Nothing really prepares us for the death of our pet. Whether death is unexpected (like an accident), or whether it comes at the end of a slow decline, we are never fully aware of what a pet has contributed to our lives until our companion is gone.
A pet's life can end under different circumstances:
· You may decide not to pursue medical or surgical treatment in an aging pet
· The pet's disease has no cure and the best we can do is alleviate its suffering
· An illness or accident may take the pet suddenly
· The pet may have a behaviour issue that is dangerous to other people or to the pet itself
We all secretly hope that our pet will have a pain free death - ideally we would like our pet to die peacefully in their sleep, however we often have to make a decision to let them go.
How do I know when it is time?
Choosing the time to euthanase your pet is a very difficult decision that needs to be considered carefully. The fundamental guideline is to do what is best for your pet, even if you find this painful. We should carefully consider the quality of life that your pet has:
- Is your pet eating, or showing interest in food?
- Is your pet comfortable? Is pain controlled? Are they able to breathe comfortably?
- Is your pet able to drink enough to prevent dehydration?
- Is your pet able to keep itself clean?
- Does your pet still express happiness and interest in its surroundings?
- Is your pet able to move around and go for walks by itself?
- Is my pet able to go to the toilet unaided or is it incontinent?
- Do the good days outnumber the bad days?
- If a behavioural problem has led you to this decision, have you explored all options for dealing with this, seeking advice and intervention from an animal behaviour expert?
If you have answered ‘no’ to any of the questions above it is worth discussing this with your veterinarian, who may be able to improve quality of life with medications or treatment, or can help you make the decision to euthanase your pet.
The decision almost always causes much soul-searching, especially if you and your pet have been companions for several years. What matters to the pet is quality of life not length of life since a pet has little concept of future time. An illness may be treatable for a period of time, but there eventually comes a point when the pet no longer enjoys life. They may be in visible distress or withdrawn.
Sometimes it is possible to delay euthanasia for a day without causing suffering (e.g. where the pet has a terminal illness or is extremely old) and the euthanasia is planned. You might want to give your pet a last night of pampering, their favourite foods or food which was normally forbidden. This is a time for you and others who love your pet, to say 'goodbye' and reassure your furry friend that they are very much loved. However, if your pet is suffering, or is already under anaesthetic, they will not enjoy having their misery prolonged.
How do I organize an appointment?
There are a couple of options when it comes time to let your pet go. You can organize a home visit where the vet and a nurse will come out to your home, or you can make an appointment to come into the hospital.
If you choose a home visit you will need to organize this a couple of days beforehand as we will need to book the time for a vet to come out to your home. When the vet arrives they will discuss what is going to happen with you and ask you to sign a euthanasia form. We will give your pet a sedative – this makes the whole process less stressful for the pet. The vet will then put a catheter port in your pets front leg – this will allow the vet to inject your pet without distressing it. The sedative can take between 5 and 10 minutes to take effect. This will give you time to sit with your pet and maybe talk about some of the wonderful memories that you have shared.
If you choose to come to the clinic, the procedure will be performed in one of the consultation rooms. We will place soft bedding on the table or floor so your pet is comfortable and you will have room to be close to your pet. The same procedure is followed as for the house visit – sign the form, the pet is given sedation and the catheter port is inserted.
Should I stay to the end?
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This is a personal decision. Some owners feel that it's their last duty to be there. Others prefer not to be present. Many take a friend or family member with them for emotional support. Do what feels right for you.
We will, of course, allow you to remain with your pet during euthanasia if you wish. We understand that this is a difficult time for you.
If you don’t wish to be present the vet can give your animal a sedative and you can say your goodbye’s as they relax and become sleepy. Then you will be able to leave the room before that final injection. If you are taking your pets body away with you, they will call you back in afterwards. We will treat your pet with as much respect and dignity whether or not you are present.
What happens when my pet is euthanased?
When a pet is ‘put to sleep’ it is given a very high strength anaesthetic medication which is given into the vein. The pet becomes unconscious, as though it is going under general anaesthetic for an operation, but the dose of the medication is very high and quickly stops the heart from beating. The process is not painful and takes only a matter of seconds. The veterinarian will then check for a heart beat with a stethoscope and let you know when your pet has passed away. Sometimes after a pet has passed away there may be some muscle twitches or there may be a sudden intake of breath, which are final reflexes that the body sometimes goes through.
Your vet will wrap or cover your pet's body, or otherwise, place it in a black or blue bag. This is not a sign of disrespect, it is for hygiene and your own privacy. You can bring something from home to wrap them in if you like.
If you do need a few moments before you are able to leave the surgery, tell the veterinary nurse. Alternatively there is a back entrance that you can choose to leave through so you do not need to go back through the waiting room and reception if you do not feel up to it. If you are taking your pet home with you the nursing staff are more than happy to help take your pet out to our car. Remember there is no shame in showing your emotions at this sad time - it is a natural reaction. The vet and nurse won't think any less of you.
What happens after my pet has passed away?
.After your pet has passed away, either naturally or after euthanasia, you need to decide what you would like to do with their body. There are several options:
1. Burial
a. You may choose to take your pet home to bury
b. We can arrange for your pet to be buried in an unmarked grave, or a marked grave with a headstone with Pets at Rest.
2. Cremation
Your pet can be individually cremated and their ashes returned to you, this costs around $300 for a medium sized dog, with cost varying depending on the size of your pet. Pets at Rest perform our cremations and they would be happy to discuss their services with you, call 0417 147 331, email info@petsatrest.com.au, or visit their website at www.petsatrest.com.au
Pets at Rest have memorial gardens and can also organize memorial services and plant memorial trees for your pet.
Grieving
Grieving is a natural process to go through when we suffer the loss of anyone that we care about, this includes our pets. You should not feel ashamed of embarrassed about feeling grief at the loss of your pet. Everyone has a different reaction to grief and this can manifest itself in many different ways. If you feel that you need to speak with someone about the way you are feeling there are several places you can turn to:
- Pets at Rest – Lindy provides consultation before, during or after the loss of your pet. She can talk with you either in their office at the memorial gardens, over the telephone, or at your home. Please call 0417 147 331.
- Lifeline – The Lifeline 24 Hour Crisis Line offers counseling and support that respects everyone’s right to be heard, understood and cared for. They also provide information about other support services that are available in communities around Tasmania. Ph: 13 11 14
- Your Local GP – if you feel that your grief is impacting on your day to day life please speak with your GP, and they can help you decide if you require more specialized help.
If you require any more information or would like to talk to one of the staff please feel free to call us on 6234 7044. We understand that this is a very difficult time for you and will try our utmost to make it as easy for you and your pet as possible.