Without  a doubt, the hardest questions we get asked is, "So when is it time to let go?"
I had initially intended to answer this question with my professional opinion, but I can’t. It's such a personal question and it requires a personal answer particularly because, as a veterinarian, I too am a pet lover and owner.

One of the greatest gifts that veterinarians are granted by law is to prevent suffering. Unlike human medicine where the topic remains controversial, veterinarians can legally euthanize a pet that is in pain, suffering or has a terminal disease.  I consider euthanasia an incredible act of kindness that we can offer a pet.

So, when do you really know?
Well, I personally think they tell you - they tell you with their eyes. It's not their hips that no longer support them. It's not their waning appetite. It's the look in their eyes.

Look into your pet's eyes and say, 'are you ready?' My fellow pet lovers, they will tell you.

That shiny gleam when the leash appears is gone. That wagging tail with the sight of the food bowl is gone. That look you know better than anyone else that communicates "I love this world and my life" is no longer there.  Look closely. Their eyes will say, “I am ready."

I saw this look in our dog Zed's eyes one morning at 5 AM. Zed was 12 years old, a Labrador-Great Dane mix with the most incredible personality and loving spirit. Our precious boy had cancer. And, we knew he didn't have much longer but we needed him to let us know he was ready. 

That morning was one of the saddest days of my life, but I took solace in knowing that letting him go was a gift to him. It was our thank you to him for all the joy that loving him brought into our family's life and Zed gave and got gobs of it.

But, it hurts to come to terms with this most difficult decision that we all, as pet owners, must face. The hurt comes from our hearts as we are losing a friend that makes us smile and laugh; and, that most importantly, makes us feel loved unconditionally. But the decision to let them go is also from our hearts.  It is not a selfish decision.
 
To this day, when I think of Zed I am sad and I am happy.
So when you are struggling with one of the hardest decisions, just look into their eyes.
They will tell you. You will know.

Dr. Shae Martin, DVM

Summer is here!
Along with the warmer weather come those pesky fleas.

All pets, whether they are indoors or outdoors, are at risk and will benefit from treatment with a monthly flea prevention product. Even animals that never go outside can become infested. A flea’s small size and impressive mobility make it easy to sneak through floorboards, cracks and screens. Fleas can also hitch a ride into the house on your shoes and clothing!

Pets develop itching and discomfort when infested with fleas that can lead to biting, chewing, scratching, self-mutilation and skin infections or “hot spots." Note that cats, being fastidious groomers, ingest fleas while they clean themselves, so it may be difficult to actually find them on your cat.

A secondary concern regarding ingestion of fleas is it can lead to tapeworms. The larval stage of the worm is carried inside the adult flea. When the flea is ingested, pets become infected with the tapeworms that attach to the lining of the intestine and rob the body of its nutrients. You pet may have no outward symptoms but parts of the tapeworm may be seen as small, white, rice-shaped segments around the rectal opening, in feces or on your pet’s bedding.

Many pets that visit us with “allergies” each summer actually only have a problem with fleas – Flea Allergy Dermatitis (or FAD). Bottom line: all animals should be on monthly flea prevention for their own health as well as the comfort of all family members, human and furry.

We carry several types of flea preventatives - all of which are very safe for your pets as well as safe to use around your children. Most of them need only to be applied or given once a month to be effective, but may be used more often for severe infestations and in cases of flea allergies. Talk to your veterinarian or our staff if you have any questions about which product would be best suited for your pet’s lifestyle.

Dr. Lisa Labrecque, DVM
Veterinarian at our sister site West Maui Animal Clinic

In the month of June, we are offering 20% off flea & tick preventatives - in addition to heartworm medication.
Click HERE to get your coupon.
Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about Heartworm Disease and how to prevent it.