Euthanasia literally translates to mean "easy death." It is frequently referred to as "putting an animal to sleep" or "putting an animal down." Whatever it is called, it is the deliberate act of ending life and, as such, it is a very difficult decision for most people to make. It is common for the person or people making the decision of whether or not to euthanize to feel great conflict and guilt. We have created this page in the hopes that it will help you during the decision making process, as well as after. If you would like more information or if you feel that you need more guidance than is offered here, please contact your veterinarian, as they can be very helpful at this difficult time.
When Is It Time? There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not it is the appropriate time to euthanize a beloved pet. Sadly, when an animal is provided with a poor prognosis, the owner is forced to contemplate such realities as financial obligations, time constraints, and cure rates. It is often expensive and time-consuming to treat serious diseases and their assessment is generally necessary. However, the most important factor to consider is always quality of life and because you know your pet better than anyone else, quality of life is a personal judgement. Below are some aspects of your animal's behavior that you can assess in order to determine his or her quality of life.
Pets should be able to eat, drink, and rest in relative comfort without shortness of breath.
Animals should be able to do mild exercise, such as moving about from their bed to their feeding station.
Pets should continue to act interested in what is going on in the environment around them.
Pets should be able to control their urine and bowel movements (unless their disease affects these particular functions).
Animals should appear to be comfortable and free from constant pain.
With all chronic diseases, some days will seem better than others and it is normal to expect some ups and downs. As the owner, you must determine what is acceptable for your companion. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact your veterinarian.
What Should I Expect ? This section describes what you may expect for the typical process of euthanasia. Please skip this section if you not ready to read about this.
Euthanasia is very humane and is essentially painless for the patient. We offer many options to you regarding the procedure in order to make it as painless for you as possible, also. When you call to schedule, the receptionist will most likely transfer you to a veterinarian to discuss your decision. Our veterinarians wish to make sure that both you and your companion are ready for the procedure. We will then schedule a time for you to come in. Upon your arrival to the office, we will have you sign an "authorization for euthanasia" form.
At the time that we schedule the appointment, we will ask you whether or not you prefer to remain with your pet while we perform the euthanasia. You have several options. You may choose to stay with your pet for the entire duration of the procedure. We will direct you to an exam room and give you time to say goodbye to you companion. Whenever possible, we will allow you to hold your animal while we perform the euthanasia. Some owners choose not to stay. If this is your choice, you may go into an exam room with your pet and take some time to say goodbye. If you choose not to stay with your pet, they will be in the company of technician and doctor during the procedure. This is a very personal decision and there is no wrong answer.
While scheduling the appointment, we will also ask you what you would prefer us to do with your pet's remains. There are several options here as well. You may opt to take your pet's body home with you. Another option is to have your pet cremated. We offer a private cremation if you wish to receive your animal's ashes back. We can provide simple cardboard boxes, ceramic urns, or wooden boxes for the return of ashes. We also offer hand painted personalized memory boxes that you can place a photo in as well as other keepsakes such as stepping stones and picture frames. Please go to www.livinginsidemyheart.webs.comfor more information. If you do not want the ashes back, we will do a communal cremation. There are also options for off-site burial services through Willowbrook Pet Cemetery, which is located in South Windsor. If you would like more information on any of these options, please do not hesitate to ask.
Euthanasia is performed by a veterinarian. Often, especially with cats, he or she will give a sedative to your pet prior to performing the actual euthanasia. This serves to calm the animal while giving you a chance to say goodbye. Many times, the veterinarian will also take your companion to the inpatient area to have a technician set an intravenous catheter. This allows you to hold your pet (rather than a technician) and makes the procedure go more smoothly. The actual euthanasia itself generally consists of an intravenous injection of an overdose of an anesthetic. In most cases, the solution works very rapidly and the pet simply falls asleep. In rare instances, there may be a brief stage of hyperactivity or vocalization as the animal loses consciousness. Although alarming to the owner, this response does not indicate pain. Within seconds of the injection, the heart will slow and then stop, causing blood pressure to decrease, breathing to stop, and finally, brain function to cease. The process happens swiftly and your pet will die peacefully. Often, in the seconds following death, there may be involuntary muscle contractions or respiratory inhalations, as well as loss of urinary and bowel control. Again, these are not indications of pain or consciousness and are normal functions of the body following death.
If you have chosen to stay with your companion, we will allow you the time that you need to say your final goodbye. A doctor or technician may come in to check on you but please feel free to stay as long as you need to and to leave whenever you wish. Please visit our Coping with Pet Losspage for information on pet loss support for yourself, your family, and your remaining animal companions.
BOLTON VETERINARY HOSPITAL, P.C.
222 Boston Turnpike
Bolton, CT 06043
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