Humane Euthanasia

This is one of the hardest decisions we have to make? Our pets are members of the family and many of us describe ourselves as pet parents. Because of advances in veterinary medicine and preventive care, as well as the migration of pets from the backyard to the house, pets are living longer and in closer relationships with humans than ever before. The longer the relationship, the stronger the bond. The stronger the bond, the more challenging it is to consider the end of a pet’s life, including the difficult decisions around euthanasia. Although it is heartbreaking to think about the fact that our pet’s lives are generally shorter than our own, thinking about your pet’s eventual need for euthanasia and making a plan ahead of time will relieve much of the stress associated with decisions made when the end of life is near. However, there are some signs that can help you decide when the time has come. It is important to work with your veterinarian to fully understand the disease or injury that is responsible for your pet’s ailing condition whether there any other options like- Any chance to recover or improve to maintain good quality of life even after getting specialist or referral services. Does my pet has a good quality of life while coping with injury or illness?

You can assess the quality of life by observing changes following thing on a daily basis: Weather he /she enjoys daily routine activities by self and or with family members? Does the pet enjoys his /her food or lost interest in that any food? Does the pet able to go by themself for his/her regular business activity at regular intervals? By discussing all your perceptions of these and other factors of your pet with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the decrease in quality of life. As pets are getting older some behavioral changes are expected with age. Your regular veterinarian can help to determine if this is the case. Bi-annual examinations and diagnostics for senior pets can help to prevent or manage certain diseases, as well as aid in seeking options for palliative care. There are various treatments, diets, and medications available from your veterinarian that may improve your pet’s quality of life. Age itself is not a disease, nor a reason for euthanasia.

Take the time to consider:

Depending upon the quality of life of your pet make a decision when, where, and how many family members are going and what memories you want to keep afterwards? Taking some time to consider these issues will help you and your family be more at ease during your pet’s euthanasia and will also help facilitate the grieving process. Whether or not you and your family choose to be present at the time of euthanasia is a personal decision. However, it is important for all family members to have a chance to say goodbye whenever possible. You also have the option to visit your pet after euthanasia, which may help provide closure. Many people avoid this heartbreaking goodbye but often regret it later. Take time to make the goodbye special. For example, go to a favorite location such as a park or just spend time together even if this means visits to the veterinary hospital. Your veterinarian can best advise you about visitation and the amount of time spent with your beloved pet.

Euthanasia is a term meaning painless death. For an individual animal, it means an intravenous injection of a high dose of barbiturate. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician may first place an intravenous catheter into a leg vein, and your veterinarian may also recommend sedation. The act of euthanasia occurs within seconds. Your veterinarian will confirm that your pet has passed away by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Even after death, you may notice your pet twitch, gasp, urinate and/or defecate. These are normal releases after a body has expired. The eyes may remain open after death.

Rest assured that your pet’s remains will be handled gently, with dignity, and respect. The body will be kept safe at an appropriate temperature until a designated cremation service arrives to provide for proper cremation and viewing can arrange if you want to attend the cremation.

You have several options to decide. The deceased pet can be cremated and the cremated remains returned to you, sealed in an urn. There is also group cremation where the pet is cremated and buried with other beloved pets. Discuss keepsakes with your family and veterinary staff. For example, some people wish to keep a piece of fur or make a clay paw print impression of their pet.

There are many services and resources available to support you and your family through the grieving process. There are pet loss support lines, pet loss support groups, and books for adults and children on grieving and pet loss, and individual grief counselors who specialize in pet bereavement. Engaging in family activities such as planting a tree or flowers in the yard to commemorate your pet; scrap-booking or writing about special memories of your beloved pet may help you and your family to express your emotions and facilitate the grieving process. Remember that grief is normal and you are not alone. Do not hesitate to seek support if you feel it may assist you and your family. Your veterinarian and staff members are here to help and support you with this decision. Please do not hesitate to ask them to address any questions or concerns you may have.