Making the Choice to Have Pets

One of the toughest decisions that you will have to make as a pet owner is deciding if it is time to put them down. Since your pet can't vocalize how they are feeling, you'll need to look for signs that the time is right and that their quality of life has diminished. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you make a decision.

They Are Having More Bad Days Than Good Days

It's important to make notes about how your pet is doing each day so that you can tell if they are having more bad days than good days. You know your pet better than anyone and can tell if they are having issues with their quality of life not being as good.

They're Hiding In Odd Places 

One natural instinct that pets have is to hide when they are nearing the end of their life. This is because the animal is weak, and in nature, they would have a difficult time protecting themselves. Even though they are domesticated animals, they still tend to hide in places when they reach a point where they are sick and not able to defend themselves from predators.

They Are Not Eating Like Normal

Have you noticed that your pet is not eating like they normally do? This could be a sign that they are having kidney or liver issues and that eating and drinking is causing them pain. You may even notice that your pet is losing weight quickly. Your vet can give you more insight into the status of their internal organs by taking x-rays.

They Struggle With Going Up And Down Stairs

Your pet may be struggling with getting around your house and avoiding stairs. They could be in a weakened state or have lung issues, where they are deciding not to go up and down stairs because it is too difficult for them to do so. They may simply lack the strength to move their bodies up the stairs because of their old age.

They're Struggling With Breathing

As much as you may want to keep your pet around, it can be difficult for a pet if they are struggling with breathing. You may find that your pet is catching their breath frequently when doing normal activities, or that your dog is struggling to go for walks and prefers not to go because it is too difficult to do so. 

For more information, contact a veterinarian hospital.