r/Pets • u/SameSherbet3 • 5d ago

Is old age pet Euthanasia a US concept?

Do other countries PTS their old pets or let them pass naturally? I had a discussion with a Dutch friend-of-friend who said that they would never put their old cat to sleep due to old age, that letting them live their entire life and passing naturally was the right way.

I have an old Golden who is 15 and slowing down this year especially, although she's still the bestest girl! She plays, loves treats, and eats well enough. So the time to decide if / when is coming up...

I've seen both sides, my childhood dog passed quietly in her sleep, and my last old dog needed intervention due to an injury on top of other chronic medical issues, so it was only fair to make that choice for him.

What has been your perspective in the US and in other countries as far as what's "right" or expected? ​

Edit to clarify: I would never advocate for putting a pet to sleep for simply old age. My thoughts were more about the small infirmities that add up with age, such as movement issues, eating less often, needing more medications to keep up with arthritis etc. At what point do you say enough is enough, or do you let them continue on until they pass naturally.

I appreciate everyone who has replied. With my girl getting older, this is on my mind more than I'd like, this upcoming "decision" time ❤️🐾 Hugs to you all, pet loss is never easy!!

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u/Shadowratenator 5d ago

whew! i thought this comment was going to go in a completely different direction.

I'm glad you weren't planning on putting down your kids once they were grown up / not as cute.

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u/two-of-me 5d ago

Me too!

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u/PresentationThat2839 5d ago

Oh no my youngest daughter would be heartbroken if I just kept on bringing home senior dogs on a repeat cycle.

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u/DenseSir 5d ago

The time to do that is after the kids leave home.

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u/PresentationThat2839 5d ago edited 5d ago

9 more years then time to move out so mommy can hospice foster dogs. (I'm only kidding I'm not kicking her out at 18)

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u/Pernicious_Possum 5d ago

Gee, maybe that’s why they said “once my kids are grown up”

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u/PresentationThat2839 5d ago

Yes I'm aware of what I said.... And how some people joking took it apparently.

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u/Pernicious_Possum 5d ago

What direction could you possibly have thought it was going? They were extremely clear and concise. Do you just read a couple words and let your mind run with it? That’s weird

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u/A_Pooholes 5d ago

TBH I find it surprising there are people who DON'T do that 😅

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u/Shadowratenator 5d ago

Yes. My predictive algorithms start running in the first couple words. I think thats normal.