I often get clients asking me what will happen when they bring their pet to the vet for euthanasia. While every veterinarian will have a slightly different routine, I'd like to share with you what happens in my office. Sometimes knowing what will happen makes things a little easier on us during this difficult time.
The first thing that will happen is the paperwork. You will need to sign a form giving permission for the euthanasia and also stating that your pet has not bitten anyone in the last 14 days. We like to take care of the invoice before the procedure is done so that you do not have to face anyone afterwards.
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The staff will discuss your options for the care of your pet's body after the euthanasia. In our office, all animals are cremated. You have the option of having the ashes returned in an urn if you would like this.
Next, your pet is given an injection of a sedative. This will take about 5-10 minutes to start working. The sedative causes mild sedation in some animals and profound sedation in others. The goal is to have your pet sedated enough that they are not stressed, but not to the point of them being completely comatose.
Then, an IV catheter is placed in the vein (usually in a front leg) and taped in place. Once you are ready, then the veterinarian will perform the injection through this catheter. The euthanasia solution is an overdose of an anesthetic. It causes the animal to be completely unaware of what is happening. Your dog or cat will simply feel like he or she is falling asleep. They do not feel any pain or discomfort at all.
The euthanasia solution works very quickly. Usually by the time the injection has been completed the heart has stopped. Most animals do not close their eyes. It usually is extremely peaceful. However, the occasional animal will make a sigh or a grunt as they are passing away. It is rare, but once or twice a year we will see an animal who makes a very loud noise or has some odd muscle contractions as they go. This is difficult to watch but if this does happen to your pet it is important to remember that they are completely unaware of what is happening.
Euthanasia is very difficult but in most cases this is the kindest thing we can do for an animal who is in pain or suffering. It is normal to feel extreme grief afterwards. For many people, losing a pet is harder emotionally than losing a parent.
The Euthanasia Process - What Happens When Your Dog Or Cat is Put to Sleep?
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