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Euthanasia ~ Saying Good-bye to a Beloved Pet
Just as you have always been an advocate for your pet’s care, at some point you will have to make the hardest decision a pet owner faces and somehow find a way to do what is right for both you and your pet. This section of our web site will demystify euthanasia and help you solidify your decisions.
What to Expect It is your personal choice whether or not to be present in the exam room when the Veterinarian administers the euthanasia solution. There is no right or wrong choice. Some pet owners prefer not to be in the room with the pet while the solution is being administered. This is absolutely understandable. You would be more than welcome to wait in another room and then, when the pet is at peace, you can spend some private time. Perhaps knowing what to expect will allow you to determine if you would like to do.
The Last Moments In order to administer the euthanasia solution the Veterinarian must gain entry into a vein. This solution is made to act quickly and painlessly but it must be given intravenously. This requires that your pet be calm and confident. If the Veterinarian requests your permission to sedate your pet, please understand that the request is made in order to give the greatest peace and comfort to you and your pet. If you feel that your pet would be more comfortable and less apprehensive, you can make the request that your pet be given sedation prior to the euthanasia solution. However , please keep in mind that it can take approximately ten to fifteen minutes for the sedation to be effective. When the Veterinarian is ready to administer the euthanasia solution, an area of the pet’s foreleg will be shaved with electric clippers to assist in locating the vein. Once the vein is located, the assistant will help hold your pet and put a slight amount of pressure on a vein. This allows the veterinarian to see the vein better and aids in passing a fine needle into the vein. When it is certain the needle is within the vein, the Veterinarian slowly injects the solution. Most euthanasia solutions are a combination of chemicals whose intent is to effect a quick and painless termination of nerve transmission and to effect complete muscle relaxation. When nerve impulses are not conducted there is no sensation, or movement. The solution is available only to licensed Veterinarians and we must possess a special license in order to purchase the solution. Many pet owners will choose to hold their pet and if possible even have their pet in their arms while the solution is being injected. If you would prefer to hold you pet in your arms, the Veterinarian will try to accommodate your wishes, but please remember that it is important that the solution be injected accurately into the vein and this arrangement is not always possible.
Now At Peace It is usually only a matter of moments after the solution has been injected that the pet will lapse into what looks like a deep sleep. The pet, although unconscious, may continue to take a few more breaths before all movement ceases. The Veterinarian will then use a stethoscope to check for breathing or a heartbeat. At this point your pet is at peace.
Honouring the Memory of Your Unique Pet There are many different ways you can honour the memory of you pet. Some families hold “services” at home, some make a scrapbook, save a lock of hair or arrange for an individual cremation. Some people are so heartbroken they wish to simply move on and to have nothing that will remind them of the beloved pet they lost. If you would like to save a lock of hair or keep you pets collar, please let us know. The loss of a pet can leave a lasting sense of pain and grief. This pain is very real and is not to be trivialized. Clients find many ways to express their grief, either through a memorial, support group, or counselling. Everyone grieves differently and what seems warm and wonderful to one person may seem insensitive and morbid to someone else. It is important to recognize that the emotional needs of people have such a large range. The Veterinarians and Staff of our hospital will do everything we can to assist you through this grieving process. Please take a moment to consider some of the options available for handling your pet’s remains and the Memorial Services we can provide, if you wish. “I Would Prefer my Pet to be Cremated” We offer two types of Cremation Services. There is a standard cremation, which is has a nominal fee based on weight. While you will not receive your pet’s ashes back, you can rest assured that your pet’s cremation will be handled with care and dignity. We also offer an Individual Cremation. You will have your pet’s ashes returned to you. We have a long standing relationship with an extremely reliable company, which has our complete trust. The ashes are returned in a lovely ‘mother of pearl’ urn, with a certificate. The cost of this service is dependent on the size of the pet and ranges from $79 to $240. Your pet’s ashes are returned within a few days and we notify you when they are received. You are then welcome to come and collect them when you feel ready. As your ever loyal friend and keeper of your heart, My place was always by your side, yet now it’s time to part. Ahead of you I must now run, flying through tall grass, Frisking in the sand and sea, all that ailed me is past. As years pass on I’ll wait for you, ‘til you as well are free, Then let my paw prints be your guide, to lead you home to me. - D.Jason A Final Word Please know that, as pet owners ourselves, we understand what you are going through. Please let the Veterinarian or the Staff know your preferences for this last day with your pet.
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