Pet hospice vet shares heartfelt advice for senior pet parents facing the painful decision of putting them down

The vet shared that she has been in homes where the owners have tried everything in their power to care for the pet.

PUBLISHED 12 HOURS AGO

(L) A veterinary nurse with dog on table in veterinary surgery, (R) A woman with old golden retriever at home. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Monty Rakusen, (R) Coolpicture)

A veterinarian has shed light on an important issue that occurs in the golden years of a pet's life. Dr. Faith Banks, a pet hospice vet who goes by @dr.faithbanks on TikTok, talked about the suffering of pets during old age and how pet owners unintentionally add to their agony with certain actions. While it is a recurring and common practice in most pet households, the doctor explained a better alternative while keeping the best interests of their furry family member.

A vet treating an ailing dog (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Tima Miroshnichenko) — A vet treating an ailing dog. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Tima Miroshnichenko)

Steering attention to the important message, Dr. Banks said that many owners with older pets try to hold on to them despite their suffering because they feel nature is responsible for their timely passing. This applies to most aging pets or those with a terminal illness. Owners very well know that putting them down would likely end their suffering, yet they hold back. While nature can surely do its work, as Dr. Banks says, human interference becomes the “problem.” “People will give them SQ fluids at home or will give them medications, and will bring the food to them to hand-feed them.”

A young man sitting on the floor and feeding a dog (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Photo by Bethany Ferr) — A young man sitting on the floor and feeding a dog. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Photo by Bethany Ferr)

The care and nurturing delay the natural process further, leaving the pet to endure pain and suffering longer. “We’re sort of pushing things along and helping to care for that pet,” she explained. While the vet deeply understands the unshakeable need to care for pets, owners must recognize their authority, power, and ability to make the decision for euthanasia when their pet is evidently suffering. “I also think that even if the pet is not suffering at the moment, if they know that the pain will not be able to be controlled, and therefore they will suffer.” The suffering may appear as physical symptoms or even anxiety, and can be prevented by making the right decision.

Veterinarian giving an injection to cat.(Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Nadzeya Haroshka) — Veterinarian giving an injection to cat. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Nadzeya Haroshka)

Speaking from her experience, the vet shared that she has been in homes where the owners have tried everything in their power to care for the pet while nature takes its course. However, it does not work that way. Vets have to eventually intervene and perform euthanasia to free the ailing pet from their suffering. “My heart breaks for the owner, but it breaks even more for the pet that has been there.” Regardless of the guilt, the expert encouraged senior pet owners to make the brave decision of putting them to sleep forever. It cannot be the wrong decision when made out of pure love. “Better a month too early than a day too late,” the vet enlightened.

The post with 476,000 views struck a chord with several people as they expressed relief at making the right decision. “The guilt I had over feeling like maybe I did it too soon. Now, looking back on photos, I see how much I wasn’t seeing in the moment. Still kills me,” penned @tara_alejandro and @9enesiz admitted, “My biggest regret in life was not putting down my sweet girl sooner.”

You can follow @dr.faithbanks on TikTok for more vet advice.