Euthanasia For Pets

Euthanasia for pets isn't an easy subject to write about - let alone an easy choice to face. The decision to put a pet to sleep is a heart wrenching one. There are so many things to take into consideration at a time when your emotions are running high.

Thinking about euthanasia for pets in advance may help you deal with the decision a little more easily should the day come that you need to make that choice. Click here for help and advice which will help you prepare for the loss of your pet.

Euthanasia For Pets - Why?

The first major consideration is - why choose euthanasia for pets? Your pet cannot turn to you and tell you whether he is ready to die or not. The decision is yours, and yours alone. And you owe it to your pet to make the right decision - not to meet your needs and wants and desires, but to keep your pet's best interests paramount at all times.

But you do not have to make the decision without help! Talk to your veterinarian. He or she has dealt with countless cases of euthanasia for pets. Your vet can give you an idea of how long your pet may live, how much discomfort or pain your pet is in, and what his quality of life is.

Euthanasia for pets is not a general kind of thing. No pet and set of circumstances is exactly the same - each situation has to be taken at it's own merit.

For example, I was watching a programme about a cat who has been blind since birth - infact, she was born without eyes. It is amazing to watch that cat walk around her home, head in the air, tail all perked up. She leaps from chair to top of cupboard and off again before running off to greet someone at the front door.

I also know an old dog who has gone blind over the last year or so. She keeps bumping into things, and what was once a lively, happy old girl has become a hesitant, confused dog, with no confidence whatsoever. In both cases, blindness is the problem. Would I even dream of putting the cat down? Not in a million years. Do I think the lovely old dog should be put to sleep? I absolutely do think the time has come - and it breaks my heart.

If you pet is suffering, or is confused or in pain, and if there is little likelihood of a recovery, you have an obligation of love to enable your pet to go with dignity and peace. Euthanasia for pets is strongly to be recommended in these situations.

Euthanasia for pets is something you may be facing for a variety of reasons. Your pet may have a debilitating illness. He may have been in a terrible accident. He may simply be at the end of a long, happy life. There are several questions to ask yourself:

Are you financially capable of caring for your pet?

Are you physically capable of caring for your pet?

Are you emotionally capable of caring for your pet?

Is your pet depressed or suffering?

Is your pet in a great deal of pain?

Has your pet�s quality and dignity of life gone down dramatically?

If you can answer yes to the first three questions, you may not have to make a decision about euthanasia immediately. However, if your vet tells you that the answer to any of the last three questions is yes -- especially the last two, you may need to consider euthanasia for your pet. Your decision should be based on what is best for both your pet and yourself, but not to the extent that you prolong your pet's suffering simply because you can't face the alternative.

Euthanasia For Pets - How?

Once you do decide that euthanasia for pets is the right way to go, you will still have many questions. How and where will it happen? The procedure is the same for dog euthanasia and cat euthanasia. Most of the time, you will take your pet to the veterinarian�s office to be put to sleep, although some vets do offer in-home euthanasia.

In-home euthanasia for pets can be helpful for both your pet and yourself. Your pet doesn't have to endure that last visit to the vets. My pets have a healthy dislike for their lovely Vet. She is the kindest woman ever, but as far as they are concerned, all she ever does is stick stuff in them! They also get very stressed because of all the other stressed animals they meet there. And it is more than likely your pet feels the same way too. You pet will be so much happier and relaxed in it's own environment.

As far as you are concerned, you too don't have to face the journey to the vet knowing you are taking your pet there to be put to sleep. You don't have to face walking out into a room full of strangers, with tears streaming down your face and without your pet. You don't have to face the trauma of driving home in that state.

If you prefer to take your pet to the vet, do plan the timing with the receptionist. Some vets perfer to do these procedures either first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening so that they can put aside a special time to care for you and your pet in a thoughtful and sensitive manner.

Whether you choose to take your pet to the vets or opt for in-home pet euthanasia, the procedure is usually the same: the veterinarian first administers a gentle tranquilizer so your pet will become very relaxed and calm. Once your pet is in this state, the veterinarian will inject an overdose of a sedative directly into your pet's vein.

Most euthanasia solutions are a combination of chemicals which quickly and painlessly stop nerve tranmissions - this in turn leads to complete muscle relaxation. When there are no nerve impulses there is no thought, no feeling, no movement.

During this time, your dog will take a few deep breaths and then go completely still and "flat". You will know your pet is no longer alive. Do be prepared for your pet's eyes to remain open - and also, as your pet's muscles totally relax, do be prepared for a possible involuntary bowel evacuation. All of this can be so distressing if you are not prepared for it.

Your vet will stay with you to confirm your pet has gently passed on and if he is arranging for your pet's cremation or burial, he will take your pet's body away with him or have someone collect it later so you can have a few quite alone to say your final goodbyes.

Home euthanasia for pets is probably the best choice for you and your pet. However, you should not ever attempt to put your pet to sleep without the aid of a veterinarian. Do-it-yourself euthanasia for pets can result in a painful and prolonged death, instead of a peaceful and loving passing.

Euthanasia For Pets - When?

Your next question when facing euthanasia for pets may be, "When?". Must the procedure be done immediately, or will you be able to have a few days to come to terms with the idea? Much of this decision will depend on your pet�s health and your veterinarian�s schedule. If possible, you may want to select a time and date when other family members can be with you. However, if the thought of the impending procedure will ruin your last days with your pet, you may want to think about euthanasia sooner, rather than later.

Once you have chosen a date and time for the procedure, it is time to ask yourself whether or not you wish to be present when your dog or cat is put to sleep. Some people choose to stay with their pet for a final goodbye, and to personally witness them at rest and free from pain. Other people would rather not be present when their pet is euthanized, preferring to remember their pet healthy and active. I have always chosen to be present, gently holding my pet and calmly talking to them while they slowly drift off. It is the most difficult thing to do - but I feel I owe it to them. I can fall apart after they're no longer around to get upset by my emotions.

As far as your pet is concerned, you are the most important person in his life. If you can be calm and loving during the euthanasia, then by all means be there, your pet will want you there. However, pets do pick up on and respond to the emotional state of their people. If you are inconsolably upset, your pet will be restless and uncomfortable during the procedure - even thinking he has done something to upset you. If you can keep your emotions in check, your pet will be glad to have you at his side.

Remember: your pet does not know he is going to die at the time you have chosen. Show him all the love you can, and his final moments will be peaceful and happy.

Euthanasia For Pets - The Practicalities

Once your pet has been euthanized, you have another decision to make: do you wish to keep your pet�s remains? Try to think about this in advance, so you are not on the spot after your beloved dog or cat has just passed away. Do you want to bury your pet, or would you rather have him cremated? Would you rather not have his remains returned to you in any form?

There is no right or wrong decision here; every person feels differently about death and you are completely right to do whatever is best for you. Click here for information which prepares you to deal with the practicalities of pet loss.

Keep in mind that just because your pet has passed away doesn't mean your life will return to normal. You will experience all the pain and sorrow and the ups and downs of bereavement. Click her for some empathetic help and understanding on coping with pet loss.

You can also click here if you are grieving for a lost pet or would like to know more about Pet Loss Support Groups that deal with pet loss and euthanasia for pets.

Of course, you may not be alone in going through this painful experience, so here is some advice on helping children deal with the death of their pet.

Euthanasia For Pets - Remembering Your Pet

Part of the healing process of dealing with pet loss and euthanasia for pets, is making suitable arrangements for your pet after their death. It will bring you peace and closure to know you have done your best for your pet in his death - just as you always did for him during his happy and contented life.

You can memorialize your pet by planting a special garden, setting up an engraved plaque, or holding a burial service and placing a grave marker. This is especially good if you have children as it teaches them respect and value for life. They learn to grieve and they learn to deal with it. And the closure that a loving and dignified ceremony to celebrate their friend's life will bring to them, is immeasurably beneficial.

Knowing how important this is, we have gone to some considerable lengths to bring you a great range of Pet Memorials to help you remember your pet with the pride and dignity they deserve. Include these in your time of preparing for the loss of your pet and it will just give you so much more peace of mind at the time. Don't feel compelled to spend more than you need to - as far as your pet is concerned, it definately is the thought that counts. And we've provided for every pocket - and searched out the best products and prices.

Compared to humans, pets live a very short time. Make sure your time together is filled with love, fun, and the best memories possible -- those will last throughout your life and your pet�s. Our pets' lives are inextricably interwoven with our lives. They come into our lives, provide us with a time of fun, laughter, companionship and love - and then they're gone. But if you're anything like us - our pets are never, ever forgotten. Each one holds a special place in our lives - and that is exactly what they deserve.

Please don't feel you have to go through this alone. Talk with someone who understands pet loss and euthanasia for pets - you vet is usually a good place to start or contact us and we will find someone to put you in touch with.

Don�t forget to bookmark this page so you can come back as often as you need to for all the free help and advice on dealing with pet loss and euthanasia for pets.

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Also do not miss the other useful articles available to you � check out the links at the bottom of this page for free information and help with all your pet queries and concerns.

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