It is normal to experience grief at the loss of a pet. We are here to support you through this difficult time, so please do not hesitate to contact the practice on 01937 582025 to discuss any questions or concerns.
The Blue Cross also offer a useful support service for grieving pet owners, via а confidential helpline, webchat, email and Facebook group. Call 0800 096 6606 or for more information visit bereavement-and-pet-loss www.bluecross.org.uk/pet
Putting a pet to sleep (euthanasia) is an incredibly difficult but sometimes necessary decision pet owners have to make to prevent suffering. While nothing can make this experience any less heartbreaking, knowing what to expect on the day can help to better prepare you and your family.
What happens on the day?
While this information may be difficult to read, understanding the process of euthanasia before it happens can make it easier to experience.
You can choose to have your pet put to sleep in your own home or at the veterinary practice. At the practice, it will be done in a consultation room or, if weather permits, it can take place outside at your request.
Before your pet is put to sleep a vet will discuss it with you and ask you to sign a consent form. You can choose to stay with your pet, or leave them with the veterinary team. If you would rather not stay, please rest assured that we will be there to comfort your pet during the process.
Euthanasia is carried out by injecting an overdose of anaesthetic into your pet's vein. To ensure quick and painless access to a vein, an intravenous catheter will usually be placed first. Your pet will be taken into the clinical area for this to be done. Once the catheter is in place your pet will be returned to you in the consultation room and you will be left alone to spend some time together.
When you are ready, the vet will administer the injection via the catheter. As this is an anaesthetic overdose, your pet will lose consciousness very quickly (often immediately) and will not feel any pain. Their heart will stop beating and they will peacefully pass away.
In the moments immediately following the injection, you may notice your pet twitching or gasping - these are natural reflexes that occur when a pet passes away, not signs of life. Your pet's eyes will remain open and their bladder/bowels may empty as their body relaxes.
What happens next?
After your pet has passed away you can choose to take them home with you to be buried, or to have them cremated. If you decide on cremation, we can arrange this for you. There are different cremation options available (communal or individual) at varying prices. If you would like your pet's ashes returned to you, there are a selection of urns and scatter tubes to choose from.
You can also request a lock of your pet's hair and/or paw prints to help you remember them. It might be helpful to consider these options beforehand and inform us of your decision, so that there is less for you to deal with on the day.
Please call us to discuss this before your appointment if you would like.
Supporting Children through the loss of a pet
- Give your child the opportunity to say goodbye to their pet. This may be before, during, or after euthanasia.
- Talk to your child about what will happen during the euthanasia and why you have made this decision.
- Use clear language and simple terms like “died”. Avoid ambiguous language like “put to sleep”, or false explanations such as saying the pet has “gone missing”.
- Depending on your child’s age, you may wish to include them in discussions about options for your pet after euthanasia (burial or cremation).
- Encourage your child to talk about their pet after they have died. It might help for them to write about or draw their pet.
- Encourage your child to share their feelings, and let them know that it is okay to feel upset.
- Inform your child’s teachers if they are very upset.
- If you are bringing your child to the euthanasia appointment, please inform the veterinary team beforehand.
