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Euthanasia - What happens when it is time to say goodbye to a beloved pet?
by Scotty Valadao – In memory of Brady and all the beloved pets we have loved and lost. www.scottysdogs.co.za. This article first appeared in 2015 in Canine Zone |
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Although this is not a subject I relish writing or talking about especially having so recently gone through it, I do feel that when you know what to expect during the euthanasia process it is one less thing to be stressed about, and this in turn will lessen the stress for your pet. As each vet has their own methods of working, I would also suggest discussing the procedure with your vet as well.
Having to make the decision of euthanasia is something that every pet owner dreads – actually it is the only thing I dislike about dogs and pets in general – they just don’t live long enough!
Unfortunately I had to face saying goodbye to my beautiful boy Brady in June 2015– it was time for him to go home. The cancer had spread, the pain was starting and his quality of life was deteriorating. What did give me comfort was that I knew what was ahead of us so at least I was more prepared. Knowing what to expect makes the process slightly easier
Before the Euthanasia
After discussing whether the time is right with your vet, your first step is to decide if you or any of your family members want to be present. My own vet does his utmost to deal with euthanasia at a time when there are not likely to be people in the waiting room, or you can discuss with your vet if you would like the procedure to be carried out at home, although not all vet's will do this.
Deciding if you want to be present when the procedure is done, is a very personal decision and if you feel that this is not for you, then don't do it. It does not mean that you don’t love your dog or pet, or love it less than somebody that wants to stay with their dog, or are letting it down - there are just people that cannot cope with this and that is their decision, and they have nothing to feel guilty about. I firmly believe that if your pet knew you felt like this, the last thing it would want would be for you to be present – their love for us is unconditional.
Discuss with your vet as to whether they think it is advisable to give the dog a relaxant before bringing it to the vet’s rooms. It may be an idea to consider taking some Rescue Remedy yourself as you are dealing with one of the hardest things you will ever do.
I personally found that what gave me some comfort was that before we went to the vet, Brady got to play with his ball, jump around the garden after the hose pipe a little and we enjoyed a last short walk together. The above is not always possible, but in Brady’s case I did feel that this lessened the stress for both of us somewhat and of course physically he was able to do this.
Arrange payment procedure before the time. The last thing you want is to try and sort out the finances after the event when you are going to be emotional and possibly in front of a room full of patients and you may have to wait.
Decide exactly what you are going to do with your pets after the euthanasia. Most vets’ work with animal funeral homes ( such as Legacy) who will collect your pet after the event and follow your instructions.
I have had countless friends and clients tell me that they found that doing a bit of TTouch on the dog while the vet was busying himself with the procedure, helped to calm both the owner and the pet down. If you don’t know any TTouch, simply by stroking the ears you are influencing different acupressure points. The tip of the ear can stop an animal going into shock and is very relaxing. Also stroking between the eyes, over the top of the head can bring about relaxation. I did this with Brady and it helped me to feel that I was helping him in some way. If you do know TTouch, a Wrap being put on the dog before going to the vet, will calm it even more – but only if the dog is used to the wrap. Take your time to say your goodbyes.
During the Euthanasia.
Even though you have discussed euthanasia with your vet, a physical exam will be done before the procedure – this is to make entirely sure that it is the correct time for euthanasia.
Prior to putting in the intravenous drip, many vets will give the dog an injection containing a sedative to make the procedure easier. This will immediately relax the dog and make it sleepy and it really does make the whole process less stressful – Brady was munching on biscuits until he got sleepy and then he lay down. When the dog is fast asleep, the vet will then insert an intravenous solution of pharmaceutical agents by way of a vein, normally on the leg, where the hair is fist cut away. As your pet is fast asleep there is absolutely no pain or trauma associated with this procedure.
Within just a few seconds your dog will become unconscious and again there is no pain involved. The drug most commonly used is pentobarbital and this depresses the Central Nervous System starting with the cerebal cortex which is the part of the brain that determines awareness. The dog becomes unconscious which progresses to anesthesia and because the dose is high, the breathing will slow down and stop, which causes cardiac arrest to occur, and the dog has then passed. This is a very quick process and on average only takes about 10-30 seconds from when the intravenous solution is administered.
After the Euthanasia
After the dog has stopped breathing your vet will listen to your dogs heart to confirm death and will let you know that the dog has now gone to the Rainbow Bridge.
The eyes remain open and the vet will normally close them when the dog has passed. Some dogs will urinate and/or defecate after passing and some will emit what sounds like a final breath. These are not signs that your dog is still alive, it is only a normal mechanical response and most vets will warn you that this can occur to prepare you if it does happen.
Most vets will step out of the room to allow you a few minutes alone with your dog. The vets I work with realize that this is an incredibly emotional time and will supply you with privacy if this is what you need. In Bradys case Simon and Kenneth stayed with me and it was very supportive and comforting to have people who cared so much with me. When I felt it was time for me to leave, I was assured that my boy would be looked after and the arrangement with the funeral home made.
If you made your arrangements beforehand regarding payment and your dog’s after care, you can simply leave when you are ready. I always feel it is a good idea to have somebody waiting for you to drive you home, even if you wanted to be alone with your dog during the procedure, as you have just done something so very difficult and your mind will not be on driving.
Many people do not realize how much the loss of a beloved dog or pet can affect us and if you feel the need to talk to somebody about this, please don’t hesitate. People grief in different ways, but there is usually a period of mourning involved and to grieve an animal you have loved and lived with is totally normal.
We do have a Wall of Remembrance on our website, and if you would like to honour your dogs or pet’s memory with a picture and a few words, please just send these to me and I will do the necessary. http://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/wall-of-remembrance.html the email to send to is [email protected]
Having to make the decision of euthanasia is something that every pet owner dreads – actually it is the only thing I dislike about dogs and pets in general – they just don’t live long enough!
Unfortunately I had to face saying goodbye to my beautiful boy Brady in June 2015– it was time for him to go home. The cancer had spread, the pain was starting and his quality of life was deteriorating. What did give me comfort was that I knew what was ahead of us so at least I was more prepared. Knowing what to expect makes the process slightly easier
Before the Euthanasia
After discussing whether the time is right with your vet, your first step is to decide if you or any of your family members want to be present. My own vet does his utmost to deal with euthanasia at a time when there are not likely to be people in the waiting room, or you can discuss with your vet if you would like the procedure to be carried out at home, although not all vet's will do this.
Deciding if you want to be present when the procedure is done, is a very personal decision and if you feel that this is not for you, then don't do it. It does not mean that you don’t love your dog or pet, or love it less than somebody that wants to stay with their dog, or are letting it down - there are just people that cannot cope with this and that is their decision, and they have nothing to feel guilty about. I firmly believe that if your pet knew you felt like this, the last thing it would want would be for you to be present – their love for us is unconditional.
Discuss with your vet as to whether they think it is advisable to give the dog a relaxant before bringing it to the vet’s rooms. It may be an idea to consider taking some Rescue Remedy yourself as you are dealing with one of the hardest things you will ever do.
I personally found that what gave me some comfort was that before we went to the vet, Brady got to play with his ball, jump around the garden after the hose pipe a little and we enjoyed a last short walk together. The above is not always possible, but in Brady’s case I did feel that this lessened the stress for both of us somewhat and of course physically he was able to do this.
Arrange payment procedure before the time. The last thing you want is to try and sort out the finances after the event when you are going to be emotional and possibly in front of a room full of patients and you may have to wait.
Decide exactly what you are going to do with your pets after the euthanasia. Most vets’ work with animal funeral homes ( such as Legacy) who will collect your pet after the event and follow your instructions.
I have had countless friends and clients tell me that they found that doing a bit of TTouch on the dog while the vet was busying himself with the procedure, helped to calm both the owner and the pet down. If you don’t know any TTouch, simply by stroking the ears you are influencing different acupressure points. The tip of the ear can stop an animal going into shock and is very relaxing. Also stroking between the eyes, over the top of the head can bring about relaxation. I did this with Brady and it helped me to feel that I was helping him in some way. If you do know TTouch, a Wrap being put on the dog before going to the vet, will calm it even more – but only if the dog is used to the wrap. Take your time to say your goodbyes.
During the Euthanasia.
Even though you have discussed euthanasia with your vet, a physical exam will be done before the procedure – this is to make entirely sure that it is the correct time for euthanasia.
Prior to putting in the intravenous drip, many vets will give the dog an injection containing a sedative to make the procedure easier. This will immediately relax the dog and make it sleepy and it really does make the whole process less stressful – Brady was munching on biscuits until he got sleepy and then he lay down. When the dog is fast asleep, the vet will then insert an intravenous solution of pharmaceutical agents by way of a vein, normally on the leg, where the hair is fist cut away. As your pet is fast asleep there is absolutely no pain or trauma associated with this procedure.
Within just a few seconds your dog will become unconscious and again there is no pain involved. The drug most commonly used is pentobarbital and this depresses the Central Nervous System starting with the cerebal cortex which is the part of the brain that determines awareness. The dog becomes unconscious which progresses to anesthesia and because the dose is high, the breathing will slow down and stop, which causes cardiac arrest to occur, and the dog has then passed. This is a very quick process and on average only takes about 10-30 seconds from when the intravenous solution is administered.
After the Euthanasia
After the dog has stopped breathing your vet will listen to your dogs heart to confirm death and will let you know that the dog has now gone to the Rainbow Bridge.
The eyes remain open and the vet will normally close them when the dog has passed. Some dogs will urinate and/or defecate after passing and some will emit what sounds like a final breath. These are not signs that your dog is still alive, it is only a normal mechanical response and most vets will warn you that this can occur to prepare you if it does happen.
Most vets will step out of the room to allow you a few minutes alone with your dog. The vets I work with realize that this is an incredibly emotional time and will supply you with privacy if this is what you need. In Bradys case Simon and Kenneth stayed with me and it was very supportive and comforting to have people who cared so much with me. When I felt it was time for me to leave, I was assured that my boy would be looked after and the arrangement with the funeral home made.
If you made your arrangements beforehand regarding payment and your dog’s after care, you can simply leave when you are ready. I always feel it is a good idea to have somebody waiting for you to drive you home, even if you wanted to be alone with your dog during the procedure, as you have just done something so very difficult and your mind will not be on driving.
Many people do not realize how much the loss of a beloved dog or pet can affect us and if you feel the need to talk to somebody about this, please don’t hesitate. People grief in different ways, but there is usually a period of mourning involved and to grieve an animal you have loved and lived with is totally normal.
We do have a Wall of Remembrance on our website, and if you would like to honour your dogs or pet’s memory with a picture and a few words, please just send these to me and I will do the necessary. http://www.friendsofthedog.co.za/wall-of-remembrance.html the email to send to is [email protected]