The decision to peacefully end your pet’s life should be handled with the utmost care. Though the final decision is ultimately up to you, our veterinarians can provide expert medical advice, so you know all your options. If you’re interested in learning more about the process, please contact us at 403-253-7044.
When is the right time to euthanize my pet?
The right time is when you and your loved ones feel the most at peace with your decision to end your pet’s life with dignity. Your pet should live a relatively happy life, where the good days far outweigh the bad. We use a quality of life scale to help you determine if your loyal companion is suffering. If possible, we’ll make recommendations on treatments or therapies that could be helpful to support pain management or your pet’s general wellbeing. However, if we have exhausted all of our options, our veterinarians typically suggest euthanasia.
What is included on the quality of life scale?
The quality of life scale is a series of categories based on a rating from 1 to 10. If your pet has more scores closer to 1, they’re likely in extreme pain or suffering. A few things we consider on the scale include:
- Can your pet stand or walk without assistance?
- Does your pet whine or cry, even while on pain medication?
- Is your pet’s health condition unpredictable on a day-to-day basis?
- Does your pet have difficulty maintaining proper hygiene, including grooming?
- Does your pet go without eating some days?
How does the procedure work?
If you decide to proceed with the procedure, our veterinary team will treat your beloved pet with the deepest respect and highest level of care. We’ll ensure you have more than enough time to say your final goodbyes and the option to spend their last moments together. We administer the medication after your pet is in a comfortable position. Your pet will become unconscious momentarily after their brain and heart have stopped working. We try to ensure they experience as little discomfort as possible until they peacefully transition over the rainbow bridge.