How To Prepare Yourself For Pet Euthanasia

Understanding how to prepare for pet euthanasia is something that many pet owners do not consider. However, it is likely that you might have to make this difficult decision some day. One of the main considerations when you come to this point is your pet’s quality of life. Your vet can help you with this assessment, but it doesn’t make the decision any easier. What you can do is prepare yourself as much as possible by understanding what happens.

Understand the Pet Euthanasia Process

1. Consult Your Vet

You will first need to understand the extent of your pet’s condition. Speaking with your vet will give you an objective assessment of how your pet is feeling and how much pain they may be experiencing. 

2. The Vet’s Assessment

Your vet will use their skill and experience to assess your pet. They will also utilise a tool known as the HHHHMM Quality of Life Scale. You will have this scale too, so you can conduct an assessment of your own. You can compare your assessment  to the vet’s one. Th scale assesses the following:

• Hurting
• Hunger
• Hydration
• Hygiene
• Happiness
• Mobility
• More good days than bad

3. Consider the Pros and Cons of Euthanasia

It is crucial that you consider your pet in the process. It is about being compassionate and doing what is best for them. Of course, it is a painful decision, but the scale can make it an objective one. Pet Euthanasia provides a peaceful, compassionate, and dignified passing for your pet. It also allows you to have time to say goodbye calmly and in plenty of time. Guilt is a common feeling, as you may feel that you have not done enough for your pet friend. 

4. The Final Days

Having made your decision, it is time to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible. You can get some calming medications for your pet from your vet to ease their pain and stress. Ensure that you check your pet frequently for signs of soiling in their bed. Try to be close to them as much as possible to keep them feeling secure and loved. 

5. Keep Family and Friends Involved

Pet euthanasia is challenging process for pet owners, so you should try to get as much support as possible. So, keeping friends and family involved in the process will help you. Also, they will appreciate the opportunity to say goodbye too. Allow your children to get involved too. If you have young children, you could read them an appropriate story to help them understand the situation. 

6. Saying Goodbye

As you approach the final moments, give your pet as much love and affection as you can. Stroke them and cuddle them, and say the things you want to say to them. Your vet will administer a sedative that will relax your pet into a deep sleep. They will feel nothing as the vet gives them a second jab that allows them to pass peacefully and in a dignified manner. Your vet can conduct gentle pet euthanasia at home or in the surgery. You can choose to be present or have someone else there. The choice of how you go through with the process is entirely up to you. 

7. Choosing Burial or Cremation

Pet cremations are conducted with dignity and respect. Once the cremation is complete., you can take the ashes away with you or you can choose to spread them at a Chapel of Rest. You might also choose to bury your pet in a special place that you both enjoyed. Whatever feels right for you is the right thing to do.

8. Understand the Grieving Process

Your pet will live on in your thoughts and feelings. You’ll have plenty of memories that will soon replace any feelings of sadness, guilt, or remorse you will feel soon after your pet’s passing. Seek support from friends and family. Most importantly, understand that these feelings will gradually fade.

If you have any queries about how to prepare for pet euthanasia, please contact us today.