Why Do Euthanasia Requests Spike in Veterinary Clinics During the Holidays?
Veterinary clinics often report an increase in euthanasia requests during November and December. While scientific studies on this trend are limited, several factors are widely believed to contribute to this seasonal pattern.
1. Colder Weather: As temperatures drop, health issues in older or ill pets often become more apparent. Cold weather can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis or respiratory issues, leading pet owners to observe signs of discomfort they might have missed earlier in the year. This can prompt decisions about their pets’ quality of life during this period (PetMD, 2019).
2. Holiday Stress and Scheduling: Holidays often bring changes in household dynamics, such as travel plans, hosting guests, or altered routines. For families leaving town, the stress of arranging care for a sick or elderly pet may nudge them toward euthanasia. Similarly, holiday gatherings may highlight a pet’s declining health, as relatives visiting after time apart might notice changes that owners living with the pet daily might overlook (Coates, 2019).
3. Emotional and Financial Pressures: The holiday season can strain emotional and financial resources. For some families, the costs of continued medical treatments may feel burdensome during a season already associated with high expenses. Additionally, the holidays’ emotional weight may influence decisions, with some families choosing to let their pets pass peacefully before the new year as part of closure or to prevent further suffering (CAETA, 2023).
While these factors can lead to difficult decisions, it’s important for pet owners to work closely with veterinarians to assess their pet’s health and explore all options. Compassionate care, whether through advanced treatments or euthanasia, helps ensure pets’ dignity during the final stages of life.
References
CAETA (2023). Euthanasia Appointments are Common During the Holidays. Retrieved from https://caetainternational.com
PetMD (2019). Why Are More Pets Euthanized During the Holidays? Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com
Coates, J. (2019). Holiday Trends in Pet Euthanasia. PetMD.
