While the decision is never an easy one, there may come a time when you have to do the humane thing and put your pet to sleep. The process of euthanasia will never be an easy one for a pet owner but being prepared can lessen the strain a little bit.
The Vet May Suggest Euthanasia
Putting a beloved pet to sleep will never be a decision that is made lightly. In fact, your vet wouldn’t even recommend it if there was hope of recovery from the illness or injury that is plaguing your four-legged friend. If you keep your pet’s best interests at heart, the decision to put him to sleep may be the best course of action if he is suffering.
Preparing Yourself
Being present for the procedure may be an extremely difficult moment for you, but it is helpful to keep in mind how your pet might feel being with only strangers during its final moments. It may even be an option to have the procedure done in your home to save your pet some of the stress of going to the vet’s office.
Before you go to the appointment, you will want to decide what to do with your pet’s remains. They are companies that can cremate them for you, either singly or in a mass cremation. Some people opt for a keepsake urn for their pets remains or a piece of cremation jewelry.
Another thing that is helpful is paying your vet bill before the day of the procedure. It will save you from having to wait at check-out while you are so fresh in the grieving process.
The Procedure
The procedure itself is relatively quick. The vet may choose to inject your pet with a sedative before the euthanasia medications. This will keep your pet completely relaxed, but the process is relatively painless other than the prick of the injections. The euthanasia solution works in a very short amount of time, sometimes less than a minute. Your vet will take a few seconds to listen for a heartbeat before announcing the death.
Afterward
After the procedure, this will be a very emotional time for you. The staff in your vet’s office understand how you feel, and they will likely offer you privacy to say your goodbyes. If you have prepared as suggested, you can make a quiet exit when you are ready to leave.
It is good to be aware that your pet’s eyes will likely remain open after death. Plus, there may be a few muscle spasms or the sounds of air being expelled from the body. This is normal, and it does not mean that your pet is alive or suffering.
If you choose to have your pet cremated and wish to preserve some of the ashes in a keepsake urn, you can find the perfect vessel at Johnston’s Cremation Jewelry. We have several designs specifically for the purpose of keeping your pet close to your heart. We understand the grieving process, and we will help you keep the choosing process stress-free.