Saying goodbye to your pet is one of the most difficult things you can go through, and this pain can increase if a pet shows signs of distress during their goodbye. Just like humans, towards the end stages our pets may be dealing with symptoms that could be causing them underlying pain, discomfort or confusion. Often their specific disease may also impact the way in which we should say goodbye, with consideration given to how the disease is progressing.
The team at Sunset Vets are committed to creating a peaceful at-home goodbye for pets and families alike, and we know from years of experience that an important component of a peaceful goodbye is ensuring that the pet is as relaxed as possible throughout the procedure. Whilst being at home, rather than in hospital, for the goodbye itself can be helpful as a pet is in a familiar and comforting environment, it’s not always enough. Because of this, our vets also use a combination of key medications ahead of delivering the euthanasia to achieve a relaxed state.
What to expect during a goodbye
At your scheduled appointment time, your vet will arrive with all the equipment needed to make your pet comfortable. A home visit will usually take between 30 and 60 minutes however this greatly depends on you and your family. Your vet will ensure your family members have all their questions answered and are comfortable with all decisions that have been made for your pet.
The importance of medication to relax them
Once everyone present is comfortable and ready, your vet will draw up the precise medications they will use to achieve a relaxed state for your pet. This will involve a combination of medications tailored as best as possible to your pet and the situation. This medication is usually administered via an injection under the skin, although in some instances medication may be given by mouth, with the goal being that even the most nervous of patients are able to settle and become sleepy over a period of 5 to 10 minutes.
Once your pet is relaxed and deeply asleep, your vet will then ask if you are ready to say goodbye before administering a specially formulated anaesthetic for euthanasia. This medication will work quite quickly so it’s important to be prepared for this second stage. At Sunset Vets you and your family will be able to stay with your pet at all times and your vet will ensure all possible steps are taken to minimise as much as is possible the likelihood of any distress or discomfort during this time.
Sunset Vets have assisted in countless goodbyes, and we work to ensure every single goodbye is handled with compassion and dignity. A sedative is the most important thing we can do to ensure that pets are calm whilst they drift away, something that is paramount to supporting the most peaceful goodbyes.
For more information on what to expect at a euthanasia appointment, CLICK HERE.
