A veterinarian has issued an emotional plea to pet owners, urging them to recognize the heartbreaking signs that indicate it may be time to say goodbye to their beloved animals. The small animal vet, known online as @thingscanonlygetvetter, shared a message on TikTok emphasizing the importance of prioritizing a pet's quality of life, even when it means making an incredibly painful decision.
Key Questions to Consider
The vet explained that quality-of-life conversations are frequent in his practice, and he encourages owners to consider several factors. First, he asks: do the bad days outweigh the good? If a pet experiences several bad days just to have one good one, it may not represent a good quality of life.
He also advises owners to think about whether their pet still enjoys the things they once loved. Does the cat still watch birds with interest? Does the dog want to go on walks? Do they greet you when you come home? Do they get excited about food? Or are they simply existing?
Living in the Moment
The vet highlighted a crucial difference between humans and animals: pets do not think about the future. They live entirely in the present moment, meaning they may continue suffering without understanding why. He stressed that if a pet has very little quality of life, it is important to remember they do not stay alive because they want to live another few months—that concept does not cross their mind. Instead, they are acutely aware of their discomfort at that moment.
He posed a poignant question: "Is it fair to let them wake up every day and endure that discomfort?"
Seek Professional Advice
The vet urged owners to talk to their veterinarian if they are unsure. "We do this all day, every day, and there's nothing more important to us than the welfare of our patients," he said. "It is a discussion worth having. You'll never be pressured one way or the other, but we can give you solid advice."
The video resonated with many pet owners. One user commented, "Absolutely agree with what you say. I've had many dogs and it's never easy, but you have to be mindful of what's best for your pet. This is paramount." Another shared, "My sister is struggling with this at the moment. She is in constant contact with her vet." A third added, "Our vet was phenomenal when we had to say goodbye to our dog. We even got a beautiful card with his paw prints. He's been gone a year and we framed the card."
