Peter Cennamo and Teacher Tech: New Seminars... dealing with the loss of a pet

June 10, 2012 - PRLog -- The decision to end a life is never easy. It is a personal, loving decision to euthanize a pet for which the quality of life has deteriorated. It takes courage to assume this last duty and it is our last responsibility to a pet that has given us love and companionship. There is also no easy human comparison. The bond between dog and owner is a very special one. It is easy to become emotionally caught up in keeping your dog alive when you know that there is no hope of him regaining his health.

Points to Consider

Your vet is an invaluable source of advice when you feel the time for euthanasia may be approaching. He or she cannot make the decision for you, but he can help you to decide when it is time to let go. You need to consider things from the dog's point of view.

Is your dog in incurable pain or continual discomfort which cannot be alleviated by drugs?

Is treatment of his condition no longer possible?

Has he suffered severe injuries from which he will never recover?

Does he have an age-related or illness-related condition that cannot be alleviated and which now causes misery, e.g. advanced senility or incontinence?

Is he suffering from a terminal illness that has now reduced his quality of life to such a point that he is no longer happy?

Has your dog had a puppy that has an inoperable deformity that will give him a poor quality of life?

Making the decision

Peter Cennamo knows the decision almost always causes much soul-searching, especially if you and your dog have been companions for several years. What matters to the dog is quality of life, not length of life, since a dog has little concept of future time. An illness may be treatable for a period of time, but there eventually comes a point when the dog no longer enjoys life. He may be in visible distress or withdrawn.

Having seen your dog when he is happy and healthy, most owners recognize the signs given by a dog that is miserable. Your vet will be able to tell you whether the dog has a treatable ailment or is approaching the end of his life.