your great input, Sue.
The costs for cats in mississauga area are that amount too aprx 350 to get ashes back
I had to euthanize my 3yr old FIP cat yesterday. Quality of life was poor and he was suffering with an emaciated body, belly full of fluid and breathing difficulties. It was $85 here in Buffalo NY at my vet. Would’ve paid whatever but these prices I’m seeing in this thread are shameful!
They’re quick to let them suffer when you can’t shell it out. Even the charities make you pay for an exam before they’ll help with obvious medical problems. Ever had to make it to a first pay check to put down a dying animal?
Its about $700 -$800 for euthanasia plus ashes returned for a dog in my SE city in US
Burial isnt an option where I live. Plus a he is a big dog so even if I had a yard, not sure I could physically dig that large and move him. 😢😢*
Some people don’t always have the extra $400 even if it is a one time expense. Very rude
850 bucks for pet euthanasia. You need to find a different vet. You don’t have to cremate you’re pretty of that is what the major expense is. You can give your pet a burial
Thanks for this great article. I just had to put my sweet kitty Kita down today, she was 17 with hyperthyroidsim/kidney disease. She was old and on meds and a special diet but still had energy and I loved her deeply and didnt mind the extra care she needed. But she took a bad turn a month ago, stopped eating and drinking, lost all her weight and could barely walk. I knew she was nearing the end but was hoping she would die peacefully at home and kept her comfortable best I could. She just seemed to be getting worse though, I was giving her water through a dropper constantly, she would try to walk but could only sit and her eyes were full of discharge. She probably had a bit more time left before natural death but I was so upset and heartbroken seeing her like that, I was so afraid she was suffering silently that I had her put down. She went peacefully, but I am agonizing over whether I made the right decision. I wanted her to die at home but I didn’t want her to die in pain.
The last cat our family had, Cassie, passed away when I was a teenager. She was loved and cared for dearly but I know she suffered in her final days. My mom wouldnt take her to the vet to be euthanized because she was in such bad shape at the end that she kept thinking ‘there’s no way she’ll survive the night,’ which became the next night, and the next, then the weekend…’she can’t get any worse, it’ll be tonight,’ etc. She finally died in what was definitely terrible pain even though she was surrounded by love. This experience stayed with me and I did not want to see Kita the way I remember Cassie at the end, which was borderline haunting. One of my cousin’s cats lived for a year or so being blind, deaf, having a mouth tumor and needing saline injections before they finally put him down at age 20. They spared no expense to keep him alive, but to me, that cat was obviously suffering in many ways and I felt like ‘just because you can doesnt mean you should’ applied to that situation.
Picking the right time was super hard, but I evaluated the circumstances as best I could. I hope I’ll come to feel that I made the right choice. My mom really regrets how we handled Cassie’s death. but I made the opposite choice for Kita and still question whether it was right. It seems whatever choice you make you will question anyway.
My father passed away a few months ago and he loved our sweet Kita, spoiled her with milk and treats and let her lick leftover ice cream and milk from bowls. She got so used to this and so bold she insisted on eating ‘people food’ whenever she smelled cheese or milk and I had seen her pull an entire slice of pizza out of a box before when I turned my head! I think one reason her death is so hard on me is that nearly all my memories of her are tied to my dad.
Dad, I hope you lead our sweet kitty to the ice cream fountain in heaven..
J,
Thank you for this comment. My Sadie cat is 17. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in March ’18, congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy in August ’18, and early kidney disease (from the myriad of medications she took) just about a year ago. In the past 2 years, she’s lost tons of weight… My girl used to be a happy, fluffy 15 lb. kitty, at her peak, and at her last cardiology appointment, weighed in just over 5 lbs. She hasn’t cared for grooming much for the past 3 years, which means I’m constantly brushing, and trimming mats.
Just last week, she stopped eating, had weakness in her back legs, and what appears to be an upper respiratory infection. It started with discharge in her eyes, then the sneezing and runny nose. Pilling her, which was never really tough with her, started becoming a nightmare. Trimming mats, which has become routine for us, took 3 times as long as usual. I’ve been syringe feeding her for 4 days, and I’m not sure if more food is ending up in her mouth, or all over me. She is constantly behind the bedroom door, and whenever I need to move her, she barely has the strength to stand without falling over.
She’s been hydrating well enough, and peeing well enough… Until today, when she just started going over to the water bowl and staring at it. At first she was still jumping up on the bed to sleep with us at night, and napping in bed during the day. But since yesterday, she’s only wanted to bed behind the door.
She has a vet appointment today with her regular vet (which is why I held off taking her in when she initially got sick), for routine blood work, so her cardiologist can see how her thyroid is doing since upping her Tapazole dose at her last appointment. I started off thinking that I would take her in today, and see if the vet thought she needed antibiotics for an URI, and that she’d probably shake this. But the way she’s declined over the past 2 days, makes me wonder if I should just save her the trip to the vet, enjoy another day or two with her, loving her, and just plan for the inevitable.
In a perfect world, I was hoping she would just pass in her sleep one day…I never wanted to make this decision.
Sending hugs, peace and prayers your way….
Best,
Dr. Lee
I have just had my cat who was being treated for hypothyroidism and heart failure euthanised at home. He had already had his lungs drained and I had to make the decision if I should do it again or let him go. I contacted the vet and he came to the house. Finley was in his favourite place in the garden. The vet injected the sedative and I found myself holding him down as he fought against the sedative. Now the feelings of guilt are overwhelming. I wonder if palliative care and letting him go naturally would have been a better option. I am heart broken.
I’m so sorry to hear that. With hyperthyroidism and secondary fluid in his chest cavity (pleural effusion), the prognosis is really poor, and I highly recommend euthanasia in these situations, as they drown in their lungs otherwise without the chest tap. Please know you made the right decision in this veterinarian’s opinion. My heart goes out to you. Best, Dr. Justine Lee
I m a hospice nurse for humans, you did the right thing, the lungs fill with fluid, there is no air exchange, not being able to breath is way worse than pain.
Carole, I felt the same as you. My cat Poppy fought against me when I had my moment alone with her at vet hospital before put her to sleep. She wanted to go hide. I wanted a peaceful good bye for us both but didn’t go as planned. I was wracked with self doubt and guilt. I tortured myself with the “I shoulda, why didn’t I…”. What helped me was reminding myself if I brought her home she would’ve lingered indefinitely, feeling miserable. Just bc she looked peaceful didn’t mean she felt peaceful or well. Letting her die naturally would’ve caused her more pain. I saved her from that bc I love her. you love your Finley so much you wanted his last moment to be in his happy garden with someone he loved—you. You made your decision out of love. There’s no guilt in that motivation. I really hope My perspective helps and doesn’t make you feel worse.
I completely disagree with this post. It is awful judgement and sad for a veterinarian to have writen it. Becca has a very important point about morphine and so-called hospice care. I am very sorry about what happened to Carole..my heart goes with you.
My experience: my 17-year old cat died naturally at home, while sleeping together with me. I knew his time was coming. He was ‘clingy’, yes, and I was, too. I would not be away from him for a second.
He had kidney disease. Yes he was dehydrated and weak last 12’hours, but up until that moment he kept eating (small amounts throughout the day), loving sun baths and sleeping on my lap. His will to live was clearly present. Not depressed, not in pain, just weak and elderly. I knew my cat, he was not suffering. It was time to go. Period. No needles, no strangers, no stress, no intruders… just us and his peaceful and loving home as our last memory.
Thi post makes me sick to my stomach.
Wow, just wow. Every pet’s diagnosis is different and some pets SUFFER and do not die comfortably as your pet did. Dying of old age is quite different from dying of a disease.
Many die peacefully and with a good quality of life right up until the end.
My cat had lung cancer and was fighting to breathe. Her respiration rate was insanely high. She was in pain, even with narcotics.
I was comforted to read that other owners experienced their pet fight against the process. I had another pet with Cancer euthanized and it was nothing like this recent time. The guilt and second guessing was enormous. It was a home procedure. It was horrific. However, I was told that my cat would soon go into acute respiratory distress if I left things alone. Her tumor was massive and had grown inward… escaping detection until it has metastasized to lungs. It took a long time to get over that so please don’t judge other people’s decisions. I am not a vet so what basis do I have to criticize one? Criticism of end of life decisions is rubbing salt in the wounds.
It’s very important to make sure of the process before it’s done. I was traumatized by watching the “ single” injection they say is quick I don’t believe it one bit. I didn’t get the option of sleep first or sedation for our dog.I actually was out of the room for the decision for some reason it was decided between the vet and my spouse. I was a grown adult to make the decision for my furry friend I cared for so many years.The guilt is for a reason usually when something isn’t right.
I understand not letting a pet suffer they become like a family member but for goodness sake all vets should let them sleep first so the owner can say goodbye. The only closure I got I had to do myself by making a small burial.I don’t believe in cremation for any living creature. All should be buried to allow the memory of giving back to the earth or connection to be able to grieve if necessary. We wrapped our furry friend in her favorite blanket.
It helped to remind me of the positive times we shared.
I have euthanized 2 dogs . I agree that is the last thing that you can do for your beloved pet.
The decision is a difficult one . One I don’t regret .
In my case it was quick, painfree as they slipped away in the security of my arms. I take solace in the fact that I didn’t allow them to suffer because it would be difficult for me to do. I also didn’t want them to die alone while I was working. Animals will go off on their own when dying and succumb to the elements or predator. While left at home well meaningly we ultimately extend their suffering.
I went through exactly the same thing and have lived with that guilt because I had a 20 and a half year old cat that I had put down it was the worst experience. Now I have another 20-year-old cat, not wanting to go through the same thing but certainly don’t want him to suffer. I’m taking it one day at a time at this point in time…
I had to put the family dog down two years ago and he fought the first shot didn’t work and I hate myself for not just taking him out of the vet at that point instead of watching them do it again! Now my cat is dying and I’m broke so I can’t afford to put him down or take him to the vet. It’s just heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for your loss
Please dont let your baby suffer if indeed it is. Animal control will take them and do what’s best.
I agree. My big ol’ dummy of a black lab started having hip problems at a young age. She was rescued from a puppy mill where a lot of inbreeding was going on so we knew she was likely to have some problems. We gave her the best life we could and spared no expense to find treatments that would keep her happy and healthy as long as possible. By age 10 she was struggling to walk any significant distance and very quickly that turned into not being able to stand up without a struggle. She went from regular uti’s to kidney failure very quickly as well.
I still worry that we might have kept her too long but she was always wagging her tail when someone walked past. She even wagged her tail at the vet that came into our home.
We had her euthanized at home. It was very peaceful. She kept trying to lick everyone’s tears off our faces. The vet was amazing. She waited until we were done saying goodbye and explained what the medications were and what they did. After Olive passed away she gave us space and time to be with her body and then took her and managed the cremation.
It’s kind of expensive but well worth it IMO.
Letting her “die naturally” would have been cruel and loading her into a car to take her in would have been excruciating for her. It also gave us the opportunity to spend the time we needed with her without feeling rushed or uncomfortable.
It was quite beautiful. That’s how I would want to go if I had a choice.
That was my belief. Until I had to actually do it. Ten years later, I still have PTSD from watching my beloved cat die vomiting and terrified. Please people – be aware that many pets do not die peacefully from injection!!
OMG, I’m so, so sorry to hear that. It sounds like a horrific experience. That is really, really rare, but I feel terribly for you – please know this isn’t common but regardless, I can’t imagine what you went through. Peace,
Dr. Lee
Is this really rare though? I have seen so many comment with variations of the same theme, and also know one person personally whose pet suffered during euthanasia.
IT’s really rare for pets to suffer during euthanasia or for it to go “badly.” Honestly, it’s very, very peaceful 95%+ of the time, IMO.
Dr. Lee
He literally already Said that
Yes. I agree. I have done both and to have someone come to my home was so much better.
Yes., Thank you. I contacted the Rainbow Bridge in California. The Bay Area. It was about $250. Not much more than the vet! . A man came and sat with us for a while and when my baby girl went to sleep he gave her the shot. And then he told me when she had gone to heaven. It was so much better than the first dog I had to have put down as she had lost the use of her legs from a fox tail that had travelled to her spine. But I will never forget looking back and seeing her lifeless body on the floor of the vets office. What a way to say goodbye? Also. Do not believe them if they tell you they will cremate your dog and give it a nice burial. I’m sure there are exceptions to what I say here but this is what happens. Animal control drives a truck around and picks up the euthanized dogs and the gassed dogs and the dogs that die in fires every day, and thy take them to a big pit they dug and they throw them off the back of the truck and into the pit, and when the hole is full they throw dirt over it and go dig another hole. How do I know? It happened to my two dogs who died in my house fire and I found out exactly what happened. I wanted them back to bury them myself but they told me it was too late and they told me why. This was 4 days after they had died and the lady said my dogs were “under too many layers of dogs to be able to find them”. My only solace was I had hoped when they threw them off the truck that they had landed next to eachother. So awful. Please. Know that your pet has to go when its quality of life is making it so that it is suffering and then please don’t take it to the vet. Have it done at home and bury it in a safe place with flagstones over it so nothing can get to it and its much better. I know because I learned the hard way and I want to share this with whoever I can.
Let me remind you this is 2024. In my opinion it should be accessible at home if u choose…..( I could not find at home assistance). when I was limited into bringing my pet of about 17 years my companion and support animal.i had no choice in the moment but to try and find the nearest vet available. They would not give me the contact or name of the at home care as they do for others. My pet had a fall or something after being sick and looked paralyzed or in my opinion ( maybe a stroke or siezure) crying out some . Maybe just still sick and hiding it well. What made it worse was trying to transport ,drive,park trying to get inside even with help from a relative. There is no “ emergency number or service to help u”.
then their office refused to let me see my best friend,to make sure of what just happened.say goodbye or possible treatment? before the euthanasia.they didn’t add a topical pain relief before a “port “of some kind was used .u could hear my pet louder than we have ever heard. They refused sedation of any kind I requested it several times ,put it on a form. I got zero help before making the decision. I even tried to remind them he may have fallen.they didn’t let me communicate effectively to make sure they limit a pet that may have bad injury.( looked like a possible fall) We were trying to limit his movements.they refused me to see my friend. which helps this communication, process,closure and goodbye all in one. They did what limited communication with me, out in a crowd of people loud,other animals while they took him away.
So my biggest concern is taking a dying or injured pet anywhere.best thing is at least at home or similar. either the vets around here don’t want to euthanize or don’t know how effectively.i will be honest some don’t care they treat the client just as bad.( not all but the ones here).
If u already know of a place and they will answer your questions.we don’t have that here.
I appreciate your candidness in this article. Having had to make this personal decision all too often with my past cats, I’m now dealing with my 17 year old cat who has stage four chronic kidney disease. While exploring the best options to offer her quality of life, I know the time will come to make the decision for probable euthanasia. In all practicality, I know to watch for “signs” of decline. but how you worded this actually helped me understand it as a bit of an “ah-ha moment”. “…in other words, how the body (your pet’s body) will always try to save itself. The body doesn’t want to die and will attempt to trigger key homeostatic mechanisms designed to try to keep itself alive.” Knowing that the physical body will try hard to sustain, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s what’s beneficial for the pet.
Thanks for writing Gina. My own 17 year old cat also has chronic kidney disease (CRD). Look for signs of not eating for more than 2-3 days – even tasty treats like canned tuna, Gerber baby food, etc. (Yes, ideally these should be on a low protein diet, but during periods of inappetance or as you come closer to making the humane decision to euthanize her, it’s ok to spoil them with tasty food). I also look for signs of hiding, weakness, lethargy. With CRD, they get a severe anemia so the life-threatening signs would be not moving, hiding, severe weakness. I hope that helps and that you have peace!
Thank you for the advice Dr. Lee. Sorry to hear your senior cat is also dealing with CRD. She/he is lucky to have a Doctor mom 🙂 Fanny is holding steady since her diagnosis in December. Amazingly she still has a good appetite and (mostly) eating the K/D. No vomiting, no weight loss, alert and still engaging. However, recent bloodwork show her kidney values have increased and now a slight hyper thyroid has been thrown into the mix. I have a great Doctor and discussing treatment plans with her. Fanny and I are just taking it one day at a time and enjoying each others company. She only ignores me for a short while after getting her sub-q fluids 😉
My 14 year old cat was diagnosed with cancer (I can’t remember what kind), but the vet advised that the prognosis wasn’t great and that we would be better off spoiling her and enjoying the time that we had left, utilizing the limited funds that we have to care for her and keep her comfortable rather than drag out her suffering. Her doctor believed she might have a few good months left.
Unfortunately, she developed a tooth infection which was being treated (she was to have the tooth extracted once the infection was cleared with antibiotics to prevent further issues for the remainder of her time). Unfortunately, even with pain medication, she slowly stopped eating and it was touch and go. She had lost a pound in a week (she was 6lbs when she passed).
Within a month of her cancer diagnosis, I woke up in the middle of the night to find her with many symptoms of what I now know may have been kidney failure. She wasn’t herself, and was clearly not okay at 1:30am. She was normally attached to me, but this night she could barely move and tried to wobble herself away from me anytime I tried to lay down on the floor next to her (I was going to sleep with her so she wouldn’t be alone). Unfortunately, I had to wait until the closest vet (which Happened to be her vet) opened at 9:30am to bring her in for euthanasia. I didn’t know if she could be saved, but we agreed that it wasn’t worth her suffering.
My biggest regret is not seeing the signs sooner. She was the first pet I’ve ever gone through this with, and even the vet didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
Knowing that I truly didn’t know at the time, and I acted as soon as I could, I am left with one burning question. She was very cold to the touch — is there anything you can do in that situation to make a cat more comfortable? Is it safe to place a heating pad on low and allow her to lay on it? I hadn’t thought of it at the time, but I believe I would’ve been hesitant without seeking advice first.
Thank you in advance for reading. I really appreciate it.
I’m so sorry to hear that. Honestly, the heating pad wouldn’t have helped much, as she likely was really anemic from kidney failure – heating her up doesn’t help as it warms up her periphery, when she was really vasoconstricting (shunting her blood to her inside core). Please know there wasn’t much you could do at home – hang in there. She knows she was loved.
Best,
Dr. Justine Lee
So true. Euthanized my cat yesterday, poor fella was only 3yrs old but had FIP with fluid filled belly and began to fill chest cavity. My baby was dying slowly and I knew it. I made the decision after he had explosive mucus filled diarrhea and could barely make it to his litter box inches away. He ate that morning and drank plenty water, so I thought he would be fine. Even on way to vet he was alert and inquisitive..but was still breathing hard and drowning in fluid. It sucked big time but I was glad that he entrusted me to end his suffering and that I was able to do so.
this article is poorly titled. it should be ‘should i euthanize my pet and not just let them die.’ the at home part implys that they should not die at home when really at home euthanasia is a good thing.
I think most vets prompt euthanasia because they haven’t had any training for hospice care. Dr. Bittel offers courses on hospice care and natural death. Her Spirits in Transition offers an alternate view on death and dying in pets. Just like humans can be given quality of death, so can animals. It’s just a matter of accepting death and not rushing to put to sleep just because we fear death. We live in a society that is “antideath” and just like fast-food we want it to happen fast. Dying is a process and natural event.
I agree with you.
I also agree with this- I let my dog die naturally at home- okay well a tthe end she seemed trapped in her body so I brought her to the vet to have her euthanized- she died as they put the catheter in. This was my first experience with a pet dying- and she was like my first child. Giving her body and mind the ultimate time – not on my time- was what I felt was best as she was still very aware of what was going on, although her body was failing her. I have her the best last days of her life and I still miss her so much. That experience was heart wrenching but I wanted to respect her life even in her death. Death is natural and sometimes I think all the meds we are pumping in our pets and all that actually greatly effect the natural dying process. As the body shuts down and they are no longer eating or drinking the body naturallg takes care of what we believe is “pain”. Everyone’s situation is different- but In the end- animals throughout this world die naturally every day.
Oh, I’m so sorry… my heart goes out to you. She’s at peace now.
Thank you Grace for your entry. We have let three of our pets die naturally, in their own time, while we gave them pain medication. It is not easy. I think listening to vets is a much easier way for most people, but I think I know my pets better. My first dog who lived to be 15 was terrified of the vet and we let her go at home, in her own time. There are pain meds that can ease this process and the vets know this better than we do. But, it is less expensive, so… We had a cat that died so quickly we didn’t have time to take her back to the vet for all the tests they prescribed to do on her. When she died in our kitchen, my other three pets, two dogs and a cat, came and circled around her peacefully, saying their last goodbyes I believe. It was amazing. All our natural passings,
One thing I have found to work well for a number of cats I have had over the years is to gently give them a warm bath. In this way, they are supported and handled lovingly as you wash then then wrap them in a towel and rub them softly. This has been a very intimate peaceful way for them to go, and quicker than taking them to the vets, especially during the pandemic, when a long wait might have been necessary, and I would not have been able to be with them at the end. For one Mummy’s girl’ this definitely felt right when I could see she was suffering and the vet wasn’t open yet. She died relaxed in my arms, as we shared those last loving looks. Constraint that with another cat crying out in pain as the experienced vet failed to find a vein first time….or another vet who is too ready to pronounce a death sentence – including on the above she-cat when she was a kitten, 15 years before she actually did die, or something entirely different. Hope this helps balance the discussion and gives some folk a humane alternative.
My dog has cancer and I’m putting her down myself, at home,Jackie with fentanyl. She hates going to the vet, so I’m not putting her through that
Unfortunately, this is NOT recommended as you likely don’t have enough to do so. Call a vet and have them come to your house to do it.
I have also seen that with my cats..one was passing & the others circled around, like a vigil. Very interesting! Animals are amazing! 💖💖💖🐈🐈🐈
I definitely agree with you Grace.
I don’t believe that this article is correct, in that just one method, is universally the right route for everyone. Most situations are unique, to some degree, and that the owners of their pets, generally have a good idea, about how the best way will be, for their pet to pass on.
I believe that the right answer/ choice, is relevant to each individual situation.
*** REMEMBER, PETS HAVE NO CONCEPT OF DYING. THEY ARE ALWAYS JUST TRYING TO LIVE, UNTIL, AT LAST, THEY CANNOT.
This really helped me to deal with the passing of my eleven year old Siamese cat, Miss Yoda.
Yes, that is true – pet owners must decide with guidance of their veterinarian if their pet will suffer at home. If a pet is dying of congestive heart failure, they are drowning in their lungs, however. Acute heart attacks, strokes/seizures or massive internal bleeding is more “peaceful,” but some ways of passing are terrible with suffering involved. Keep in mind that “dying” is not the opposite of “living.” It’s the opposite of birth, and unfortunately, we have to make the decision to either assist in that or to let them go on their own.
Dr. Lee
Agree 100%
Hi. IN my opinion, I let my pet dor died in our home because I know she will be more comfortable to do the process of pet euthanasia. Pet euthanasia provides a painless death, speedy termination of emotional and physical suffering. Please refer to the link: https://pawsatpeacepethospice.com/
Struggling with this, but after reading I’m going to call the very in the morning.. my adopted cat of almost 3 years, has mammory cancer on both sides for at least 6 months and suddenly not wanting to eat for the last 2 days. She still comes out to love up my fiance but I think this is it. Even though she viciously attacked me 2 years ago… It’s hard to have to make the decision.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. I would consider using something like Lap of Love or finding a veterinarian in your area who will euthanize her at home. My sympathies to you.
Ok so I feel awful because I am ot home a lot. I have a 13year old frenchie and I am an RVT as well. So now I will as your opinion if you dont mind. I say al the sudden however it culd have been gradually happening but once I finally noticed my frenchie is pu/ps ravenous, having accidents in the house even right after walks. I am thinking he is cushionoid. So test are in progress. What’s yur take on that. I know his days or months are probably numbered. I dont want to be selfish but I know I am being selfish. Even being a tech for 25 years I still when it comes down to it want quality vs quantity and dont want him to suffer. He seems happy. He doesnt see ir hear as well as he used to but that is part of the aging process. Ugh what to do? Thanks for the great article.
I would get him treated for his Cushings – it’s easy and safe and he may feel a lot better. 🙂 But you are right, QOL is hard. If he doesn’t act like he used to, doesn’t want to eat, doesn’t want to go for a walk or do his favorite things he used to, we know it’s time, right?
My 16yo cat just died yesterday in my arms. My mom wanted him to die at home. I loved him more than I can say. You’re telling me he was suffering that whole time? I don’t think I can live with that..
Oh Tina, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your cat. As long as you feel like your cat was breathing comfortably and in your arms, I’m sure he was happy to be in your arms! Best and my heart goes out to you.
My cat is in my arms at the moment. I can’t believe he’s still breathing. But he’s very comfortable and peaceful. Not putting through a trip to the vet. He’s in no pain. All he wanted was to cuddle against my chest.
Awh, I’m so sorry. When in doubt you can call your veterinarian.
Murder is murder no matter what ‘pretty words’ , like euthanasia, we cloak it in. Who would murder their best friend in the world?
It is the animal’s life, not yours – their existence is their sole possession – if you could ask them they would tell you they wanted to be with you to the very end.
I loved your comment. Ed. Thank you for sharing
Oh geez! I hope you are vegan Ed? If not what a hypocrite you are “It’s the animals life not yours”. I actually am vegan and it’s all about stopping the suffering of nonhuman beings (nonhumans bred for food/clothing etc do suffer, watch Dominon or Earthlings). Euthanasia is a way to end suffering when any being is suffering during their end days or during the process of dying. Did you even read the part of the article about all we do for humans as they’re dying to stop them from suffering or being in pain? Sadly that’s not something available for pets (probably mostly because of how we humans view them as lesser than we) at least not everywhere, if it is anywhere (it deserves to be a thing everywhere). When a pet is suffering or in pain and someone makes the decision not to euthanize, they need to ask themselves how much that decision is about them and their feelings (or the feelings of grief/loss to come) versus those of their pet suffering or in pain? Most of us want to die peacefully and without suffering/pain, so why would anyone not want to give that to their best friend if they were suffering/in pain?
I am glad that despite letting your pet run its natural course at home, the situation may call for the pet to be euthanized in order to stop it from suffering. As someone who will likely have to go through the process of determining if euthanasia is needed when it comes to my pet’s health, knowing that they will be pain-free in the short-run rather than enduring pain for so long. I think that it is important to consider the euthanization process in order to know that your pet will stop suffering once it is followed through.
Made the decision when i awoke to put my so very very much loved cat Eli…..diagnosed with cancer…at first after surgery i did make the appt a few days later to put him down: I backed out. Eli was truly not ready..neither was iI. Now almost 1 month later of watching him diminish..weight..energy..wise..it is time for him to rest. I cant love him anymore than i do…but I can Love him so much that he no lo ger has to feel as he does….My vet/friend will come out on Monday. And my heart will break again a d again and again… ut not as it is right now seeing him as he is now. Rest my Eli……..
Tha k you for your beautifully explained..message..
i had the same experience 1 week ago . our beloved golden ROCKY (10 years old) was diagnosed with a tumour (cancer) in his stomach a month prior. The vet told us he would never walk agin nor eat. He did tell us he did”t know how much longer we had with rocky. He also said we should talk about putting him down. I WAS NOT READY FOR THAT (TRUTHFULLY I KNEW I WOULD NEVER BE). Rocky did walk and he did eat and wasn’t himself 100%. but he was a fighter and he was telling us it wasn’t time yet. we had decided that we where not going to put him down and cancelled the appointment. He gave us another month of love and LIFE!! The last few days before he passed he wasn’t eating nor showing any interest in his walks ( remember he wasn’t a 100% but he fought for more time) I had made the appointment to put him down already a week before which was in the Mon Dec 14 2020 @9am. He the just went completely downhill. Thursday, Friday night he was crying in so much pain my daughter and I stayed with all through the nights. Saturday morning i just knew he was telling us its time to go. We had called a vet (numerous ones) to arrange for putting him down. The earliest we could get was at 3pm. Unfortunately Rocky couldn’t hang on anymore. He was surrounded by a lot of his loved ones. It was the hardest thing i had to witness , shattered my heart to pieces that i couldn’t do more. His final moments was so hard on him. I wish I could have got him to a vet sooner but it was too late!! My daughter and I are still dealing with our guilt of not bringing him in sooner!!
R.I.P my beloved BFF ROCKY
i had the same experience 1 week ago . our beloved golden ROCKY (10 years old) was diagnosed with a tumour (cancer) in his stomach a month prior. The vet told us he would never walk agin nor eat. He did tell us he did”t know how much longer we had with rocky. He also said we should talk about putting him down. I WAS NOT READY FOR THAT (TRUTHFULLY I KNEW I WOULD NEVER BE). Rocky did walk and he did eat and wasn’t himself 100%. but he was a fighter and he was telling us it wasn’t time yet. we had decided that we where not going to put him down and cancelled the appointment. He gave us another month of love and LIFE!! The last few days before he passed he wasn’t eating nor showing any interest in his walks ( remember he wasn’t a 100% but he fought for more time) I had made the appointment to put him down already a week before which was in the Mon Dec 14 2020 @9am. He the just went completely downhill. Thursday, Friday night he was crying in so much pain my daughter and I stayed with him everynight for the last few weeks. Saturday morning i just knew he was telling us its time to go. We had called a vet (numerous ones) to arrange for putting him down. The earliest we could get was at 3pm. Unfortunately Rocky couldn’t hang on anymore. He was surrounded by a lot of his loved ones. It was the hardest thing i had to witness , shattered my heart to pieces that i couldn’t do more. His final moments was so hard on him. I wish I could have got him to a vet sooner but it was too late!! My daughter and I are still dealing with our guilt of not bringing him in sooner!!
R.I.P my beloved BFF ROCKY
I just had my 10 year old cat euthanized yesterday. He had been showing signs he didn’t feel well so I had planned to take him for a checkup the 31st. He began labored breathing night of the 30th so I put him in a room alone so the other cats wouldn’t bother him. Thursday morning he was much worse and dying. We went to the vet and got the shot. Broke my heart but I could not let him suffer at home.
I disagree! We have a Sanctuary for special needs kitties and we do hospice. We provide the kitty with all medicine that provides them comfort until they pass. That includes sub-q fluids, Depo and Burprnex. We hand feed every 4 hours using AD or Recovery mixed with pedialyte and Viralys. Our view is that animals have basic instincts with the strongest instinct being “survival!” We fight with this kitties as long as they fight. We take shifts to ensure the kitty is never alone. I personally feel what the doctor is suggesting is an opinion and not based on empirical data. Through 30 years of providing hospice, I’m yet to met a reputable veternarian that would agree with.
I stayed while my 19 year old cat was euthanized and it was a horribly traumitizing experience. He cried in pain. It took them 3 shots to finally kill him. I felt absolutely horrible that I let them do that to my friend.
Did you kill the mother fuckers that botched his euthanasia?
A late response but I’m very sorry that that was your experience. Whether the 3 shots were really necessary, your heart was still in the right place. You also stayed by his side, which makes a considerable difference compared to animals whose family members can’t bear to watch and leave them alone with strangers.
This was my exact experience with euthanasia with my cat. Now my other cat is 20 years old and at the end stages of kidney disease. I cannot bare to do that a second time. My other cat deserved a peaceful passing and I could not give that to her. When they say it’s painless and they just drift into a peaceful sleep, I’m sorry that’s an outright lie. This article is upsetting and I find it very one sided.
Comment *my almost 20 year old cat, always a bit of a loner and not exceptionally into petting and being played with has with age turned around completely and became extremely clingy over the last year, he constantly wants to be with me and i feel its a kind of inner fear that he knows he is fading physically, he is still eating and drinking but sleeps almost all day and night now only coming out to see us once in a while and tell me he wants to eat or be petted for a short while, he is not as clingy the last few weeks so i fear this is a sign he is nearing the end of his life, he tends to go to his chair (can still jump up onto the couch!) and stays there for most of the day. Its actually breaking my heart to see him deteriorate like this but as a geriatric nurse i know that this is life and this is natural and with our help he may be able to pass peacefully at home, i am praying for that for him….he has always hated going to the vet and i feel this would be very traumatic in his last hours, if it does come to euthanasia i would definately go the home route , we did this with our boxer dog suffering from cancer 18 months ago and it was the most beautiful experience of peace and saying goodbye to a pet we ever had, i would not hesitate to do it again because we owe them that…..i do get where this vet is coming from but i just dont believe that NO is right for everyone and it should be an individual choice based on all the circumstances and also if the pet owners are up to caring for a failing animal at home, not all are emotionally able to do this, as a nurse i can, but i do see that its difficult and very painful for some people….do what you think is the best you can for your pets because you love them …. thats all you can do
I’ve been thinking a lot about the dying process for both humans and our pets. I definitely believe that euthanasia is the most humane thing to do when someone is in terrible pain and suffering but I’m starting to question if our insistence on euthanasia as the humane option has more to do with our discomfort around death. I’ve had multiple cats euthanized at home over the years and felt pretty certain that natural death was very near but I’ve always heard that it’s better to euthanize a few days too early than even a moment too late. Each of my animals had stopped eating and seemed to be peaceful but I was so fearful that they would be in pain at the end. The at-home euthanasia each time involved a painful injection which made my last cat get up and hiss which was so rare for him to ever do. It was a traumatic final few moments of their consciousness which I feel could have been avoided if I had just been more comfortable and patient with the dying process. My parents are both quite elderly and sick. I’ve been trying to prepare myself for their deaths by learning about the dying process. I know euthanasia for humans is not legal but even if it was, in those final days and moments when death is imminent I don’t think I would hurry the process with a lethal injection the way I did with my cats. At the end I think it’s very likely they won’t be able to communicate with words just the way our animals can’t tell us if they’re in pain. SoI’m not sure what the right thing to do is, but I feel like the process of dying is so natural and has the potential to be a peaceful and beautiful transition, but euthanasia by lethal injection interrupts that natural process and isn’t always necessary.
It’s such a hard decision. I can say that there are definitely some things that you can do to make the visit from your veterinarian for home euthanasia much more peaceful and less stressful. Have them script you out gabapentin and give high dose before the visit – I usually give high dose the night before and again 2 hours before the veterinary visit. This will help sedate your cat at home orally and make things much more peaceful. Also, an oral medication (buprenorphine OR butorphanol) can be given days before to help. I hope that helps – when in doubt, talk to your veterinarian about this as we also want to make the transition to a peaceful ending as smooth as possible.
Deepest regards,
Dr. Justine Lee
But quickly. That’s the problem Doctor. The process is important. When you see a family member die, a human for example, you will understand our need to let pets go less medically. Some pain medication to allow the process would be a possibility having nothing to do with your busy practice.
This says it better than all of us could, I think. Death is a natural thing. Allow it to take its natural course no matter how unpleasant. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer. For me a lethal injection does not seem right, so for my cat I will wait.
JILL, yes Totally support you. My kitty is slowly dying at home with pain meds as needed. There’s some good medical and hospice information out there especially from Spirits in Transition.org and Dr Erika Halle. Having been with my father for tge full time he was in hospice, and having birthed my son naturally, I’m comfortable hospicing my kitty. It’s a very different orientation towards convenience, attitudes about pain, and for me dignity and spirituality. I made the decision once I realuzed euthanizing was more about my fear of what’s to come and need to control vs trust the process. We also have virtually no alternative picture of what the process could be other than disaster – Which is why I posted the links. This isn’t inany way a judgment, and I’m grateful to have euthanasia as an option, but it will not be the first choice. Best wishes to you and your faily.Another resource I can recommend for human beings and end of life panning is Living Into Dying by Nacy Jewel Poer
Yes, dying is natural and can be a peaceful transition. Killing by lethal injection, even if the heart is in the right place, is traumatic, awful, stressful, unnatural, scary for the animal… and yes, it does interrupt that natural process and is almost never necessary. I am 100% sure my cat would rather be in some physical pain or discomfort, but at home, feeling safe and loved, than not feeling any pain but being terrified and confused before dying.
My old cat Tommy has been slowly dying all week. He stopped eating days ago even tho I tried giving him baby food and water with a baby dropper. He stopped trying to crawl from the livingroom to the bathroom two days ago. He wanted to lay on my knee two nights ago, and I did for a few hours, but his mouth stinks from the toxins and I had to get up and stretch. He’s laying on a blanket and towel by my feet. He stopped trying to lift his head yesterday. He hasn’t moved in 24 hours, he feels cold and stiff, but he’s still breathing.
I can’t afford euthanasia. It’s Saturday afternoon so I can’t take him to the vets till Monday for cremation. When will his breathing stop? I thought it would have been days ago. It’s horrible watching him.
You need to bring him somewhere – even the shelter for humane euthanasia.
I was with my dog when she was euthanized almost 30 years ago. She had been lethargic and suddenly she was anxiously looking me in the eye right before she died. It is in the top ten traumatic experiences of my life. I have allowed my elderly cats to pass peacefully at home, using hospice care/medication. Not cheap, but worth every penny.
Thank you for these comments. I am concluding that this is a very personal decision with no right or wrong. But I think education about the dying process in animals is needed. Our uncomplaining 15 year old yellow lab , unable to get up or walk any longer, sleeping all the time in one position, incontinent, but eating and drinking normally, did not appear to be in pain. No wincing, whining, or crying. I couldn’t find or afford to have a vet visit at home, but I desperately needed him to be seen to be sure he wasn’t in pain. I was content to provide hospice care which I did for several weeks gladly. Finally with the aid of a sling, I was able with a lot of trouble to get him into the car and take him to the vet. My husband couldn’t help due to illness. The vet said that she thought he was in pain and he could keep eating and drinking for a long time, but that inevitably his skin would be burned by his urine and possibly result in open sores, despite my efforts to keep him clean. . She thought that pain meds might not help enough. So we decided to have him go to sleep. Literally within 15 seconds of the injection, he died. Maybe just my imagination, but he looked so peaceful—that worried, exhausted , sad look was gone. Death by any means is inevitable. Finding a place of peace for all concerned needs to be the means to the end of life for those we love to prevent unnecessary suffering. The high doses of morphine used when human beings are dying is often a form of assisted death as well. So now my beloved Cooper is free from his mortal life and running in the great beyond. God bless his sweet soul.
Comment *All the suffering of our loved pets, whether you can afford vet visits or not, should there not be a euthanasia medication we can administer at home so as their last breath will be at home with loved Humans and other loved animal friends? It is excruciating enough to make that decision without having to make your beloved pet go through more stress, taking them out of their environment! Then you yourself are crying your eyes out on on one of the worst days of your life, then transporting your animals body back home to bury.
If the vet had even suggested home euthanization since he seems to know about hospice animal care, he’d have more credence with me. As with humans, domino who sees the “patient” for qo minutes isn’t always the best judge of what they are still getting out of life. With humans doctors argue if you still can enjoy a sunrise you should keep going no matter your quality of life and they continue to coerce people into care. Funny how with an animal , we take the opposite view. Are we truly more humane with animals than people or do we simpleton easily accept the view of a professional who as I said spends 10 minute because it is difficult for us. Make your own decision based on how your pet is with you 24/7 not on 10 minutes and choose euthanizing your pet at home if you can and spare both you and your pet the trauma of the end being in a clinic.
Our little Abigail Boston terrier is lying on the deck on her deathbed as I type this-her favorite spot on sunny days here in NW Montana.
She has had a slowly growing inoperable abdominal tumor for over a year now and only stopped eating a couple of days ago.
We have been keeping her sedated and giving her all the loving she richly deserves.
She knows our voices still and you can feel her relax when we touch her.
She is NOT in pain.
If that changes we will change our minds and take her to the vet but at this moment we are comfortable with our plan and feel certain she would prefer to pass in familiar surroundings.
Godspeed, darling Abbie-10 years was not nearly long enough…
Ok this was NOT what I needed to read after losing my sweet 11 year old German Shepherd just this week to kidney disease . She went very fast . And because of COVID and her symptoms presenting on a weekend . Even the only open ER vets had No available spots or a 3 hour wait . She passed away within 2 hours . And yes I saw the shock in her dilated pupils you speak of and there was absolutely nothing I could do I am already so traumatized about it and I remember saying “I wish we could just take her to be euthanized to end this” So now , I feel extra guilty on top of the pain and grieving .
I find this to be BS for many situations. I have been heavily involved in animal rescue for 30 years. I have an 18 year old feral cat who stopped eating a couple of days ago. Trapping her, taking her to the vet, having her anesthetized so they can examine her would be TERRIFYING for a feral cat. I’ve seen enough animals die to know that she would not survive without extreme measures and even then it would be for only a short while. So after she is tortured with this terror they would then euthanize her. I will not have her last experiences alive be full of such fear. It’s incredibly irresponsible to make such a blanket statement like you did. I know that after all those years in school it’s disheartening when a vet realizes they can’t pay the bills but pushing business by saying this is just wrong. FYI It would be no better to have a mobile vet come to us. She would still have to be trapped and handled.
I agree – that sounds very fearful and stressful for that poor cat. She should have been orally sedated heavily once caught to bring into the vet, as that would have make things less stressful. I’m so sorry you had to experience that.
Thank you all for sharing your stories, tears and philosophies. Compassion for your pet is the goal for all the joy they have brought you. My animal is heading to the vet tomorrow for her last breath. They don’t prescribe a sedative which I asked for after reading all of your wonderful advice. Are there any alternatives available at local pet shop?
Peace to all of you lovely humans and lovers of animals.
You can always ask for one in advance. Unfortunately not much at a local pet shop.
I’m so sorry. I’m facing this with my 13 year old boy. He is going downhill fast.
I have allowed the 2 of my cats who have died to die at home naturally. My first cat was originally feral but came to live with us . She lived until 20 years old and had kidney failure. She urinated frequently and everywhere at the end, but remained gentle though increasingly clumsy for several days until she was found In the morning stiff and curled in her favorite position in a favorite spot.
My second cat who I have cared for – for the last 10 of his 14 or 15 years just died this morning. I feel compelled to share because I fretted and doubted along the way if I was doing the right thing, but believe it was the right choice for us. With the caveat that if he had been in a lot pain I would have opted for the quick injection. I can tell you it was physically messy with the body fluids of dying (bladder, bowel, stomach evacuation). Also long (days) of the not easy and uncomfortable process of dying, but we both gained so much. He spent several days mostly sleeping, his body slowly shutting down, refusing to eat or drink. Every few hours he would slowly move to a new favorite spot and sleep some more, almost like he was doing stations resting o e last time in his favorite places. His last night immediately after I finished writing my memorial to him he suddenly jumped up and trotted over and stood before me with a final bust of energy I had not seen in days. It was almost as though he knew I had processed in my words how to say goodbye and was ready. I held him in my lap and he soon begin the death rattle breathing of a natural death as lungs fill with fluid. After a bit his breathing calmed and I laid him on his pad on the floor near my chair. In a bit, he stumbled towards me and lay on the foot of my blanket which I wrapped him in and laid him on my chest. His front legs tremored With a seizure and then quieted, As he lay against me I felt the waves of his breathing and the beat of his heart and the thrum of the blood in his body. Slowly the waves of breath diminished and were still. His heart still beat for a while until it too quieted. Finally and lastly, the thrum of his life force in the whole body receded. We lay quietly together for a time. My remaining cat sat by watching respectfully. Then I curled him up on his pad and said goodbye. It was a messy few days with cleaning and fretting, but I was amazed at his intuitive behavior and believe allowing him to die in his own time on his own terms was healing for both of us. It was messy and emotional and slow. He had a good death and my heart is full. Sharing not because I think it is the right way or the only way, but just to share what worked for us.
Thank you for sharing. It is beautiful. May you see your baby again 💜🤍
That was such a beautiful way to describe his death and sounded like a good experience overall. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Complete BS. As a longtime hospice nurse an animal rescuer for the past fifty years I can tell you about the dying process in humans and in animals and it is rearely as this vet described. The veterinarian has little experience on the natural death as he euthanizes and does not get an opportunity to do any more than read about pathophysiology of the dying pet. I have had many pets die at home as a rescuer and I also am fully aware of what the body goes through when it dies as a human hospice nurse I am not going to sit here and educate you on pathophysiology of death but I guarantee you if your pet could talk they would want to die at home with you. And by the way, the animals that I have seen have not suffered when they pass at home they are at peace calm. yes the body does continue to try to sustain life the heart rate does increase the respirations will become more difficult but also, the body releases endorphins at this time the helps the animal to relax. I have never seen a dying animal wrythe in pain or get up and try to run because it’s heart is racing. This is a very very very individual choice and I would not ever try to sway someone one way or the other. I disagree with this veterinarian trying to guilt people into taking their animal to the vet or they will suffer more. If your animal has fear and anxiety when going to the vet, do you want them to experienceare fright and terror in their last hours? This article is ignorant and treats pet owners like fools. You have a choice.
As a board-certified veterinary expert, I’m not trying to guilt anyone into euthanasia. Since you do hospice, you should know that human hospice involves high dose opioids and pain medication, which we do not send owners home with (aside from fentanyl patches or sublingual buprenorphine). Having high dose morphine on a constant rate infusion in human medicine is pain free. Animals don’t have the choice.
Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT
No – not all dying humans who die at home are pumped with medications. I know of two beloved ones whose bodies slowly shut down. without meds. They were not in any pain – at all – nor fearful. The process for them was an extended ‘going to sleep’ and, for one who didn’t eat for a week yet was so alert and with such strong voice that his end came as a shock to the doctors – but not to those who knew him so well. And so, for my beloved little cat who is now in what I’m assuming is the final stage of his renal failure, I hope to have him die in the only place – the only place – in which he feels secure and unafraid. And with the only person with whom he is equally so. The vets? He is terrified of the process. Subject him to that in his final days/hours? Oh = sure.
I am very grateful for all the varied information and discussion on this website. The fact that Dr Lee publishes open dissent is heartwarming in itself. I have learned a lot about caring for my dying cat from all the comments, and so much more that I would have learned from my own vet. My last cat, aged 17, honoured me by allowing me to witness his last breath, lying half-hidden under the daffodils in my garden. Now this 18 year old is responding to the Buddhist practices of ‘Taking Suffering’ and I will go to that now and we will know what we know when we know…. omment
Euthanasia shouldn’t be the go to band-aid to dying. I agree with many who have said it’s a process – very individual and personal. Having bonded with my much beloved cat, seeing how he wanted to climb through the glass window on his last annual vet visit, how he was terrified with a home vet visit we did, and listening to his wishes as best I knew them – natural death aided by hospice care at home with buprenorphine was what I decided. When he began shutting down during the 4th week of his lymphoma prognosis and stopped eating/drinking I began the buprenorphine 24hrs later (though I did feel guilty about the buprenorphine because it seemed like that’s what killed him, he died about 1hr after his second dose). About 7hrs after his first bup dose, I wrapped him in one of my sweatshirts he liked to curl up in and held him in my arms. Soon after his body became really rigid but breathing and heart rate normal; he then started intermittent agonal breathing in between normal breathing and loss bladder control. When I noticed him starting to get agitated, I gave him his second dose of bup about 1hr early. After an hour of his second dose I looked into his eyes and he was there looking for me though he couldn’t move his body as I shockingly saw recognition and awareness in his eyes (one last goodbye). Minutes after his face twitched, he stopped breathing, went limp, and then lastly his heart stopped. All through this I was amazed how semi-detached I was as I played the role of hospice care-giver. It was the aftermath that I wasn’t prepared. I began reliving his death in my mind over and over and would wake up in fits of agonal breathing. This would go on for two weeks. Then I began feeling like the doors of hell were opening up trying to swallow me as if I was walking through water with weights on my arms and chest. Now as I awoke each morning, I would hear myself cry inside my mind with a deep pain in my chest. Eventually group therapy and individual counseling became necessary to make sense of everything. One year later, grief is still here. What this experience revealed to me is that we are not only apart of each others’ lives but also apart of each others’ deaths. And that animals are way more sentient than we give them credit, and they are way more better at unconditional love than we are. We need to listen more to all sides, including the animals to follow the best personal path through this part of life.
Oh Chris, I’m so heartbroken for you. It’s such a hard, hard decision, and I hope you had some peace. RIP to your beloved old man. Best, Dr. Justine Lee
I had a cat who died from diabetes. Had taken to vet & they gave fluids, I came home, vet was then closed, my cat started seizing with high pitched screams. It went on for hours & was awful. To this day I wish I had that cat euthanized. He suffered greatly. 😭😭😭💔💔💔🐈
My 12 year old cat has MLO. I had an MRI done, and the cancer has begun to penetrate into some areas of her brain. She is on prednisolone and gabapentin. She has ups and downs. She will be unable to move one day and then the next day, she will pace around, eat, drink and use the litter box. However, she hasn’t been able to get up for three days. I’ve had to give her some water and food through a syringe. This morning she wet herself because she couldn’t get up. I am really struggling with calling the vet and making the quality of life appointment knowing I will be taking her in to die. The decision is really hard for me. I’ve had cats all of my life and I haven’t had to do this before. One thing that is making it hard is that she is constantly trying to get up but she has been unable to recently. She seems to want to live, but is this the body wanting to save itself as you described? I keep waiting for the next up day but what if there are no more?
I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s such a hard decision. My veterinary opinion? If they can’t get up and walk and act like they used to, their quality of life is diminished.
My cat is 17 years old and has always been super healthy. This past July hind legs appeared to be lame, would spasm/twitch, and I thought he was paralyzed. Took him to be tested for diabetes, organ failure/health, and everything came back normal. vet prescribed gabapetin and a “wait and see” period and/or recommended going to a specialist and getting an MRI which is very expensive and may reveal nothing useful. Took him home and starting using puppy diapers, changed 3 times per day since he could not walk to a litter box. he could not even sit up to eat or drink, so i held him as he did so and also positioned food and water in a way that he could reach while lying down. i continued to do that for a couple weeks. then one day he sat up! a week later he was doing the army crawl all around the house with lots of energy. He could use his front legs to pull himself everywhere he wanted to go, and he had a very normal healthy appetite for food and water. I think a lot of people would have euthanized him during weeks 1-2 because he was immobile, couldn’t eat or drink without assistance, and couldn’t walk to a litter box. but that was 5 months ago. he is able to give and receive love. he is not paralyzed. he can move his rear legs but standing / putting weight on the rear legs causes pain. a lot like my grandmother who is 90. But we are not going to euthanize her and I know that she doesn’t want that. My cat has a happy life filled with warm blankets and snuggles with me. Maybe he will live 5 additional months. Maybe he will start walking again altogether. I know that is unlikely but I was also shocked at his improvement after the first 2 weeks. not everyone has the ability to care for an old pet at home like that. But if you are able to give care, and you know they feel your love, then you don’t have to euthanize just because someone tells you they don’t know how to cure him. If my husband lost a leg and couldn’t walk I would not euthanize him. I would buy him a wheel chair. But luckily my cat weighs 9 lbs so I carry him 🙂
We took our 19 year old cat to the vet yesterday because she was having trouble walking. We already knew she had kidney disease. Vet said she also had a heart murmer, bad arthriitis, and an infection in her mouth. They gave her antibiotics, B-12 shot, fluids, and sent us home with pain medication. The opinion is she would longer. But today she can’t stand. I put her in her litter box and she had to lie down. I gave her the pain meds as directed, so she is happy wagging her tail, but can’t move. She was not able to stand at her water bowl either, and seems to possibly be wetting in her bed. Question is do we take her back to the Vet? She has always hated going in the car, but right now I’m not sure she would notice.
I’m so sorry – I’d call your vet or any service that offers humane euthanasia at your house if possible.
First, I don’t think it’s fair to blast this vet for her views on euthanasia. Please keep in mind it’s what they’re taught. After all the Vet Association still believes cutting off cats toes for no medical reason at all is a reasonable procedure.
That said, some ways of dying are horrific. Some ways of dying are relatively smooth. Lately I’ve been leaving it up to my cats if they want to go to the vet. They all know what the pet Porter is and where it takes them.
Of course, I’m going to treat them for illnesses and take care of them, and get them their shots. But I’ve seen enough Ferals pass to know that Euthanasia is the very very last way they want to go. I did have one surprise me. He’d never even let me touch him and when he got deathly ill he crawled in the pet Porter. I bawled all the way to the vet because i knew he wasn’t gonna make it. They tried everything and in the end he was too anemic and his lungs too full. He died before they even got the full syringe empty.
It doesn’t seem to matter what I chose the guilt is there. Mostly because I feel like an utter failure for not being able to save them. The least I can do is give them the best most comfortable passing. Sometimes that’s at the vet. Sometimes it’s at home.
Thanks for sharing, Nikolai. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
Best,
Dr. Justine Lee
Hello,
Ive been reading everyones posts as I lay here with my deteriortaing cat. I had written ‘dying cat’ initially and changed it as having spent all night with my baby I strongly feel she was telling no I am not gone yet, let me do this my way. She even managed to look defiant after she had struggled to get on her chair and failed. She doesnt want to die yet. Shes been to the vet before she got this feeble ( definitely mine not her choice but she forgave me as always). In the past Ive had cats euthanised and Ive held dying ferals when I was a child who had been savaged by dogs. I have never gone through this slow process. Im not sure what tomorrow brings. I love how you gave your ferals the choice. As inapporopiate as it is for me to say in the midst of all this grief, your giving autonomy to your pets made my heart sing. Youre awesome 🙂
We just put our cat Cracker to sleep yesterday! It was a hard choice but she was sick and had everything done to try and help her but she just wasn’t improving! 🙁 She wasn’t in pain or suffering yet but she would have started to. She was also having breathing problems. While I’m sad and miss my girl so much, I know it was the right thing to do. Especially since even if she did recover, then she probably be have more health problems and she already had hyperthyroidism and Kidney disease! She would have been 17 in April…
We had another cat Temari who died September 26th 2020 (two sad losses) and she was 14. We didn’t know she was sick until after a necropsy which revealed she had pancreatic cancer so we wouldn’t have been able to do anything for her though thinking about it I just hope she did die peacefully! I don’t know if pancreatic cancer is painful! 🙁
Of course a vet is going to tell you that you need to let them put the animal down, the make 75 to 150 dollars every time they put a pet down.
There is no reason to take a pet to a vet to have it put down if that is what you think needs to happen, you can easily put down your own pet at home. while the animal is sleeping and not requiring it to be stressed even more by driving it to a vets office where it will be scared senseless by the barking of dogs and then jabbed with a needle to kill it.
Um, not true at all. We don’t do it for the money. First, the DEA license costs, IV catheter, butterfly catheter, transportation, time, euthanasia drugs, body disposal costs by a crematory all really add up. This isn’t an area where vets are “making money.” There are veterinarians who will come to your house to do so, but you can’t legally put a pet to sleep at home most of the time.
I had several cats that were in end stage renal failure that I let die at home. They did not seem distressed but seemed to die peacefully in their sleep. The last cat I had I decided to spare her by having her euthanized. The vet gave her a shot and left the room. She thrashed around and made awful sounds. I had been present when a friend euthanized a dog and the dog went to sleep and the vet gave a shot to stop his heart. He died peacefully in his sleep. I felt terrible for my cat and am not sure I would do this again. I felt like I failed my cat by doing this.
I’m so sorry so hear that you experienced it, Patricia. So terrible. That’s not the way it’s supposed to happen at all, and my heart goes out to you with those memories!
Best,
Dr. Justine Lee
I have a question. You say thats not the way its meant to happen at all. Isnt it the case that we all respond differently to drugs? Even Humans. I say this cos I was a practising doctor for years. Isnt it the case that many people and animals will react predictably to a medication and then some dont. Some have paradoxical reactions. And this is the tragedy I guess. And why I no longer assume my medical knowledge applies to all and is infallible in every case, even while adhering to guidelines.
We have just had to let our 6 year old FIV positive (since birth) purry baby go on the 19th morning. 2 days ago. The guilt is just killing me. she was so young, hyper energetic and so so beautiful and patient. our family therapy kitty. After I found a pea sized lump under her jawbone, tests confirmed she had salivary gland cancer on November 14th. no other issues were found except some intestinal thickening. blood tests were otherwise normal. we were told chemo would not work for this type of cancer. two weeks later, her stomach started to bloat, and despite visits to multiple vets, with even home visits, she started to go downhill, with tests revealing that she was in end stage renal failure. her creattinine was at 576 micromol, and yrae 37.1. I was told she could either be put through an array of tests which might be or do nothing, or leave her comfortable. she stopped eating. Grooming. Drinking water. I was giving her Buepronrophine 3 times a day and syringe feeding her food and later water. She stopped sleeping. the vets said to feed her as long as she tolerated it. on 18th she started toppling over, unable to stand, but still only dragging herself to the litterbox. by the evening she was so much out of it that she did not register sitting in soaking water that i had accidentally spilled. we took her in to the vet who said she has also had a stroke and at last allowed to go peacefully. I worry that my force feeding may have kept her alive in pain and discomfort out of a selfish need to have her around until my child arrived home…but I was told that as long as she accepted syringe feeding it was okay. she rejected syringe feeding on her last day though. I don’t know. I don’t want to make the same mistake again. I still wonder if I should have had her tested to see if stage 4 renal failure could be reversed, or if i should have let her go earlier when she wasn’t in so much pain. she was not sleeping at all for at least 5 days…is this a normal thing? and how do I prevent this kind of thing for any of my future fur-babies? can stage 4 renal failure be reversed if cancer is also present?
There have been times in my life when I just wished we didn’t have the option to choose euthanasia at all.
I mean who wants to make this decision, I know I don’t, it is gut wrenching. Like it or not though euthanasia is an option and if you have an animal, odds are at some point you will be faced with making the decision to end their life, their suffering. Many people feel that euthanasia is totally wrong, they feel like we are playing God and that a natural death is the right way.
I use to be one of those people until Annabelle. Annabelle was Felv Positive (Feline Leukemia) and at the tender age of one and a half years, the vet found a tumor in her chest. I already knew Annabelle was positive for the virus which was the reason I decided to keep she and her litter mates. Everyday of Annabelle’s short life, I had thought about her dying at least once during each of those days. I knew it was coming, I read everything I could find on the subject and had played out her last moments in my mind a thousand times trying to prepare for the day I would lose her but nothing could have prepared me for what I would eventually face when she died. On the day Annabelle’s tumor was discovered, I told the veterinarian that I would be taking her home instead of euthanizing her, he tried to explain things to me but I wouldn’t listen, couldn’t even tell you what he said at this point because I wasn’t listening. I had already made up my mind that I wanted a natural death for my babies all three of them. So the vet gave me some prednisone and sent me on my way, he said it could help stop the tumor from growing. Annabelle did ok that first night, not really ok but she was alive, her breathing was shallow but I gave her the meds and continued believing that I was doing the right thing. The next afternoon while I was giving Annabelle her prednisone, she began to fight me, she didn’t want to take it, as I struggled to get the pill down her, the tumor in her chest shifted, she could no longer get any air and she suffocated in my arms. From the moment she could no longer take a breath until the time she actually died couldn’t have been too long but it felt like forever. There she was in my hands, my sweet little girl, her eyes pleading with me to help her, reaching for me with her paws, nails extended, the fear in her little face was almost more than I could withstand and in those seconds, minutes maybe, I was in a full on panic knowing it was too late to get her any help and she was suffering this most awful death. Once she finally died, I was so relieved, I held her and told her that I was so sorry that I put her through that, I was on the floor, I had her head on my shoulder like when you hold a human baby and I just rocked her back and forth, trying to comfort her but it was too late to comfort her by then, I was so sorry. I regret that day more than anything, I regret the day before that even more because I had the opportunity at that veterinary hospital to help her and I chose not to. I know now that I made that decision based on me more than her. I was too scared to make the decision, I didn’t want to have to choose when she would go, I didn’t want to feel guilty for killing her. That was eleven years ago and the guilt I feel today for allowing her to suffer that way still remains. But I made Annabelle a promise before I put her in her grave, I promised I would never allow that to happen to another animal in my care and I have kept that promise. Annabelle’s siblings did not suffer her fate, I chose to euthanize them when they began to have symptoms, they both ended up with tumors in the chest cavity as well but they went peacefully, not struggling to get air. After them there have been a couple more I have had to make this decision with and it isn’t easy by all means…not for me anyway, for them, it’s much easier than suffering. We have a responsibility to these animals that some call ‘Pets’, I don’t like to call them ‘Pets’, for me it takes away so much of what they really are to us…they are friends. They give us so much and ask for so little in return. We owe them this last gift of a peaceful passing. Several years ago, I found a website online called ‘Tanya’s Comprehensive Guide to Chronic Renal Failure’ this is a fabulous site by the way, so informative but what I want to share with you is something she writes in a chapter called ‘The final Hours’ She shares her thoughts about her own two cats, Tanya and Thomas who both lost their lives due to Chronic Renal Failure, So I will leave you with the following paragraph… her words make sense of so much……
“When Tanya was ill, I felt that I would never be able to bear having her put to sleep. The only way I was able to do it when the time came was when I finally accepted that neither Tanya nor Thomas was ever going to get any better than they were at that moment; that we had tried everything in our arsenal but our weapons were no longer working; and that waiting any longer would therefore ultimately be for my sake, not for theirs. How much more could I ask of them? Ultimately you cannot avoid death; but often it is possible to avoid suffering. Once I began to look at it from the perspective of what was right for them and what would spare them pain, it was still by no means an easy decision, but I did at least feel it was inevitable, because I simply could not stand by and watch them suffer when it was within my power to prevent that. By not acting, I would not be prolonging their lives, I would be prolonging their deaths”
Written by Helen, Tanya and Thomas’ Mom
“Tanya’s Comprehensive Guide to Chronic Renal Failure’
i appreciate the article and some of the comments. i’ve had to put down a pet or two in my life, held vigil for a sick hamster that died in my hands while my grandsons were petting him and talking to him…
i now have one adult cat who’s aging, and i dread losing him. He’s been my buddy through the loss of my husband, he knows when i’m sad and comes to snuggle with me. Hopefully he’ll be with me a while yet. He HATES going to the vet, to the point i have to give him gabapentin before taking him or he rips everyone up and they can’t even examine him. so i don’t take him unless there’s an issue.
i never even thought of home euthanasia… i mean, when it comes to the point he can’t eat or walk or whatever, and it’s time, i mean he’s my cat, i’ll know when it’s time… i’ll certainly ask my vet if they will do the shot at home, so Tibby doesn’t have to go through the stress of getting into the carrier and going to the office.
isn’t is strange how we treat our pets better than we treat our fellow humans? my own greatest fear about dying is not death itself, it’s the suffering for myself and my family. i know what i’m talking about, i lost both my parents in the past couple years, both with the help of hospice, but it was still horrendous for everyone involved. when mom died, her old sick chihuahua wouldn’t have survived without her, we had him put down and creamated, put his little bag of ashes under mom’s arm in her casket to be buried with her. whatever’s in the shot they give animals, i want 100 of those for my kids to give me when it’s my time to go.
I’m lucky to live in the part of the world where we don’t fuss about that kind of stuff. A rifle cartridge costs about a 1$, and ditching the dead dog in the woods is free. With a cat you don’t even have to bother. Just wrap it in a plastic bag and throw it into a garbage can.
You are disgusting and shouldn’t even be on this site, much less own an animal.
What kind of monster are you?
My Cat, Miao-Miao, a 15-year old Russian Blue female is dying. She has been my wife’s and my constant companion her whole life. She is dying of carcinomatosis and we have decided to have her die at home without euthanasia. I know from the comments on this site that most vets and many others who have cat companions that this decision is wrong and causes unnecessary suffering to the animal. I understand this view and to see my cat suffering is like a daily knife plunged into my own heart. I have been shedding tears for a week. So why have we decided not to have our precious Miao-Miao killed either at our vet’s or through a home visit. Simply put, we do not share the materialistic view that death is the end of consciousness, either for people or for animals, and that not letting the animal die naturally can have an affect on the cat’s future lives. I know that most people reading this probably think that we are crazy or members of some cult. Neither is true. We have strong prescription pain medication and are doing everything we can to make Miao-Miao’s passing as comfortable as we possibly can short of having her killed. I use the word killed because that is what euthanasia is. We have considered this, but cannot escape the fact that our motivation for killing her would be to end our own suffering as well as hers. It is a terrible choice and we hope and pray that Miao-Miao dies soon and that her suffering in this life ends soon and that her next life will be a happy onw.
I lost my precious Dog yesterday her name was Alli we had her for 14 years ever since she was a puppy . She had the best of everything her whole life we worshipped and adored her .She had chronic Kidney disease(CKD) We first noticed it about 7-8 weeks ago when she started drinking large amounts of water and started to vomit We took her to the vets they ran a blood test and told us that she had CKD. We arranged to have her put on a drip for 4 days after which time the creatinine and urea levels began to fall. We brought her back home and she had tablets to control her blood pressure and slow down the urea creatinine levels..A week later we took her back to the vet to get a further blood test the creatinine levels had gone back up The vet told us that there was nothing more that they could do for her. We took her back home and put her on a homoeopathic medication wh8ich gave her kidneys a detox. she slightly improved for a while then seemed to go downhill fas in the past couple of weeks she was not eating or drinking and lost 5 kilos in weight We began feeding her baby food throgh a syringe and water through a syringe I would not consider euthanising her at all I absolutely hated the idea I was determined to treat her at hoome .On saturday she lost the use of her back leges I went to bed on Sunday night but was woken up by the sound of her crying in pain she couldnt move because of her back leges and kept hitting her head on the floor trying to move I put a pillow under her head to stop her from hurting herself I sat there for the rest of the night comforting her. I knew then that she was dying and the hardest decision I had to make was totrure for me I got up yesterday morning and made the phone call to the vet I took her in the car to the vet and when we arrived I couldnt get out of the car I was petrified I just wanted to run away with Alli and hide The vet saw me sitting in the car and came out He said I have to go to my other prctice soon so reluctantly i got out and went in him I had no choice I Couldnt let her suffer anymord
I have a cat who is 11 yo…she was diagnosed with pancreatitis in August 3020. I have tried medications ( steroids/ anti nausea meds, etc). but she continues to vomit. She will vomit 3-5 times one day and then not vomit for 3 days. Her appetite is good and she drinks water regularly. Her weight has went from 16 lbs to 11 lbs…I am feeding her small meals 6 times per day. I have also eliminated her treats which I think is the reason for her weight loss. My vet says the next step is surgery ( for what?). She doesn’t seem to be in pain unless she is vomiting. On her good days she plays and acts like her normal self. How can I tell if she is suffering or when can I tell it’s time to let her go?
She needs more of a work up – she needs blood work, ultrasound, etc. to find out what’s going on – I’d find out if you can find a specialist in your area for further workup, as otherwise her quality of life is poor.
I’ve had her to two veterinarians. One did blood word and x-ray. She couldn’t find anything wrong. The second one did an ultrasound and more blood work. She is the one that said pancreatitis. I’m about $1600 in with the two vets. The second vet said the next step would be exploratory surgery to be sure there’s no blockage. That’s around $3000…I’m on social security and I can’t afford that. The second vet gave me steroids and anti nausea and said short of surgery there’s not much else she can do.
Oh, I’m so sorry. Maybe higher doses of steroids, continued maropitant/Cerenia, transdermal mirtazipine for appetite stimulation? Thinking of you and your kitty. Thank you for trying to do so much for her.
Best,
Dr. Justine Lee
Hi Justine with my recent
Hi Justine
i posted my story about my beautiful Alli 2 days ago I have been torturing myself as to if there was any more I could have done to save her I would have laid down my own life if I thought there was as I said previously
she had CKD she was not eating or drinking and we were feeding her with a syringe with baby food she also
lost the use of her back legs and she had intestinal bleeding it all happened so suddenly I was shocked I am devastated and still in distress I just can’t get over this I am devastated Please help
Alli must have had a good life with you as an owner. I read your earlier post and you surely cared for the best anyone could have if not more than most. If there is a “doggie heaven” she’s looking down at you with pain free eyes and a humbled heart.
Thank you Sarah for your kind words and understanding we loved Alli Very very much and it will take a long time for us to get over losing her thank you so much for your care and support
My cat just passed , he was 18 , like a brother little dude Norman
I’ve an 18-year-old cat, Maggie, who’s clearly slowing down. She’s sleeping more and more and eating less, getting more picky, though she still wakes me up for breakfast and greets me at the door after work to demand dinner.
She’ll be my first old one to say goodbye to; both of her sisters got very sick in quick succession about a year and a half ago and each had to be euthanized. At the time those were easy, though heartbreaking, decisions because they were clearly in pain with slim to no hope of regaining quality of life. This one is going to be harder, because it’s not so clear where the line is.
For now, she’s moving about, still seeking affection, still getting on the couch from time to time, still making it to the litter box almost all of the time. I half expect, and somewhat hope, to wake up one morning or arrive home from work to find her stilled on her favorite bed between her food bowls and the heat vent before she clearly slides downhill.
I just had to make this difficult decision on Tuesday (2/2/21). My beautiful cat K.T. (Gweep) was 22 yrs old. Back when she was approx 9 weeks (according to our vet) I already had a cat that we adopted through a local animal rescue. Ms. Meesha was 4 yrs old & very spoiled! She didn’t particularly care for other animals in our yard. Yet Gweep would be on our back porch every morning, a beautiful black cat with the white tuxedo & all 4 paws were white. My kids begged to keep her, I was a firm no on that!” Then one morning as I was setting out food I noticed all her whiskers were gone & she had what looked like skunk stripe on her back. Long story short the neighbors teenager & friends thought it was hilarious to torture her! 😡 She became our cat that day 22 yrs ago. I’ve never regretted it, we have always said she adopted us. In 2011 the youngest of my 2 kids graduated Highschool, turned 18 & got his own place. That same year Meesha passed away at 24 yrs old. That left just me & Gweep at home. The past 10 yrs. my health has declined, and through all I have been through she was my source of comfort. My son & I live in the same town, and close by one another, if I needed to be gone over night(s) whether for being hospitalized or mini vacations he would come stay with & care for her. Always with a “Hey Sis” when he came in. Gweep wasn’t just a “pet” she was truly a member of our family! I started noticing about a month ago she seemed to be getting a lot more matted fur, usually when I brushed her she would let me clip them off with no problems. She no longer wanted to be brushed or vacuumed (she LOVED the brush on the hose over her fur) weird I know! Then it seemed like she had a harder time standing, stretching etc. reminded me of arthritis. But she was eating/drinking very well, using her litterbox & still engaged in playing, watching birds & laying/sleeping with me when I watched TV & in bed every night (always with some part of her touching me, she’s never been a lap cat). This past Friday she couldn’t get on the bed herself & she didn’t eat her treats. By Saturday she didn’t want to eat & anytime I was sitting she wanted to be on my chest, I knew both were not good signs. By Sunday I was giving her water with a syringe as she wasn’t drinking hardly anything. And she did eat some chicken breast that I had cut into very small pieces. I called our vet on Monday morning, they couldn’t see her until Friday 2/5 @ 4:30 & if Euthanasia was warranted we couldn’t be with her due to Covid. I would have to sign “surrender papers” essentially saying I was abandoning her. That in NO way was ok with me! She gave me 22 yrs of unconditional love, companionship, loyalty & so many wonderful memories! I could not let her be alone. I began calling every vet in town, there was one that offered in home Euthanasia for $900, $950 if I wanted her ashes back. I simply did not have the money (which in my opion is very over priced). I did find a wonderful vet that allowed me and my son to be with her. At the exam she had become dehydrated, the vet assured us that fluids would not be a fix for Gweep. Her body was shutting down simply from old age. I was/am relieved to know she didn’t develop cancer or something that would have caused extreme suffering. It was advised that it was time to let her go (in our hearts we already knew, but it was like a gut punch to hear). I agreed it was time, the staff was so kind & gentle with her and with us. I held her wrapped in her favorite blanket while they put the catheter in her leg, they gave her something for pain & to make her a bit sleepy. Then they gave my son & I time alone with her to say what was important to us for her to hear, I never set her down. The vet came and asked if we were ready, I assumed I would have to put her on the table (they had put a red blanket with hearts on it & a pink one w/paw prints on the table). She told me I didn’t have to put her there unless I wanted to, I didn’t. She said it would be about 1 min & Gweep would pass. She gave the injection & it wasn’t even 20 secs and I knew she was gone, peacefully, with dignity, in my arms with my son holding her paw. I carefully placed her on the table & the vet covered her as if she were sleeping. We stood talking to the vet about when her ashes would be returned, petting her.
I’m 100% sure I did right by my fur baby! The grief is still very new & raw, she is dearly missed for so many reasons! Thank you Gweep for adopting us! 💖🐾💔
Sure, bring them to the equivalent animal Auschwitz. Animals hate the vet for a reason and it’s because they sense many things get killed on the spot. Life is suffering. Were all animals. Pain or not I would rather die where I’m comfortable. And that isnt at some executioners place of business. Of course a vet will tell you otherwise.
I disagree, let them die naturally instead of killing them
The family cat Norman was put to sleep after 18.4 years of the best times a cat with a coat identical to Bugs Bunny could bring . He was humanely put to sleep before he got that ss point . R.I.P. Norm
RIP, Norm. <3
If euthansia was a good thing to prevent suffering it would be routine for human beings, and it is not. The lesser value we give to animals means we think have the right to to do this – for their good as it is seen. The following statement in the original piece is telling isn’t it: “In fact, it’s important that a veterinarian counsel the pet owner on when the “right” time to humanely euthanize is appropriate. For me, it’s when their quality of life is affected: when they can’t get up, when they don’t want to eat, when they are hiding, when they cry out in pain or act really clingy, or when they stop acting like a joyful puppy or kitten.” Who has the right to determine quality of life? Sorry – you should be euthanised when you exhibit these things on your list, can’t get up, don’t want to eat, in pain, no longer bouncing around like a youth. In that case all sick and elderly people would be euthanised, all ‘defective’ babies aborted or euthanised. Ageing, illness, failed biology are part of life – not an aberration to be eliminated. Euthanasia for animals may be appropriate in some cases, but in my opinion nowhere near the extent that vets want to do it. Most vets in my experience are way too keen to euthanise. I have had beloved pets die from euthanasia as well as naturally. My beloved cat died naturally at home on 27th January after suffering encephalitis. she fought to live and I fought with her until she was overtaken by her failing body.
Your comment about euthanasia for humans is interesting. My terminally ill grandmother wanted to be euthanised and told us and her doctors this repeatedly. This wasn’t an option for her, and she died alone, cold and in pain, with no family members able to make it to her in her final moments.
There are a lot of people in these comments who are inferring they are more humane and thoughtful than the original poster, refusing to acknowledge other animals or people may not feel the same way as them.
I just found out during a routine checkup at the Vets on Monday, that my 16-1/2 year old cat, Cricket, who has had diabetes for years and was also just treated with radioactive iodine treatment just 3 months ago, has fluid is an abdomen and only has a few days to a week to live. They said it was from his heart or cancer, but it didn’t matter really, as it was going to kill him soon. The vet wanted to euthanize him that day, but I couldn’t do it and brought him home. It’s only Wednesday, and he is still eating, although I’m giving him Fancy Feast, which he loves, drinking tons of water and is still using his litter box. He hasn’t thrown up or gone to the bathroom anywhere but his cat box, purrs and wants to play, and although I can tell he’s not himself, he still gets around quite good, can jump up on the bed and walk up and down the stairs multiple times a day. I tried to give him his diuretic pill this morning, and he seemed quite ‘stiff’ when I tried to roll him over on his back to give it to him. Do you think he is in pain, and that’s why he was so stiff? I don’t want him to suffer, but taking him to the vet one final time, is going to be the hardest thing that I ever had to do. Please advise. Thank you.
I’m so sorry to hear that. If he’s still eating and comfortable, I’d try to get an internal medicine specialty appointment for an ultrasound in his abdomen. They can tap off some of the fluid to help him be more comfortable too.
I’m not sure why he’s stiff, but you can talk to your vet about adding him onto gabapentin pain medication to help.
Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lee
Thank you so much for you comments Dr. Lee. I will take your advice and get him an ultrasound.
In other words, the people who have plenty of money where if their animal gets sick, they can drop everything to take them to the vet. People with plenty of money live in a fantasy world. They think that people who are living from paycheck to paycheck, can just pull the money out of their butt any time they need or want it. They have no idea of the daily struggles people who don’t have the kind of money they have & you can’t make them understand.
No, we get it. We definitely want to help as much as we can – please know there are definitely resources and options for you!
Thank you for loving pets,
Dr. Justine Lee
I have a calico simese & she’s been with us since she was a kitten. She’s pretty old now & she keeps losing weight. She is skin & bones now. She poops on the floor. Sometimes she’ll pee Bec she couldn’t make it to the litter box. We took her to the vet. It cost us $350 just for him to do her blood work & then tell us that she’s healthy. There was a waiting room full of other people with their pets so I strongly believe that he wanted to hurry us through so that he could get to his other 4 legged patients even though we were still paying customers. She continues to lose weight even though I bought her some meaty cat food to help with weight gain. Her appetite is poor. A few bites & she’s done. Her fur is dull. Her appearance is dim. She’ll still run back & forth at night but I know that she is NOT healthy no matter what that vet said. I plan to take her to another vet for a second opinion. I’m not in a rush to put her down so if he could help her in any way, maybe it is something that can be helped but I don’t want to take the last vet’s word for it that she is healthy when I am watching her deteriorate.
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This article is the first result for “natural death in cats”—and I feel like it paints an unrealistically grim portrait of natural death. Our cat recently died a natural death, and having read this article previously I felt a lot of unnecessary guilt.
We had been planning to have our terminally ill cat euthanized when he told us it was his time to go—but he continued to be perky and do his favorite things (treats, cuddles, snacks, following us around) right up until his final day. Latet that night he had an extremely rapid decline and trouble moving. We had the choice between bringing him to a late night emergency vet where he would be euthanized alone due to COVID protocals, or allow him to die naturally at home with his favorite people. He’s terrified of strangers, and we hesitated to put him through that.
I researched online the stages of death in cats, and was able to brace myself for what was happening as his body was shutting down. After about an hour of confusion and sleeping, he began having agonal breaths. It was very clear that his body was in shock. His eyes were glossy and it was easy to see he was no longer conscious of his surroundings. Reading online I found numerous studies on agonal breaths that state that at this stage of death there is no lingering consciousness. It was hard for us to watch, but we were thankful to share his end of life with him in a setting he was familiar with, comforting him and thanking him for his love. He died within 3 hours.
If the situation had been different, if it had been a slow decline or his quality of life had deteriorated irreparably I would absolutely have had him euthanized. I just wish I hadn’t read this article beforehand. It was incredibly difficult witnessing it, but very similiar to the deaths of human loved ones I’ve witnessed.
I am so sorry for your loss:( this is EXACTLY what happened to a T with my little girl who passed away April 19, 2021:’( she was 19 years old. But literally exactly what happened to your little guy happened to her:( went into shock and died in our home:’(
This helped to cope with having to put down my 20 year old cat. I’m 26 so it’s my buddy I’ve had for life 🙁 I sometimes think on it and have regret of rushing it or having killed him myself in the sense that it wasn’t his natural time. However I know my cat and I know he was in pain and stuck it out for me. He was at the point where he wasn’t moving and was losing weight. I hope he’s at peace and that he knows I loved him dearly and there will never be another cat I love as much. R.I.P. Mew Mew
RIP Mew Mew. Sounds like you made the “right” decision even though the decision is SO hard.
Sending you a cat hug,
Best,
Dr. Lee
Roady was a very special ginger cat to me. He had another owner, but this owner ( and by the way, I hate the word, ‘ owner ‘ ) had many cats, and Roady, bc he liked to be outside so much, was never in time to eat. On my porch was always a bowl of wet and dry food ready to eat, and I was on one of his stops.
One day I heard a horrible sound coming from outside my front door. It was Roady. Some wild animal had gotten to him and the skin of his front right paw was completely torn up. I called his owner, and told him the state of Roady’s leg and that he needed a vet immediately. The owner said that he would wait a few days to see how things work out. I told him, that if he didn’t take him to the vet right now, he was now mine.
On that day,a new family member had been added to my household. I got him the help that he needed and five years later, he is still one of the kids. You see, Roady had a tough start to life. He got his name bc one day a neighbor was passing by a river road that was extremely mud filled. But there in the midst, the face only of a two week kitten was the only thing visable about him. He was rescued and set by a warm fire to get his body temp up. He survived this ordeal of the river road, and his name became Roady.
Roady has become a valuable member of my family. He and my other are sometimes ok with each other, sometimes not.
On Monday last, I awakened to find blots of blood on my carpet. I quickly did a body search of each of my babies. No cut or deep scratch was evident. But afterwards, I passed my office where one litter box was placed and there was Roady waiting patiently to pee. He was there for a very long time… and nothing happened. Shortly after Roady stopped eating and drinking. The same type of litterbox event happened over and over, and he still did not want to eat or drink. Then I saw a red surface across the litter box itself with Roady struggling painfully.
During this pandemic, vet visits are not easy to find. His vet had just retired and after talking to a video vet, I was told that he had a urinary blockage and needed immediate emergency care. After four hours of googling and phone calls, I found a VCA hospital for him. I was told that this may be a bladder stone, and these tended to be chronic. In that way, his qualify of life would always be one of suffering. They would take an exray to find some answer Try also told me me to save his life. The price would be … close to $3,500 of more. I am. On social security office and I had saved close to six hundred dollars cash and my stimulus . That came close to $2,000. There was no way to get more and he wouldn’t be released until payment in full was made. I sat in the car with a friend and all I could do was gutteral crying. I felt so helpless. My beautiful boy may have to be euthanized. The dr called me back about 45 minutes later to say not bladder stone was detected. She gave me another option and that was to cach him and empty his bladder and then let me take him home with pain medication and a script to keep this uretha open. That proceedure would be $100 less than I had. Then I was to feed him a special diet and observe him. Yesterday he stopped eating and drinking again. The pain meds were given every 12 hrs. It also included two refills. Right now, I am just trying to keep him comfortable. The danger is that his bladder was filled and it could burst from the water he drank two days ago. I have no more funds to use. Right now he is in end stage renal failure. He isn’t feeling any pain, the pain medication is helping there. I am so sad. My little boy, will not be here for much longer, but he is feeling no pain at all. This isn’t the life that I wanted to give him. I am stuck between grief and denial. I have to be strong for him. If needed, the pain script has two refills. My sole objective is to make sure he is in no pain and continue his doses… until there is no further need for them.
Dear Jesus, help my baby home. The time will come and I’ll tell him fly baby, fly. My heart is breaking.
euthanization is murder flat out… Might as well let nature do the job and throw your pet out side and let the other animal’s kill it… That’s natural.. euthanization is a leftist concept.. death is a concept that is made to be painful for the sake of the suffering… To suffer is to live.. when I die I will die as my pets do.. drug free and however the Lord wants to do it.. since animal’s cannot consent that is why it’s murder. Think about this… Would you like somebody else to make the decision t kill you early… Or would you like to live your life to the fullest extent… When you euthanize an animal you basically take its ability to live to the fullest extent of its life… But one thing… If you choose to do it with your animal and euthanize him or her… Don’t cry when somebody euthanizes you…
Euthanization in humans vs animals is not really comparable for a myriad of reasons, and I think you know that even if you won’t admit it.
Euthanasia is also not the same as killing a pet in a way that would cause them pain. It is about having a death devoid of pain.
When we take pets under our wing, care for them, feed them, provide them with shelter, all the comforts of home and medical care, we artificially prolong their lives. It is NOT the way of nature. When an animal ages, weakens or becomes ill, nature remedies this very quickly and animal suffering does not drag on and on, because they become easy prey and are eaten by the next rung on the food chain. The old and weak die rather rapidly. Brutally, yes, but quickly!
I don’t think the animals so many humans consume consent to being murdered either. Are you vegan or does this concept of yours only apply to nonhuman companions?. Who actually wants to continue living when they are in such horrible pain and suffering so much just to live a few more days or weeks? I believe in quality of life not quantity of life. Euthanasia is not something decided on lightly or people wouldn’t have ended up here likely researching about it because they’re deciding on whether to make such a difficult decision. My one cat has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and despite doing really well currently, I’m quite aware at any moment I could be having to making such a decision. If I were in as much pain or suffering as much without any chancs of recovery, I would want someone to euthanize me. I actually believe in the whole right to die concept as far as humans (so I’m probably one of those lefties you speak of). Cats and dogs, plus any other nonhuman companion, of course aren’t cognitively capable of making such a decision for themselves and we are their guardians so we have to decide for them when enough is enough.
My 15 year old boy is a terror at the vet. Last year after a nightmarish situation at the vet where he pulled out a few claws – my vet gave me permission to euthanize him. I couldn’t bring myself to do it and then, COVID hit. A year later I do think he is going down hill. He has shaky legs and sleeps almost all day long. But I seriously doubt that I can get him into a carrier and also, I worry about someone coming out to the house… they have failed before to be able to even examine him at the house. He doesn’t seem to recognize me anymore when he gets scared. So, the question is.. do I do this now before he gets sick or just wait until the day he does get sick, even though that might make things much worse.
CommentPoopie is 21 years old. He has arthritis. He went from eating 2 cans of food to half of one can. His routine is still the same . He has issues walking because his back legs are stiff. When do I know when it’s time for him to put out to sleep? He still purrs but doesn’t seems as happy. He does look for me and gets happy-purring.
I found some end-of-life/quality of life charts or scales through Google, not sure if any are veterinarian approved though some are on some websites I’d consider credible such as one from OSU. There is one on The Veterinary Nurse that looks like it is from another website called Lap of Love.
Okay I think this post is really insensitive because my cat just died this morning suddenly and I was freaking out and when I was trying to put her in something to carry her to the vet she ended up passing away. She starting breathing heavy with her tongue out and she started pooping and then drool it all happened SO quick. I did not want it to end this way. I was hyperventilating and screaming crying. I’ve never had to deal with a death (human/animal) in my life, my grandparents when I was a child but I don’t remember I was so young. I wanted her to go peacefully with the injection at the vet. But sometimes it isn’t possible and your post is actually very rude and inconsiderate because now you just made me feel 10X WORSE about her death. So thanks a lot. I fucking appreciate it.
Or better yet don’t just listen when some “qualified” vet tells you your pet is NOT going to survive the night. I didn’t listen to them when they told me that, and he DIDNT die. He is still here 7 years later is great health being as annoying and lovable as ever.
Don’t just listen to what “professionals tell is right or wrong is fact or fiction. It is your life, and your pet.You pet trusts YOU more than some random person in a white coat for a GOOD REASON.(And it is more than just the food.)
Decide for yourself and DO NOT let anyone else decide for you. Cutting a pets life short just because you were told it is the ONLY REASONABLE option by someone who does not love you or your pet is irrational. If you see your pet is terminally ill and in great pain then the choice is yours. But understand these professionals ARE NOT always right. I am sure glad I hadn’t stumbled upon this article when I was told my boy wouldn’t make it to the morning because in that case he may not have and I would’ve had no one but myself to blame.
So glad your pup outlived what your vet said! When in doubt, always get a second opinion!
These vets are a rip off. My dog fell and was injured and they tried to convince us she needed surgery ($3k). I told them to give me the $10 pain pills took Tara home and in three weeks she was completely healed. When we returned for a follow up they said it’s a miracle. They said Tara had an eye stigma and needed treatment in which I replied put a snack on the floor across the room. If Tara see it her eyes are fine. This was over 12 yrs ago. Tara is healthy and happen. And my cat lived for 24yrs and died peacefully in her sleep. This bs about taking your beloved pet to a vet to put them asleep is a rip off- playing on the emotions of owners. I go for their required shots annually and that’s it. Everybody’s good. This veterinary industry can be predatory recommending unnecessary surgery, coming up with bs conditions, over medicating pets that cause kidney damage, stomach illness, even cancer.
Well, not knowing the situation, it’s hard to assess. For all we know, your dog had an ACL tear and could have benefited from surgery vs. developing chronic arthritis and pain, so it’s hard to assess. I’d recommend always getting a 2nd opinion, but sounds like you know your pets best. Blind pets can find food on the floor thanks to hearing and smell, FYI. Good luck! Glad your cat was able to live till 24 – that’s amazing.
Thanks Justine, good advice here. Lots of left-field comments, though. Yikes. Interesting that someone thinks euthanasia is a left-wing conspiracy. Good lord. Sorry that you have to endure some of this.
Thank you. I have been agonizing about having my cat out down and you have provided me with the insight I need. My cat has not reached the point where he should be put down. Its coming sooner than I like but it is not today . I plan to check with my vet about a house call when the time comes because I know it will be less stressful for him. The last thing I want for him is to cause him any fear or stress because dying is hard enough
Comment My cat Portia (beautiful white fur) live for 24yrs. She had a slight stroke in the last few years but it did not stop her from being a diva- she just quietly went to sleep one day and took her last breathe. With that said all the things you mentioned I mostly did not do. I never gave her human food except for an occasional scoop of Haagen Daz Vanilla Ice Cream and she never went outside and on occasion I took her to the vet. Portia died peacefully at home. These vets just want your money and play on your emotions.
Hi! I totally disagree with such a narrow set mind on joke deaths. If they are suffering slowly then yes of course a vets help is the most humane option. My little cat just passed yesterday morning. Totally healthy never any issues or signs of ageing withe dementia eyesight etc, you get the drift. She just passed out the blue, I have her CPR which was odd as she was a runt and tiny, she still has small few last breaths by the time we drove the five mins to the bet and a minute later she was gone. So natural deaths aren’t a “wrong” option. It’s down to the cause of it. Our an aim also mate be like humans and want to pass away in their home as it’s safe and comfortable. It baffles me we let humans suffer so badly and not advocate for the same respect we have for animals. Nodding wants their pet to suffer they are out baby’s abs I’m truly gutted losing mine. 💔
Comment on deaths*
Jeez Im’ having quite the typo morning, more coffee!!
I meant home deaths being wrong
I am writing this in utter frustration. About four weeks ago, my cat developed an abscess on his chest. I immediately phoned my vet but due to covid restrictions, they couldn’t get me in for two weeks. No vets in my area are accepting new patients, so I waited for his appointment, When my number came up I was so happy to have him seen. About ten minutes later they brought him out to the car (no entry allowed) The vet called from inside the clinic and said he was fine, everything looked good. I was so incredibly relieved. They sent me home with antibiotics and told me to give it 72 hours, Within two days he went down hill: belly distended, no eating, heavy breathing, not moving. I had to wait until Monday to call them. Two weeks for another appointment and no one taking new clients, I told them that he is clearly dying and that he needs help sooner. I am positive that the delay in getting in cost him his life. I don’t understand why covid is still being used by vets in my area to keep us out of exam room and limit the amount of appointments available. They suggested that I could come at 8 am and wait in parking lot until noon for a potential opening. If there is an opening, It will cost me an extra hundred on top of any treatment. I am so disgusted. Like musical chairs, once covid hit and the music stopped, I am stuck with the vet I had before covid. Currently, my cat is curled up in the corner and dying badly and slowly and now, I have been on the phone looking for a vet who will euthanize him. No one is taking new clients. I called my vet back and told them its over, he’s dying and it is now too late for treatment and he needs to be relieved of his suffering. You can come in at 8 am and we will see if we can work him in before noon. This situation has prompted me to search for ways for me to euthanize him, That is how desperate I am. It is June and still they are using covid as the reason. I never let my pets suffer but now I have a front row seat to an unwilling home death. It is terrible. No one will tell me how I can end it for him. I look on line and people are so smug and righteous. They say take him to the vet! Leave it to the professionals. Disgusting! I blame the vet for this situation. They euthanized my 18 yr old pitbull in April. I couldn’t go in with him because of covid, They scheduled it three weeks before. He was not suffering. His exit was timed before it started getting bad but emergencies happen . I think the vet industry is getting greedy and sociopathic just like the medical industry.
I’m sorry you’re so frustrated. Because so many pet owners adopted, purchased or fostered pets during COVID, veterinary medicine has been very busy. PLUS due to COVID, there was a mandate by most states to not use PPE for routine surgeries (like dentistries, spays, etc.), so that PPE could be saved for human medicine for treating COVID. Veterinarians had to sacrifice our jobs – and pet owners had to patiently wait – as a result of this. Veterinarians weren’t allowed to do these procedures to allow life-saving equipment to be preserved for nurses and human medical staff. Secondly, emergency veterinary clinics are always open 24/7. They sacrifice every holiday, night and weekend to work so that you and your pet have access to life-saving care 24/7. As for your comment “I had to wait till Monday to call them,” that’s false. You can ALWAYS call an emergency veterinarian. You can ALWAYS seek veterinary attention IMMEDIATELY at an emergency room and should have based on the signs that you are describing with your cat – heavy breathing. It’s inhumane and suffering to have a cat having difficulty breathing. I’d recommend being a better advocate for your pets and finding care. Good luck.
This article and thread helped me a lot to cope with my grief of the past days. Although I disagree that euthanasia is always the best option because I think if the pet is going away peacefully, it’s not necessary. But in our case, our dog of 15 years had cancer. I’m now thinking that he might’ve had it for a long time, but we only caught it at the very last stage, when the tumor had already metastasized to an extreme point. He suddenly wasn’t eating anything, wasn’t drinking, wasn’t pooping, wasn’t able to get up and walk. Vets were giving him drop counters every day for the last 3 days with nutrients to keep him up and meds to relieve the pain, but it wasn’t helping at all. He was getting worse by the hour.
On the last day, I went to the vet together with my dad. Up until the last moment he’d say, that euthanasia isn’t an option. “We’ll be there for our friend and family member till the last moment, even if it seems that there’s an easier way out. Everyone who’s born, is going to die one day”. But the last day was the most horrible of them all. My dad stayed up late with our dog, and I woke up at 5 am from our dog screaming. I can’t even describe here in what pain he was. He had seizures every other minute, he couldn’t even lift his head anymore. When he’d try, it’d just fall and heat the floor. That’s the state in which he was when we finally reached the vet. I was crying and saying to him how much I love him, we all do, and that I’m sorry that I can’t help him. I was horrified by the fact that I couldn’t do anything to make him feel better, only hold him in my arms.
We initially went to the vet to give another try to a drop counter, but when the vet saw the state in which our dog was, she said, that it’s only humane to let him go now. To relieve the pain that he’s in. He was already unconscious and barely breathing. More on the other side than here, in this world. And the pain he was in was so unbearable to watch. That’s when my dad caved in. I never saw my dad cry before in my life. Our doggo passed away even before the actual shot, after the first sedative one. That’s how weak he was. He didn’t even need the actual euthanasia.
I truly believe that we did the right thing. We’re the only ones who know in the family. It’s my dad’s and I’s secret. My mom wouldn’t let us do that. And I think it’s grown toll on my dad. He’s grieving very deeply, and I have a feeling that somewhere deep in him there’s a voice that says that he betrayed his best friend and made the wrong choice. I really hope that one day when the pain is gone, he’ll understand that we did everything right. The most inhumane thing in the world would be to keep watching our doggo suffer and scream from pain and have these horrible seizures while being weak and unconscious.
Oh, I’m so, so sorry to hear that. Thinking of you and your family during these hard times. I’m glad you were able to be by his side…
Commenting am so sorry Maryann for what you had to go through. Your doggo is in a good place now. I am also struggling with our 13 year old Labradors decline in health this last year. I feel especially certain that her life is ending this year. She had chronic kidney disease and liver disease. She still has her ups and she has many down days. This week, I see her declining quickly, but this has happened before so I’m hoping she’ll be okay tomorrow. She needs to urinate more often lately. She has this weird new habit, to drink out of the toilets. Gross right? I’ve even caught her drinking from our kids toilets with Irvine in them! At least in my bathroom I keep my toilet closed. I was thinking of just letting her leave us naturally, but after reading these posts, I’ve realized I’m pretty sure it’s more for my cowardly attempt not to deal with it or explain to my children or deal with the necessary planning. I don’t want to lose our best friend! She’s been with me since the beginning of when we started our family. I brought her home when I was pregnant with our first child when she was just a sweet puppy. I can’t imagine life without her. She’s one of the children but now an old lady. She and I were connected. Whenever she wanted something, I could always read her like one one else could. I don’t want another dog after this, I can’t imagine having to do this all over again. How do you explain to 3 children that it really is the time now? I have been preparing for this day for months…
If this method is so much more humane? Why dont we do it for humans????
Couldn’t agree more. It’s a GIFT we have in veterinary medicine… 🙁
The more civilized nations have it and the more civilized societies.
The more civilized nations have it available.
I took my cat for euthanasia yesterday, I’m distressed wondering if she really died. right after giving the sedative in a few seconds the vet moved on to the final injection. He gave two doses of the final injection. I stayed with her for about 10 minutes and then the woman came to collect. I feel stupid for not changing my mind and taking the cat with me and looking at him for hours to confirm he passed away. Can anyone reading my story tell me how long it took for the doctor to certify the death? Can you tell if saliva came out of your mouth in the next few minutes?
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I took my most affectionate 20-year-old cat for euthanasia last week. He was dying from end stage renal disease with a number of complications. He was making there horrible and pitiful cries, no longer eating or drinking, often wandering to some corner to hide. His hind legs were no longer functional, so he crawled to odd areas in confusion. The veterinarians recommended euthanasia, which was the kindest and most rational option at this point, and even though it was painful for me, I did it for the sake of my pet. Would you like to have your loves ones prolong your life when there is extreme and intractable pain and discomfort, no cure, abject humiliation and disability, and no way to communicate the need to end life clearly (e.g., utter paralysis etc. as our pets cannot really write or speak). If you do use common sense, it is the quality of life often trumps the length of it. You can live a century of ineffable misery with despair at the very end as opposed to a shorter one with all the joys and meaning that one seeks. Do not bash this veterinarian for wisdom. It is due to your own selfishness that you want to make your terminally suffering pets live as long as they can. Would you want your loved ones do that to you on your deathbed when you are drowning in your own mucus? And please don’t even venture about the metaphysical because there is no proof of that no matter how comforting it could be. Letting pets die “naturally?” Like a deer with a death rattle after being bitten by a predator in the wild with no hope of surviving? Get real. ICUs and other creature comforts are not comparable to what is available to pets. If you are so attached and if you have the resources, why don’t you just clone them? I am considering it for my two remaining cats. The gall of some people to condemn a veterinarian with ethics and wisdom.
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Making a decision to euthanize your pet is very difficult. You are most likely to feel about doing so the same you would feel if you were considering the process for a human: namely a human who could not speak for her- or himself. I think those who work in the area of assisting families with a decision regarding humane death need to have knowledge and be very clear to “pet” parents as to when the pet is suffering and how long (as can best be assessed) the pet has. I know the latter is not always possible, but qualified veterinarians and other trained pet personnel can do so. Also, the description of the process of sedation and peacefulness was important to me. I am in the throws of that decision right now: specifically, we are keeping our pet cat with cancer comfortable and showing tenderness and our love, looking for signs that it is time. We don’t necessarily know with certainty the signs of “animal pain”: only some basic signs provided by our veterinarian. However, I would definitely seek help via euthanasia if I knew my peaceful looking pet was actually in intense pain and suffering.
Our society needs to stop guilting and shaming people change their viewpoints or opinions and appeal to human nature and sensibility with facts.
Great advice if only my vet would have talked to me about end of life. Instead she gave me a huge treatment plan and re-booked us for 14 days. Told me she would be ok in a day or two with meds, blood work was clear, She passed the next day, I was at home alone in complete. The office was closed, and I panicked not knowing what to do.
Thanks for sharing
Annabelle was Felv Positive and at the tender age of one and a half years, the vet found a tumor in her chest. I already knew Annabelle was positive for the virus which was the reason I decided to keep she and her litter mates.
Every day of Annabelle’s short life, I had thought about her dying at least once during each of those days. I knew it was coming, I read everything I could find on the subject and had played out her last moments in my mind a thousand times trying to prepare for the day I would lose her but nothing could have prepared me for what I would eventually face when she died.
On the day Annabelle’s tumor was discovered, I told the veterinarian that I would be taking her home instead of euthanizing her, he tried to explain things to me but I wouldn’t listen.
I had already made up my mind that I wanted a natural death for my babies, all three of them. So the vet gave me some prednisone and sent me on my way, he said it could help stop the tumor from growing.
Annabelle did ok that first night, not really ok but she was alive, her breathing was shallow but I gave her the meds and continued believing that I was doing the right thing.
The next afternoon while I was giving Annabelle her prednisone, she began to fight me, she didn’t want to take it, as I struggled to get the pill down her, something happened and she could no longer get any air and she suffocated in my arms.
From the moment she could no longer take a breath until the time she actually died couldn’t have been too long but it felt like forever.
There she was in my hands, my sweet little girl, her eyes pleading with me to help her, reaching for me with her paws, nails extended, the fear in her little face was almost more than I could withstand and in those seconds, minutes maybe, I was in a full on panic knowing it was too late to get her any help and she was suffering this most awful death.
Once she finally died, I was so relieved, I held her and told her that I was so sorry that I put her through that, I was on the floor, I had her head on my shoulder like when you hold a human baby and I just rocked her back and forth, trying to comfort her but it was too late to comfort her by then, I was so sorry.
I regret that day more than anything, I regret the day before that even more because I had the opportunity at that veterinary hospital to help her and I chose not to. I know now that I made that decision based on me more than her. I was too scared to make the decision, I didn’t want to have to choose when she would go, I didn’t want to feel guilty for killing her.
That was 23 years ago and the guilt I feel today for allowing her to suffer that way still remains. But I made Annabelle a promise before I put her in her grave, I promised I would never allow that to happen to another animal in my care and I have kept that promise.
Comment *When Tanya was ill, I felt that I would never be able to bear having her put to sleep. The only way I was able to do it when the time came was when I finally accepted that neither Tanya nor Thomas was ever going to get any better than they were at that moment; that we had tried everything in our arsenal but our weapons were no longer working; and that waiting any longer would therefore ultimately be for my sake, not for theirs. How much more could I ask of them? Ultimately you cannot avoid death; but often it is possible to avoid suffering. Once I began to look at it from the perspective of what was right for them and what would spare them pain, it was still by no means an easy decision, but I did at least feel it was inevitable, because I simply could not stand by and watch them suffer when it was within my power to prevent that. By not acting, I would not be prolonging their lives, I would be prolonging their deaths”
Written by Helen, Tanya and Thomas’ Mom
“Tanya’s Comprehensive Guide to Chronic Renal Failure’
Reading this has made me extremely angry. We would never euthanize our loved ones so why do it to a pet? It’s extremely wrong. I would never ever ever do and I think those that do will have to answer for it one day.
Then you as humane doctors should have a policy to euthanize free of charge for those who can’t pay your 50-100$ for an injection it costs you nothing!
I watched my poor cat die in horrible seizures and take her last breaths for 4 hours, i was holding her little head in my hands…
Ok? I will never forget your hypocrisy, kind doctors ! @$%&^%@ $$$$