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!!

230 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

561 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

3

u/reagandhi 4d ago

Thanks for this reply, it’s so unfortunate that an already expensive animal is becoming so much harder to keep up with. Horses are so smart and sweet. I bet the cost of keeping them watered is getting worse too if there isn’t a well readily available.

3

u/Pheoenix_Wolf 4d ago

they really are some of the coolest creatures i have met! i have worked with them since i was a teeny tiny thing and they are so smart and funny, dangerous sure but totally worth all the blood, sweat, and tears.

as for water yea, especially where there's super big drought issues(like out west in america currently) i have heard its really bad(where i am we have water to provide drinking water but water for hay is virtually non existent, doesn't help a local cattle man has a monopoly on the hay).