Euthanasia… the last act of love

Why Euthanasia?
When your pet has a terminally ill disease, has uncontrollable pain or when the quality of day-to-day life is poor, your veterinarian may suggest that it is time to think about letting him or her go to end this suffering.

Although this is an emotionally painful decision for you, it is nice to think it may be a kind thing to do for your friend.

Once you have decided on euthanasia, you may choose to have the procedure done immediately, you may keep your pet home so your family can all have a chance to say ‘good-bye’, or do something special. It is important to discuss this not only with your veterinarian but also with your family members before hand.

What Happens?
It is a relatively short procedure: Sometimes a mild pain reliever and sedative are given first. You may choose to stay with your animal during the procedure, or let our staff be with him. The euthanasia medication will be administered in his vein, and then he will fall asleep. After he is sleeping, his heart will stop. At this point he is gone.

Rarely there may be involuntary muscle reflexes such as small muscle twitching or releasing of the bowels or urine. Even less often there may be brief agonal breathing or gasping. It is important to know that at this time your pet is already out of pain, and these are non-painful involuntary reflexes.

Care of the Body
Once the procedure is over you may choose to have your pet’s body returned to you for home burial (if zoning permits), or burial at the animal cemetery in East Smithfield (Faithful Companions Pet Cemetery). Group cremation or private cremations (with ashes returned) are also options from this pet cemetery.

Children, Euthanasia, and Grieving
Studies have shown that children under age eight should not be present at the euthanasia, and some children even up to age twelve are not emotionally ready. But, of course, we leave this decision in your hands.

It is normal to seriously grieve for a pet. It’s a sign that you have had a loving, caring relationship with him or her. It is alright for your child to see you grieve. It’s a good time to share about how you both feel. It is very important to tell your children what is happening. They, too, need to grieve, and this may be their first experience with death.
Normal signs of grief are sadness, crying, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, loneliness or depression. Normal recovery begins when thoughts of the pet begin to move to the background of the mind, though not necessarily ever forgotten. If you think you, yourself or someone else is not beginning to recover after a reasonable time, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the many sources available for emotional support. Call us at the animal hospital at any time. (Phone numbers for suppot hotlines are also available at our website links and resources pages.)

Memorialization
Here are a few suggestions to help remember your pet. You can plant a tree or a garden, make a paw print or save a collar and a lock of hair… Your family could make a scrapbook or write a story about your pet. There are also funds at the state veterinary colleges to memorialize pets while helping needy families. Some of these funds are listed on our website resources page. You could also make a donation in memory of your pet to the local Humane Society.

Another Pet?
One can rarely replace a pet. They are as individual as people. There is never a bad time to refill the empty place in your family if you are ready. Make sure everyone in your family is ready, too. Replacing your pet too soon might cause feelings of disloyalty to your previous pet, and interrupt the grieving process especially in children.

When you are ready, try to get everyone in your family involved in choosing a new pet.
Please consider calling us for referrals, as we often know of animals that need good homes. Always consider a homeless animal from the local shelter/Humane Society. Finally, be assured: there will be a perfect pet when the time is right.