Keep your pet alive, or Euthanize?

When your pet is seriously sick, should you be doing everything you can to prolong their life, or do you consider euthanasia. Dr Jones tells you about his paste experiences, and gives you some help as to better guide this very difficult decision.

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[Berre]

Nine years ago it was my brutal obligation to drive my cat to the vet for the last time. It was the most difficult decision ever. I had taken care of his diabetes condition for many years with good result, but the day had arrived he could no longer fight it. I remember he enjoyed his last ride in the car, not knowing what was going to happen. It felt like betrayal. When he was on the vet's table, falling 'asleep', I cried till I had no more tears. I took him home and buried him where he belonged, so I can still feel his presence. The following weeks I was devastated. I tried to convince myself it was the right thing to do, but that did not make it any easier. I still miss my Timmy dearly, he was my best friend ever. He is irreplaceable.

[DigitalDuelist]

Thinking that she might feel better tomorrow is whats killing me. She's my child.

[cathiiannii]

When pain and disability becomes their life be a best friend and put your pet to rest...

[Bassguitar]

the reality of life is painful, when it comes to a point where there is no alternative and you look your pet in the eyes and know you are making the decision, i love and loved my pets to the ultimate !

[gregatron]

I adopted a female pit mix back in 99, I was 18 yrs old, so that is KINDA young to have your own and not really a family dog. Those are the years where u wanna go out n have fun.. Well I became that guy with the dog n it was the best times ever, she went everywhere with me, parties, trips, just everywhere I went she was there with me. A few years ago it was time.. I miss Sadie and I know I havent been the same person since .. I don't know why I'm sharing this story! We all have and will go thru this whether it's a pet or a loved one so enjoy your time with them every day ✌

[stormysocks]

My vet said my dog would tell me when it was time. He did, it's a look, you know.

[chrystalthornton]

I appreciate when a vet will advise me that is kinder to let the pet go while giving options for treatment. In the past, I have dealt with vets who never advise and let you keep attempting to treat a hopeless condition, wrecking your finances, and putting the animal through needless suffering. They can't tell you to treat or not, but an honest assessment of prognosis can help you feel comfortable with your decision.

[Padre_Kalibre]

I had to take my best friend to the clinic this morning to finally say goodbye. I will be in pain for many months or even years to come. Because we'll never get another dog like her. She made our household the happiest there is during her 14 years of being with us.

[sandrab]

I know that pain oh so well. I immediately adopt another when I loose an animal. Not only does the new one help me get through the grief, but I know I'M helping another one, or two.

[momofbostons]

Hardest thing I ever have done, it still hurts. I ask my self what could I have done differently? Thank you for this video, I just wish they all could have lived longer😢

[TheDenizxo]

I know this is a sad topic but the dog in the back of him is unbelievably adorable.

[skeptigal]

Too many people (including vets) treat this as an "all or nothing" proposition; EITHER you pursue expensive, painful, and probably futile treatments OR you immediately euthanize. Another option and a better one is just letting your pet be; taking it day by day and making each one the best you can.

[warrenlightning]

I had a white minature poodle with a pink nose. I loved her dearly. She had one or two breast tumors removed when she was about 4-5 years old. She lived to be 17 years. Her last year or two of her life she developed cataracts, urinary inconvenience and seizures. Seizures were initially petite but rapidly increased in length and frequency. One day in 2006 she had another very serious seizure. I cried and cried. My empathy for her pain was intense. Late that night she had a other horrible seizure. I talked to myself firmly and intellectually. Made the most difficult decision of my life. Took her to the emergency Vet and had her euthanized. I sat her on my lap while driving there telling her how much I loved her, how sorry I was to give her a long sleep and I thanked her for blessing me with her love, joy and companionship for 17 years. Held her while the drug entered her little body. I cried and cried and cried. Kept her on the bottom of my bed for 3 or 4 days. Couldn't bear putting her in the ground. Finally I buried her. I grieved deeply for 3 years. Swore I'd never get another pet. 5 years later I rescued 2 miniature poodles pups from euthanasia. Now I have 4 dogs all rescued from horrible situations. I pray when the time comes when they need euthanized that it won't hurt as badly as my first poodle. Dr. Jones is a God send to all us pet owners.

[ATOES]

Nine years ago I had to decide when to put my beloved ChowChow to sleep, (I won't go into what was wrong) I'd had her from 12 wks old to 16 yrs old, my forever companion she was, but she made the decision for me by letting me know with her eyes, and actions she didn't want to stay. Hardest thing I ever had to do. Now I have THREE dogs and must go thru this in the future, I just pray I outlive them because the fear is greater in me if I should die before them as to what kind of life they would have.

[jason.]

Icy died January 25 2019. I had him 8 years he leaves behind a wife and two daughters that I still have ❤

[brianmacdonald]

Thank you for your thoughts Dr. Put down my GSD two weeks ago from DM. I have had many dogs over my lifetime but none part of me like this one. I am to old to be responsible for another. It is a chapter of my life that is over. He was in his thirteenth year and had a quality life together with me. Saved me from death or injury years ago from a bear. Appreciate him like no human.

[carolwebster]

Thankyou i thought it was only me that was so messed up having to put pets down the pain and choking grief, but not as bad with some family members, thanks for the video im having to take a beautiful old friend to the vet to say goodbye next couple of days, liver cancer she's not happy anymore and meds have stopped working 😭😢😭 watching your video to build up my courage, cant talk to people about it they say stupid things like you can get another dog 😠😠 thankyou

[pattyyoung]

Tears....but thank you. Have a great weekend.

[NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

I'm so glad you mentioned the comparison to the deaths of family members, and let me feel I'm not bad for being more deeply affected by the sudden deterioration of our beautiful Labrador, Murphy, who is currently fighting for his life, than I have ever experienced for either friends or family.

The pain is incredible, relentless, and devastating, far worse than I've felt with family members, and I put it down to our murf has been my closest and greatest friend ever in my life. The loss, when it eventually occurs, will be absolutely shattering and I'm so scared of that moment that I fear I may be lying to myself about his chances of recovery.

God help me, I need help.

[catzmz]

Had my dog PTS a few days ago. He was 14 and had a grade 6/6 heart murmur and severe heart failure. We spent that final day together doing his favourite things and he died in my arms knowing I loved him. I dont feel guilty that I might have taken away a few good days he could have had....only relief that I was able to take away all those bad days that would only get worse and more frequent.
As heartbroken as I am it actually helps to know that I could take all that pain and distress away from him and be there for him one last time.