Based on a really well written article By Kelsy Beth Carpenter - Animal Technician (Vet Nurse): kelseybethcarpenter.blogspot.com
Euthanasia. The word itself makes all our stomachs drop. It is a gift to our pets and a curse to owners – having the power to decide is something we are not comfortable with. However, when going through the euthanasia process with your own pets, you are in a position to make numerous decisions that can change the course of the overall process.
As a Veterinary Technician, I (Kelsy Beth) witness euthanasias on a daily basis. Let me share from personal experience the 5 things I wish every pet owner knew.
People apologize to me all the time for crying over their pets. Whether it’s time to say goodbye, or you are simply having a hard time watching us draw blood on your dog, I wish you knew that I GET IT. Many of us who work in animal medicine (myself very much included) are totally neurotic, hypersensitive, and obsessive when it comes to our own pets. I may seem calm and collected while working with your cat, but that’s because it’s my job and I can’t afford to be any other way if I’m going to be good at it.
So, when you are crying over the pet that you have loved for years, I assure you, I have nothing but respect for you.
I respect how much you care.
I respect your ability to make such difficult decisions.
I respect your bravery.
I am lucky to work in a hospital where the vast majority of pet owners stay with their pets for the euthanasia process. However, this is not always the case. I urge you to stay with your pets, if you can, for multiple reasons.
First, for my sake. One of the absolute most difficult things I do as a Veterinary Technician is take on the role of comforting and loving a pet as they pass on when their human is not there to do so. It is an incredible weight to try to act on your behalf, and it is emotionally exhausting in a way that I cannot even begin to describe. When you stay with your fur-baby, I can focus on my own job, instead of doing both of ours.
Second, for your pet’s sake. The vet surgery can be a very scary place for animals – they don’t understand what all these noises and smells are, or why these strangers are poking and prodding them. Do you want them to experience that fear alone?
And have it be their very last memory?
Your pet doesn’t know what we are doing or why – they only know that you are there, that you said it’s ok, that you love them. I remember being a child, and how scary going to the doctor was, but how much more confident I felt with my mom there reassuring me. I imagine that is exactly how pets feel. If you can find the strength to be there, please do so. Please let your love, your touch, your presence be the last thing your pet experiences.
One of the saddest things I witness during the euthanasia process is when humans take their pet’s collar off when they are still awake. To many pets, taking their collar off can have negative associations. For example, I know my own dog panics when I remove her collar as she knows it’s bath time! I want your pet to be as comfortable as possible, and that means not making any major changes immediately prior to euthanasia.
Pets are much smarter than we give them credit for, and they pick up on the smallest of cues. The unknown is scary to your pet, so even if they don’t know what the cues mean, the idea that something is new and strange and out of the ordinary is enough to cause them some sense of anxiety. So, keep the collar on…
Give them a treat. Tell stories. Laugh and cry at the same time. Surround yourselves with all his/her favourite toys and beds and blankets. It’s ok to cry, and it’s also ok to celebrate!
I love when people tell me they took their dog to the beach or napped in the sun with their cat right before coming in to the hospital.
This is going to be one of the hardest days of your life, but it doesn’t have to be for your pet.
It is ok to cry in front of your pet, to tell them how much you will miss them, to let them see you be absolutely beside yourself.
But remember to celebrate, no matter how miserable you are. I promise it will make it easier for both you and your pet. What’s more, It will allow you to reflect on the euthanasia experience with positivity – you will remember that you celebrated and you will feel good about having done so.
I want this moment to be entirely about you and your pet. In order for that to be the case, several things must happen.
First, you must understand the euthanasia process. If possible, talk to your Vet or Tech prior to coming into the hospital, or prior to starting the process – ask them to walk you through the steps of euthanasia so that you know exactly what to expect. Ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable with the process (or at least, as comfortable as you can be). Know what you’re walking into, so that your focus can be entirely on your pet. Look at Quietus Vet for more details on the 3-Stage Technique.
Second, take care of business ahead of time when possible. Sign any required paperwork. Pay the bill. Decide on aftercare. Even go so far as to prepare you next meal ahead of time, arrange a ride, rent a movie, invite friends over – whatever you think might help you cope when you return home from the hospital without your pet. The less you have to deal with during and after euthanasia, the better. I want you to be able to focus entirely on your pet during the euthanasia, and then entirely on yourself afterwards.
Every euthanasia is different. Some are planned, some are sudden. The best happen in your home, some in the hospital. Regardless, they are difficult – to prepare for, to cope with and to experience. I hope these 5 things will help you to plan ahead and to make the process as beautiful as it can be for both you and your pet. Kelsy Beth Carpenter.
From Dr Paul Stevens BVSc MRCVS The Quietus Vet I agree with Kelsy Beth’s thoughts. When the time is right, if you need help or when you have made some decisions, then call me at Quietus Vet – 07761 419 501 or send an email from the website – www.quietusvet.co.uk
I’ll try to make it as good as it can be for you and your pet: