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Dealing with the loss of a pet is never easy. We chatted to Dr Christen about what she wants pet owners to know when it comes to pet euthanasia and how to handle the situation as a loving and responsible paw parent.
Nothing can really prepare a pet parent for the loss of a pet. Whether your pet’s death happens suddenly and is unexpected (like getting hit by a car), or whether it is part of your pet’s end of their journey and age starts to strip them of a healthy life. It’s safe to say that we can never fully understand how much our pet contributed to our life until they are gone.
As paw parents, we hope that our furry friend’s death is one that is pain-free and peaceful. Of course, the impact of our pet’s death increases significantly when, as loving and responsible pet owners, we decide to have our pet euthanised.
Tell me more about pet euthanasia
Euthanasia refers to a painless and peaceful death, the term itself means “gentle death”. In a veterinary practice, euthanasia is administered by an intravenous injection containing a concentrated dose of anaesthetic.
Your vet will not exercise the option of euthanasia lightly. Their professional and medical training allows them to diagnose and treat a number of diseases and ailments in pets. Vets use euthanasia as the ultimate tool to bring an end to a pet’s suffering.
Requesting pet euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions you can make as a pet owner. You may resent your position of power and experience emotions of anger and intense sadness.
You might postpone the decision, bargaining with yourself to wait “just one more day”, but ultimately, you know that the decision is one that is necessary to bring an end to your pet’s suffering and pain.
Related: How to Cope with The Death of a Pet: 5 Steps to Take
How quickly does euthanasia work?
Your pet will not know what is about to happen. They may feel a slight sensation of discomfort when the needle enters their skin, but this is the only thing they will feel. The solution takes a few seconds to induce a total loss of consciousness. Your pet will soon stop breathing as their heart stops beating.
What should I do before my pet is euthanised?
Now that you have a good understanding of what euthanasia is, let’s dive into what a vet wants you to know about the whole process. Here’s what Dr Christen had to say:
A special last meal
We always make sure the dog has a delicious last meal, without knowing it’s their last. We have recently started feeding them delicious Biltong (or delicious treats) WHILE they are being euthanised.
If you can, feed your dog something delicious and spend some special time with her or him before they are euthanised.
Be there if you can
If you feel comfortable with it, try to be there with your pet during the whole process. Your presence will comfort them. Here’s what Dr Christen had to say “I wish I could say all owners should stay. But if you are going to panic, this will only cause your animal to pick up on your emotions and feel scared and stressed. I have seen the difference with owners not being present vs. being present, and for the most part, the dogs are calmer when the owner is there.”
Stroke your pet as much as you can, tell him or her how loved they are and how much you are going to miss them.
Chat about a special memory you have together and try to soothe them in any way possible. If you are holding your pet, you will feel them exhale and become heavier in your arms. Your vet will then check their pulse and eyelid flick reflex.
Keep the collar on
Dr Christen also recommends keeping the collar on. When you take your pet’s collar off, this might make them suspicious and a little scared.
It’s okay to cry once they are gone
Try to stay calm as your pet is being euthanised. After they have gone, you can cry as much as you want. You are crying over a pet that you have loved for years and have shared many special moments with, it’s okay to let it all out.
The final woof
Finally, remember that everyone grieves differently. Some pet parents might find comfort in getting a new pet soon after they have said goodbye to another. Others might wait before they get another pet.
If you do decide to get a new pet, why not have a look in your local shelter to see what little fur babies they have? Adopting a shelter pet is a great way to give back to non-profit organisations doing good, and you can do it in the memory of your late pet.
Related: Preparing to Adopt a Pet: Before & After Bringing Them Home
Yours in Not-So-Average Pet Advice,
The Petinsurance.co.za Team
