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One of the most difficult decisions that a pet owner can be faced with is whether or not to euthanize a beloved pet due to health concerns. Here at University Veterinary Hospital, many of us have been faced with this dilemma regarding our own pets, so we completely understand the concerns that face owners during this difficult time. We hope that we can provide some important information for you to consider so that you can make the best decision possible for you and your pet. Please know that we are here for you to assist and support you when you need us. The following are some frequently asked questions regarding pet euthanasia:
How will I know when its time?
Although this question may be the most difficult to answer, we usually tell owners to trust their instincts. Remember, you know your pet better than anyone else. Usually, pet owners have a strong sense when the time is appropriate. We suggest monitoring your pet for signs that they have lost interest in life, such as decreased appetite, withdrawing from household activity, no longer wagging their tail, or coming to you for attention and affection. Your veterinarian may be able to guide you as far as the medical aspects of his/her disease. This may require some blood work or other diagnostic testing, but it can help make that final decision a more informed one. Ultimately, there is no “right” or “wrong” answer to this difficult question, so it is important that you feel comfortable with your decision.
How is euthanasia performed?
Euthanasia is performed via a single intravenous injection. Your veterinarian will place an intravenous catheter for administration of the drug. The drug is a highly concentrated anesthetic agent so the effects are rapid. It causes a deep general anesthesia prior to causing death so your pet will not be in any discomfort. Occasionally an animal will have some final breath sounds or rarely vocalize. This is completely normal and is no indication of pain or stress.
You will want to consider whether or not you wish to be present at the time of injection. Many owners feel it is best if they can be there during the final moments to comfort their pet. Some owners would rather remember their pet the way they were in life and will leave the pet with us for the euthanasia.
Should my young children be present during the euthanasia?
The death of a family pet is often a child’s first experience with the loss of a beloved friend and can be difficult for them. The lessons they learn may help them cope with more difficult situations later in life. We recommend that you discuss your pet’s death with your child, and may wish to allow them to view your pet’s body after the euthanasia. You may not wish to have young children present for the euthanasia. If you decide that it is appropriate for your child to be present, try to prepare them for the experience. We have more information available for you if you are interested.
Should my other pets be present during the euthanasia?
It depends. We recommend that you do bring the other pet(s) along if they have a deep attachment or connection with the sick animal. Remember that animals do not tend to grieve in the same way as we do but they do seem to understand that their friend is not going to be at home any more. Many times simply bringing the collar home with you can make that transition a bit easier.
What will be done with my pet’s body?
You have several options regarding the care of your pet’s remains. Most commonly, owners will have the body cremated and returned to them in an engraved cedar box. Occasionally, people will prepare a place for burial in their yard. This can be somewhat difficult and should be done ahead of time. Lastly, the body can be cremated and not returned to you. University Veterinary Hospital can arrange either cremation method for you. Since the cost of each option varies, please ask our reception staff to prepare an estimate for you.
How should I expect to feel afterward?
During the grieving process, you will likely feel more sadness than you anticipated. This is entirely normal and may persist to some degree for weeks, even months. You may also feel a sense of shock, anger, guilt, loneliness, or even depression. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve and you may need the support of a family member or close friend. We have many grief support resources available for you if you need any additional support. A few are listed, below:
The
Changes Program at Colorado State University
970-297-1242
http://www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu/
Delta
Society Pet Loss & Bereavement www.deltasociety.org
Iowa State
University 1-888-478-7574
http://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/small-animal/animal-loss-support/resources/isu-vmc-resources
Washington State University
509-335-5704
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/PLHl/
University
of California-Davis 1-800-565-1526
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/petloss/index.htm
Cornell
University 607-253-3932
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CCAH/petloss.cfm
AVMA
(for children) http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/animatedfl.asp
Various
Phone Consultation Resources http://www.chancesspot.org/hotlines.htm
Thoughts from clients*...
Dear Dr. McCarron,
What lovely flowers and a sweet note. Thank you so much.
Your words, "Thank you for doing this for Granite" meant so much. It gave me a sense of peace for a very difficult situation.
I have never been to such a wonderful clinic! I love your honesty, your love for our lovely pets, the caring, fun and friendly staff, and writing on the papers "Granite is so cute!". That always kept me strong.
You truly are... "The Best"!
Phyllis Hunt
Dear Dr. Garcia, Dr. McCarthy & Dr. Walton,
Thank you so much for everything you did to help Morgan. Thanks for your patience & understanding with Andrew & I as we worked through the whole process. Morgan was a sweet dog & my love - it felt good to leave her with you all as I know you also loved her.
Thank you!
Meghan Boyd
Dear Dr. Walton & Staff,
Thank you do much for helping CC and I say goodbye Tuesday, April 14th. I'm missing her so very much ~ as I knew I always would. She was my world and we were together for 17 years.
The entire staff there at the clinic are so kind and gracious. I've always appreciated each of you ~ especially now, and I can't thank you enough. There is such a warm & caring feeling within your walls.
Dr. Walton, thank you again & thank you for the sweet card.
Marsha Murphy
Dear Magali,
Don and I can never thank you enough for the wonderful care you gave Ali, and for the support of us, those who loved her, during her last day. You have taken such good care of us during her life and your and Dian's tenderness on her last afternoon comforted us beyond words. Ali's passing was tender and such a release for her.
With gratitude,
Julie, Don & Stu Evans
* Reprinted with permission
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