CARE: When To Say Goodbye
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. 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.
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.
Here are a few resources that may help you make that dreaded decision:
About.com's Veterinary Medicine webpage has a number of articles written by veterinarian Janet Tobiassen Crosby and other resources related to this topic.
The Home Pet Euthanasia website, local veterinarian and greyhound owner Dr. Annie Forslund offers a great deal of info related to euthanasia.
And another 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.
Here are some things to consider when evaluating your pet's quality of life:
Quality of Life Scale
Give each category a score between 1 and 10 and total.
CriterionScore
TOTAL SCORE: A total over 35 points out of 60 represents an acceptable life quality.
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. 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.
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.
Here are a few resources that may help you make that dreaded decision:
About.com's Veterinary Medicine webpage has a number of articles written by veterinarian Janet Tobiassen Crosby and other resources related to this topic.
The Home Pet Euthanasia website, local veterinarian and greyhound owner Dr. Annie Forslund offers a great deal of info related to euthanasia.
And another 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.
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.
CriterionScore
- 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.
Euthanasia Services and their general service areas
Your regular veterinarian may offer euthanasia in your home on special request. If not, or if you prefer someone who specializes in in-home euthanasia than check the list below for an in house/mobile veterinarian that will come to your home where he or she is more comfortable. This list is clearly not a complete list but contains veterinarian's referred to us by greyhound adopters.
Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties included in this National Service - In the Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice Service - LA 310-500-9558, Orange county 949-310-0938, Santa Barbara & Ventura county 805-904-5944
Greater Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley & Orange county - Hearts and Halos - 310-956-7062
Pasadena Area, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys - Dr. Robin Holmes and Dr. Elizabeth Craig, 626-791-1568, www.giftsofpeacehomepeteuthanasia.com
San Fernando Valley, all of LA County, Glendale, Pasadena, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Palmdale, Lancaster, Antelope Valley. Gemcore Veterinary Services, Dr. Leticia Gonzalez, (818) 626-4964 https://gemcorevetservices.com/
Orange County, Riverside County and Los Angeles County, Home Pet Euthanasia of Southern California - 833-456-2018
Southern CA - All Paws Pet Cremation Service located in LA - is a full service individual cremation service and can also arrange for in house pet euthanasia. Their website notes that "Cremation will take place on-site at our state-of-the-art Los Angeles-area pet crematory, where our dedicated staff can ensure that your pet is treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process. They offer an option of witnessing the cremation. For more information on their services All Paws Pet Cremation
Greater Los Angeles Area - In Home Euthanasia - Dr Jeanine Au - [email protected] - (310)528-4026
Your regular veterinarian may offer euthanasia in your home on special request. If not, or if you prefer someone who specializes in in-home euthanasia than check the list below for an in house/mobile veterinarian that will come to your home where he or she is more comfortable. This list is clearly not a complete list but contains veterinarian's referred to us by greyhound adopters.
Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties included in this National Service - In the Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice Service - LA 310-500-9558, Orange county 949-310-0938, Santa Barbara & Ventura county 805-904-5944
Greater Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley & Orange county - Hearts and Halos - 310-956-7062
Pasadena Area, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys - Dr. Robin Holmes and Dr. Elizabeth Craig, 626-791-1568, www.giftsofpeacehomepeteuthanasia.com
San Fernando Valley, all of LA County, Glendale, Pasadena, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Palmdale, Lancaster, Antelope Valley. Gemcore Veterinary Services, Dr. Leticia Gonzalez, (818) 626-4964 https://gemcorevetservices.com/
Orange County, Riverside County and Los Angeles County, Home Pet Euthanasia of Southern California - 833-456-2018
Southern CA - All Paws Pet Cremation Service located in LA - is a full service individual cremation service and can also arrange for in house pet euthanasia. Their website notes that "Cremation will take place on-site at our state-of-the-art Los Angeles-area pet crematory, where our dedicated staff can ensure that your pet is treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process. They offer an option of witnessing the cremation. For more information on their services All Paws Pet Cremation
Greater Los Angeles Area - In Home Euthanasia - Dr Jeanine Au - [email protected] - (310)528-4026
This section includes short articles on topics on how to care for your greyhound. Many of the articles came from prior newsletters or were written to address problems or as answer specific questions as they arose. This section will be added to over time as issues come up and/or if new information becomes available. If you have a topic you would like addressed in this section contact us.
Basic Care Tips
Loud Noises
Dog Park Dangers
Disaster Preparedness
|
Vaccinations
Nail Trimming
Traveling with Greys
|
Hot Weather Danger
Fleas, Ticks & Worms
The Multi Dog Family
|
First Aid Kit
Many uses of muzzles
Gardens & Greys
|
