Explain why the choice is necessary and give the child chance to spend some special time with the pet and say goodbye in their own way. If possible, give the child an opportunity to create a memento of the pet.
Allow the child to be involved in any memorial service, if they desire. Holding a funeral or creating a memorial for the pet can help your child express their feelings openly and help process the loss. Your child may feel disloyal, or you could send the message that the grief and sadness felt when something dies can simply be overcome by buying a replacement. Deciding to put your animal companion to sleep is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make for your pet. As a loving pet owner, though, the time may come when you need to help your pet make the transition from life to death, with the help of your veterinarian, in as painless and peaceful a way as possible.
Euthanasia for a beloved pet is highly personal decision and usually comes after a diagnosis of a terminal illness and with the knowledge that the animal is suffering badly. Your choices for your pet should be informed by the care and love you feel for the animal. Important things to consider include:.
Activity level. Does your pet still enjoy previously loved activities or are they able to be active at all? Response to care and affection.
Does your pet still interact and respond to love and care in the usual ways? Amount of pain and suffering. Is your pet experiencing pain and suffering which outweigh any pleasure and enjoyment in life? Terminal illness or critical injury. Have illness or injury prohibited your pet from enjoying life?
Is your pet facing certain death from the injury or illness? Is your family unanimous in the decision? If not, and you still feel it is the best thing for your pet, can you live with the decision that you have to make? You may want to have a last day at home with the pet in order to say goodbye, or to visit the pet at the animal hospital. This is an individual decision for each member of the family. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, euthanasia for a pet is most often achieved by injection of a death-inducing drug.
The veterinarian may administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following the injection of the euthanasia drug, your pet will immediately become unconscious. Death is quick and painless. Be honest. Start by explaining that your pet is ill, suffering badly, and that you have the ability to end that suffering in a very humane and gentle way. The injection is a very peaceful and painless process for your pet. Sometimes, when you really love a pet, you have to make these kinds of difficult decisions to spare the animal from more pain and suffering.
There are many wonderful reasons to once again share your life with a companion animal , but the decision of when to do so is a very personal one. You may want to start by volunteering at a shelter or rescue group.
Some retired seniors living alone may find it hardest to adjust to life without a pet. If taking care of an animal provided you with a sense of purpose and self-worth as well as companionship, you may want to consider getting another pet at an earlier stage.
Of course, seniors also need to consider their own health and life expectancy when deciding on a new pet. American Psychiatric Association. Depressive Disorders.
Zisook, S. Grief and bereavement: What psychiatrists need to know. World Psychiatry, 8 2 , 67— Stroebe, M. Health outcomes of bereavement. The Lancet, , — Simon, N. Informing the symptom profile of complicated grief. Involve everyone in discussions of what sort of pet to obtain. If possible, let your children help you select a new pet. Don't give your new pet the same name or nickname as your previous pet.
Don't expect your new pet to be just like the one you lost. Don't expect the new pet to do the same things your previous pet did, respond in the same ways, or have the same characteristics. Instead, enjoy your new pet's individual behaviors, responses, and characteristics as they develop. Don't compare your new pet to your previous pet.
After many happy years with an animal companion, it is easy to forget that, when it was a puppy or kitten, it, too, was destructive, disobedient, noisy, or unhousetrained. Your new pet will soon grow out of its "difficult" phase.
Do consider the needs of your surviving pets. Will they welcome or resent a newcomer? Some pets seem to genuinely mourn the loss of a companion, and you may find that you need to introduce a new pet simply to comfort the survivor. Remember, however, that most cats and dogs are territorial by nature, and that it will take them time to adapt to a new pet. Once you have introduced a new pet into the household, make sure your existing pets receive lots of attention.
Do consider obtaining a new pet before the loss of your previous pet. If your pet is growing old, or is ill, consider introducing a new pet into your home now. In many cases, the presence of a young and active pet has revitalized an older animal. More importantly, this avoids the problem of attempting to build a relationship with a new pet while you are still grieving for the previous pet.
Some additional considerations: If your pet died of a contagious illness, make certain your home is thoroughly cleaned before a new pet is brought in. Dispose of items that might carry the illness, such as bedding, rugs, or toys. Karen B. London, Ph. Skip to main content. Sign up and get the answers to your questions.
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