One of the most painful situations for pet owners and the veterinary team is the decision to euthanize (Euthanasia) or peacefully and painlessly end the lives of pets. Among humans, longevity is more important than health and quality of life. However, in veterinary medicine, this perspective differs for animals, and the quality of a pet’s life always holds more significance than its lifespan. One of the most difficult moments a veterinarian may experience during their practice is the decision to euthanize or perform euthanasia on pet dogs or cats, as well as on horses, cattle, and other large animals.
What does euthanizing pets mean?
Euthanizing or euthanasia for animals (Euthanasia) is a word of Greek origin, made up of two parts: Eu meaning good and Thanatos meaning death. Euthanasia is essentially a means of dying that is performed with the least amount of pain and stress; however, the decision to carry it out is very difficult and is accompanied by many limitations and ethical dilemmas. The important point is that the euthanasia of pets or their painless death is part of the protocols and treatment options in veterinary science. When veterinarians are convinced that the quality of a pet’s life is inadequate and that it is suffering, they will recommend euthanasia to the pet owner. This matter arises when there is no possibility of pain relief, recovery, and returning the animal to a normal life. Based on ethical principles and humane foundations, euthanizing pets must be done with utmost care to minimize pain and stress transferred to the animal. The methods of euthanasia for animals include quick loss of consciousness, cardiac and respiratory arrest, etc., with which the animal tolerates the least amount of anxiety. Generally, there are two main reasons for performing euthanasia or euthanizing pets: one is due to leishmaniasis and the other is due to the immense pain and suffering of the animal. The veterinarians at the Central Veterinary Hospital of Tehran use a series of guidelines from veterinary resources and articles to make decisions regarding this process. In fact, the veterinarian must carry out several steps to ultimately decide on the euthanasia of pets.
Under what conditions is euthanasia permitted for dogs and cats?
In general, euthanasia for large and small animals is only possible with the presence and request of the pet owner, and the veterinarian can only suggest this course of action to the pet owner based on the painful conditions of the animal. In fact, the veterinarian explains to the pet owner the diagnosis of diseases, methods, potential treatment durations, costs, and other necessary details so that they can make an informed decision regarding the euthanasia of their pet. But under what conditions can euthanasia for pets be recommended? The following are some instances:
- In cases where the animal is dying, suffers greatly, and no pain relief or treatment options are available, euthanasia is suggested. That is, when there is no treatment available for the animal’s illness, a peaceful and painless death or the easy death of a dog or cat can be recommended.
- When the animal does not bear much pain, but due to anatomical or neurological injuries, etc., is unable to walk, maintain balance, or perform other vital functions, euthanasia can be considered. Of course, the veterinarian must confirm that this condition is irreversible.
- In cases where the animal becomes wild due to behavioral reasons or is infected with various infectious diseases that cannot be treated, and its release into nature poses risks to other animals and humans, euthanasia can be proposed as a protocol.
- If there is evidence or strong suspicion of dangerous diseases such as rabies for which treatments are not permitted according to health organization guidelines, a painless and peaceful death for a dog would be the best choice.
Methods of performing euthanasia for dogs and cats
There are many methods for euthanizing or performing euthanasia on pets, and in each country, one of the methods is utilized according to the respective protocols. The veterinarians at the Central Veterinary Hospital of Tehran perform the euthanasia of pets using the following methods, according to the animal’s condition and existing protocols:
- Asphyxiation of the animal with appropriate euthanasia gases for cats and dogs
- Using high-dose oral medications for the eternal sleep of the animals
- Injecting anesthetic drugs, in very high doses
- Shooting a bullet to the head, for euthanizing large animals such as horses and cattle
- Shooting a bullet to the spinal cord in specific conditions
- Inserting a specific type of needle into the main nasal passages
In all these methods, efforts are made to ensure that the moment of the animal’s death comes with the least amount of pain and stress and in complete tranquility. This peaceful death is especially important for the euthanasia of young kittens (or puppy euthanasia) as well as for the euthanasia of old dogs or senior cats.
Painless death, an end to the animal’s suffering
Euthanasia or painless death for cats, dogs, and other animals is one of the methods and protocols existing in veterinary science, and the decision to carry it out is often very difficult and complex. One method of euthanasia involves using higher doses of anesthetic medications, which allows the animal’s life to end in complete anesthetic and pain-free condition. Pet owners should consider that regardless of the animal’s lifespan, the quality and depth of their life should be taken into account. If this is not feasible for the pet owner and…
Veterinarians may also be unable to provide a life free from pain and suffering for animals according to medical science, the best decision would be euthanasia for pets, to end the pain and suffering of the animal. For consultation regarding cat euthanasia, dog euthanasia, horse euthanasia, cow euthanasia, or any animal you are caring for, please contact our experts at Central Veterinary Hospital.
