Understanding Modern Euthanasia Choices
Heather
Tue, 02/04/2025 – 12:09
Dog owners are some of the most blessed people on earth. They open up their hearts to such wonderfully kind, loyal, and sweet creatures. How lucky we are to call dogs our friends and companions in this life. From this love we share, we know that someday sadness will touch us in profound ways. Dogs with their shorter lifespan will force us to say goodbye well before our own final day comes. Getting it RightMany of us will dread this goodbye from the day we say hello and our hearts are captured. Those of us loving senior dogs know this day will come even sooner than we’d like.How do we get ready to say goodbye to an old, dear friend?What kind of last days would they want for themselves if given the chance?These are hard questions to think about, but so important if we want to get it right. Even veterinarians with their own senior dogs struggle with euthanasia decision-making. The uncertainty of when and how to euthanize affects all of us. Since 2017, the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) has been helping veterinarians and their staff understand the needs of pet owners as they approach the end-of-life journey with their pets, in particular, the grey muzzles. Because we know that around 85% of dogs will be euthanized due to old age and various diseases, it means dog owners can be proactive and prepare. Here are some of the main lessons CAETA teaches to everyone who’s interested in learning. Euthanasia Preparations for Dog OwnersLesson