How to Prepare For An At-Home Pet Euthanasia Visit
There are a few things you can do in advance of the vet’s arrival that will help mentally and physically prepare you for the next steps.
1) Try to position your pet where they are most comfortable.
Does your pet have a favorite spot in your home? A place they love to rest? A favorite toy? Or a favorite soft blanket that makes them feel safe and supported? Choosing a space where your pet feels most comfortable is often a good way to ground ahead of the vet’s arrival. If you’re unsure where to settle, let your pet’s instincts guide the process.
Case Study:
It was a cold but sunny winter morning during our recent house call for an elderly cat named Ophelia. When we arrived, she was out in the front yard, lying in the warm sunlight. She chose this spot and it was obvious to us all that this particular place was exactly where Ophelia wanted to be. And what a comforting sight it was, knowing that Ophelia’s last memory would be of basking in her favourite spot, in her own garden.
2) Take care of yourself, too.
We are sometimes so distraught for our beloved pets, that we forget to take care of ourselves, too. Our animals are like little “energy-meters,” they sense our emotional frequency. In other words, by taking care of yourself you are also taking care of them. It’s kind of like being on an airplane when the flight attendant says, “Always fasten your oxygen mask first, so you can help the person beside you.”
Things that can sometimes help people feel safe and supported during this difficult time include lighting a candle or playing soothing music. This “Music For Peace Within” playlist from Insight Timer might be a nice option to have at your disposal.
3) Save the treats for when the vet arrives.
If your pet has an appetite, please try to avoid feeding large meals before the vet visit (though it’s also ok if they have eaten—not to worry!). Please also try to hold off on lots of treats. Feeding treats to your pet can be a great help during the visit, as they can distract your pet and keep them happy while the medication is administered.
4) Prepare a space for equipment
The vet will arrive with 2-3 carrying cases of gear, and will need a small space to complete paperwork and write records. A couch, or table and chairs totally work for this.
How Is Pet Euthanasia Administered?
After the vet arrives and the paperwork is complete, a few things will happen:
1) Assessment & Questions
We will examine your pet and talk you through the process of exactly what will happen next. We are there to answer any questions you might have and make you feel as supported as possible. No question is too small.
2) Providing Pain Relief for the Pet
When you decide that you are ready to say goodbye, the vet will administer a medication that eliminates any discomfort your pet might be experiencing. This medication is a gentle sedative administered beneath the skin, often near your pet’s shoulder. The relief pets experience from the sedative often happens quite quickly, almost always within 20 minutes. The simplest way to describe what it feels like, is the feeling of drifting off into a blissful nap.
3) Putting The Pet to Sleep
Should you choose to be present for the euthanasia, you are welcome to sit close to your beloved companion and shower them with love and care. Some things you might notice after the sedative has been administered are:
Twitching legs or ears
Open eyes
Deep breathing or gasping
Increased urge to urinate and/or defecate
These behaviors are nothing to be alarmed about. They are simply reflexes, and not indicative of pain or discomfort. Your pet is simply in a state of deep sleep.
Once in this state of deep, peaceful sleep, a final medication will be administered. The vet will shave a patch of hair near the base of your pet’s leg, close to the back paw. This second injection will be an overdose of anesthetic medication that the vet has very carefully considered. Once administered, your pet will fall into a peaceful and irreversible sleep, in which their breathing and then heart will ultimately stop.
Your pet will not feel anything during this time.
Using a stethoscope, the vet will confirm once your pet has passed on.
Above All,
We will do everything possible to ensure the process is as smooth and easy as possible for you and your beloved companion.
As beautiful as they were in life—as dedicated and loving— that is how we hope they can pass on. Surrounded by those they love, in the place where they feel the safest.
With kindness,
— Dr. Raf
If you would like to talk to us before the visit or have any other questions for the Vet, please call 0480 022 231, send us an email at info@loyalandloved.com.au or get in touch with us here.
No question is too big or small, as even the smallest detail can make a big difference.