When to Ask Your Vet About Euthanization
It’s inevitable. Unless we’re lucky enough to own a tortoise or a parrot, we will likely outlive our pets. That means that one day, you will be faced with a tough decision. Today we’ll discuss when to ask your vet about euthanization.
Not Sure It’s the Right Time?
Deciding if your pet needs to be euthanized is an extremely difficult decision to make. Ultimately, the decision needs to be made by you. However, your vet will be a great resource to help you make your decision. Remember that the reason to euthanize your pet is because they can no longer enjoy their life. When their quality of life is at such a point that living is unbearable, euthanasia is the most humane option. Of course, you will need to discuss euthanasia with your vet to make sure it is the best option for your pet’s condition.
Talking to Your Vet About Euthanasia
When it comes to the wellbeing of your pet, it is important to be proactive in considering their needs. If you are talking to your vet about euthanasia, here are some questions you may consider:
- Is your pet in chronic pain that cannot be controlled?
- Is your pet dehydrated due to diarrhea and vomiting?
- Do you have to force-feed your pet because they won’t eat on their own?
- Is your pet frequently soiling themself?
- Is your pet unable to get up on their own?
- Does your pet have labored breathing?
If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, it is absolutely time to consider euthanasia. You want what’s best for your pet. Keeping them alive to suffer doesn’t help them.
How to Say Goodbye to Your Pet
Once you’ve made the difficult decision to euthanize your pet, you’ll have to decide exactly how you and your loved ones will say goodbye. Before scheduling the euthanasia, be sure to inform your friends and family to make sure they are able to have a private goodbye with your pet.
If you have children, it’s important to prepare them for losing their pet before it actually happens. If they are young, this is likely their first experience with death. You will need to be there to help them through their grief, and you should describe what will happen in terms they can understand. You’ll also want to consider if you and your family will be with your pet for their final moments.
It is a very personal decision to be with the pet when it is euthanized. No one answer is the right way either. Some people may be too overwhelmed by emotion to be of comfort for their pet. Others may actually find comfort in that they were with their pet for their final moments. This is a very personal decision and only you will be able to decide what is right for you and your family. One thing to ask your vet about is if they are able to perform the procedure at your home. This can be a comforting way to usher your pet on.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Because euthanizing a pet is a difficult decision to make, it’s important to consider beforehand how the appointment will go. This will help you cut down on your own stress and it will help anyone who may be coming with you.
Normally, your vet will explain to you the procedure before they begin. Normally, small or medium-sized dogs will be euthanized on the vet’s table. Large dogs will likely be euthanized on the floor. This keeps all people in the room safer during the procedure. Either way, you may consider bringing your pet’s favorite blanket to make sure they are comfortable.
A trained veterinary assistant will likely be holding your pet to ensure things go smoothly and without complication. While the assistant is holding your pet, the vet will administer an overdose of an anesthetic drug through a shot into the bloodstream. The shot will put your dog in a deep sleep, and eventually, their heartbeat will stop. Some vets prefer to use an intravenous catheter for administering the drug.
Once the drug has been administered, your dog will fall asleep and within a few minutes, the procedure should be complete. Once your pet has passed, it is normal for your vet to give you a few minutes alone with your pet.
Burial and Cremation
Once your pet has moved on, you must consider what will be done with the remains. Cremation is a popular choice. Your vet likely has many choices for how your pet’s ashes will be handled or how their remains can be memorialized. If you prefer, your pet’s remains can be buried. There are many pet cemeteries throughout the United States for you to consider. Otherwise, you can check your local ordinances to see if a burial at home is allowable.
While thinking about your pet’s last days sounds depressing, having an idea of your plans for their dignified parting from this world is wise. There is a cost associated with euthanizing a pet, and if you have plans for an elaborate burial, it’s a good idea to set aside the funds to do t