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Knowing When to Say Goodbye to Your Greyhound

When is the right time to say goodbye to your pet? It's one of the most difficult questions we face as pet owners, but one that pretty much all of us will have to face at some point. Below are resources for making this decision and for taking that final step.

 

Things to Consider

It's probably time to say goodbye when the bad days begin to outnumber the good ones. We usually understand what is good and bad in the life of our pet. Chart good and bad days over a week or a month.

 

Euthanasia Resources

About.com's Veterinary Medicine webpage has a number of articles written by veterinarian Janet Tobiassen Crosby and other resources related to this topic.

On the Home Pet Euthanasia website, local veterinarian and greyhound owner Dr. Annie Forslund offers a great deal of info related to euthanasia.

 

Here are some things to consider when evaluating your pet's quality of life:

• Does your pet soil himself or herself during the day? This can be really stressful for some pets who prefer to be clean, and it can also pose health risks such as skin rashes and infections from sitting in urine and/or feces.

• Does your pet still enjoy "basic activities" such as eating? Is his or her appetite normal? Does your pet enjoy human interaction? Is he or she still cognizant of who you are?

• Can your pet move around without difficulty or pain?

Quality of Life Scale
Give each category a score between 1 and 10 and total.

Criterion Score
HURT - Adequate pain control, including breathing ability, is first and foremost on the scale. Is the pet's pain successfully managed? Is oxygen supplementation necessary?  
HUNGER - Is the pet eating enough? Does hand feeding help? Does the patient require a feeding tube?  
HYDRATION - Is the pet dehydrated? For pets not drinking enough, use subcutaneous fluids once or twice daily to supplement fluid intake.  
HYGIENE - The patient should be brushed and cleaned, particularly after elimination. Avoid pressure sores and keep all wounds clean.  
HAPPINESS - Does the pet express joy and interest? Is the pet responsive to things around him or her (family, toys, etc.)? Is the pet depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid? Can the pet's bed be close to the family activities and not be isolated?  
MOBILITY - Can the pet get up without assistance? Does the pet need human or mechanical help (e.g., a cart)? Does the pet feel like going for a walk? Is the pet having seizures or stumbling? (Some caregivers feel euthanasia is preferable to amputation, yet an animal who has limited mobility but is still alert and responsive can have a good quality of life as long as caregivers are committed to helping the pet.)  
TOTAL SCORE: A total over 35 points out of 60 represents an acceptable life quality.  

From Dr. Alice Villalobos, A.E., VPN, "Quality of Life Scale Helps Make Final Call," 09/2004, for Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology Honoring the Human-Animal Bond, by Blackwell Publishing, Table 10.1, released 2006.

 

Euthanasia Services

Becoming familiar beforehand with the process of euthanasia and what to expect may help lessen the stress and anxiety of the actual event. Do not be afraid to ask your veterinarian about the procedure. This is an emotionally charged time, and living with unanswered questions or guilt can hinder the healing process.

Your vet can perform the euthanasia procedure. Or see below for a service that will send a vet to euthanize your pet in your home, where he or she is more comfortable.

Home Pet Euthanasia of Southern California - Veterinarian Annie Forslund offers a pet euthanasia service in the comfort of your home. She primarily serves Orange County, Riverside County and Los Angeles County. But contact her about the possibility of visiting other locations. www.homepeteuthanasia.com/

 

 

Info on this page was taken from About.com's Veterinary Medicine website and the Home Pet Euthanasia website.