As pet owners, it’s the day we dread. Or maybe we just deny we’ll ever face that decision. If terminal illness, a senseless accident, or the unavoidable affects of aging means that our pet’s life is coming to a pre-mature end, consultation with your personal veterinarian about your options is first-and-foremost.

Amir Shanan, DVM, Compassionate Veterinary Care, Chicago, IL and Allen Animal Hospital, Broadview, IL, recommends that pet owners keep a log or diary so it’s easier to look back over a given period and recall their pet’s “good days.” This way, they aren’t just relying on their emotions.

As part of his counseling on euthanasia decisions, Dr. Shanan helps pet owners look at the issue of quality of life from three aspects, not all of which take place at the same time or the same rate. He recommends this approach rather than focusing exclusively on pain in order to decide the next step.

1. Physical condition or bodily functions. If your pet isn’t eating, can’t walk, is vomiting, or has a persistent cough, these are all things a pet owner can observe and know isn’t right. However, don’t focus on appearance. If your pet has soiled on himself or has a disfiguring tumor, this doesn’t necessarily reflect a poor quality of life from a pet’s viewpoint.

2. General activities. What is your pet’s daily routine — his way of interacting with the world? Has disease or mental deterioration begun to change the way your pet interacts with his own world?

3. Attachment to us. Does it feel like the same friend and relationship as a year ago? Do you feel that your pet is not with you anymore?

According to Dr. Shanan, once a caring pet owner has made these observations and combined them with their gut feelings, they usually can put themselves in their pet’s place. Dr. Shanan said pet owners often ask for his opinion, but what they really want is reassurance.

“They are the person who knows their pet the best — loves him the most,” Dr. Shanan said.

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