Credits: Social Media
Putting your pet to sleep is the ‘last kind thing’ you can do for them, vet says
Owners often think that putting pets to sleep must be the hardest part of a vet’s job, but that’s not actually the case.
A vet has shared the reality of euthanizing people’s pets as a medical professional, and why he doesn’t actually find it difficult.
Vet’s touching take on putting pets to sleep
Speaking on TikTok, British small animal vet Dr�Ben�Simpson-Vernon said that pet owners often apologize to him when their pet needs to be put down, saying it must be a horrible feeling. Others tell him they always wanted to be a vet but couldn’t ever euthanize an animal.
“Actually, it’s a privilege to be able to perform euthanasia and to have a means of painlessly, peacefully ending the life of our patients when they are suffering and we can’t help them,” he explained. “That’s the way I frame it to pet owners, that euthanasia is a gift.”
He told pet owners to think of putting their dog, cat or other animal down as the “last kind thing” you can do for them. It ends their suffering when there is nothing else that can be done, and that’s the kindest decision you can possibly make.
“What a beautiful gift you give to these souls. Done with a meaningful regard to respect both the pets and the humans,” one person commented.
Another agreed: “I wholeheartedly agree. It’s the hardest decision to make, but the kindest thing to do.”
‘Better a day too soon than a moment too late’
In the comments, the vet shared a common quote that’s often used in veterinary medicine: “Better a day too soon than a day too late.”
As explained by vet Lianna Titcombe in a journal paper in the National Library of Medicine, pet owners will always feel guilt when having to end the life of their beloved companion, but they will have more regret if they wait too long.
It’s difficult at the time, but pet owners often look back in the future and wonder why they waited so long and let their pet suffer for their own selfish reasons.
As explained by Blue Cross, some common signs that a dog is no longer living a good quality of life include being withdrawn or quiet, restlessness, avoiding physical contact, excessive panting or shaking, crying or yelping and difficulty breathing.
They may also show disorientation or confusion, loss of enthusiasm for walks, not eating or drinking, regular vomiting and a change in toilet habits.
It’s often difficult to know when the right time is to say goodbye, but a good gauge is if they are having more bad days than good. A vet will be able to offer support and guidance on whether it is the right time to put them to sleep.
