Our pets become members of our family from the moment we welcome them into our home. We build a connection with them that can be every bit as strong as those we share with our human loved ones. One of the very few drawbacks of having pets is that we will generally outlive them and have to cope with their loss.
EUTHANASIA – WHAT TO EXPECT.
We cannot prepare ourselves for a pet’s accidental or unexpected death, which brings shock and disbelief. Many times, however, we as pet parents will face a difficult decision we don’t encounter when a human family member is terminally ill: the option to euthanase our pet and thereby end its suffering sooner than nature would allow.
Understanding your options and the process involved when a pet is “put to sleep” can help you prepare yourself and know how best to support your furry loved one, yourself and the rest of your family through the experience.
Veterinarians understand, better than most, the complex emotions and the challenges involved in making the best decision for your pet. We will always allow for a pre-euthanasia consultation to answer all your questions and to give you an honest assessment of the likelihood of your pet living a meaningful life in the future or its current quality of life. No vet will ever make the final decision for you, but we can guide you to the extent that you involve us.
You may choose to remain with your pet throughout the process to offer comfort and reassurance, and you will always be afforded some time alone with them afterwards. That said, for some pet parents, it’s just too overwhelming to stay, and it is completely okay to leave your furry loved-one in our caring and capable hands after saying your goodbyes.
If our schedule and staff availability allow, Cronulla Veterinary Clinic will offer the option of euthanasia to a frail pet in the comfort and privacy of your own home. If this is your wish, discuss it with our clinic staff ahead of time, so we can make the necessary arrangements. If your pet is elderly or ill, start having these conversations with us and let us put some plans in place to reduce as much stress as possible when the time comes.
HOW WILL I KNOW IT’S “TIME”?
Deciding to put a beloved pet to sleep is never going to be easy, regardless of how old or sick, they may be. We all worry that we’ll push our pets beyond the point where they can’t manage anymore because we want to hold onto them for as long as possible. Or that we’ll make the decision too early and rob them of a few extra weeks or months with their family. The following guidelines may help you reach a decision you can be as comfortable with.
You know your pet the best: what makes him happy, how he shows his enjoyment of life and what routines and activities demonstrate his positive engagement with his family and other pets. For instance: running to the gate to greet visitors, playing favourite games, purring like a tractor-engine, tail-wagging, interacting with family members, eating well, and the ability to maintain personal hygiene. Pets become very stressed about losing their dignity and especially the control of their bodily functions. Make a mental note of these behaviours while your pet is still healthy and then decide, based on the absence of these, when the point is reached that your fur baby is no longer enjoying a decent quality of life.
As pet guardians, we should consider quality over quantity when it comes to their lives; now more than ever, medical advances allow us to extend our animals’ lives beyond what might otherwise have been possible. It falls to us to balance our ability to have our beloved pets live longer with the responsibility not to extend suffering if there is no prospect of a meaningful recovery. It’s truly a privilege to be able to make a decision to spare our furry loved one’s pain, suffering and loss of dignity.
HOW WILL I COPE?
The loss of a pet can have the same impact as the loss of a person, and it follows the same stages of grief. Everyone experiences a very personal bereavement, and there is no right or wrong in our feelings or in how long we take to grieve.
Take some time out from work, create space for yourself, have conversations with your pet … whatever you need to help you feel okay. There is no script, and no one can tell you when it’s time to “get over it”.
Seek out the company of fellow animal-lovers who understand what you’re going through and won’t contribute ridiculous comments like “But it’s just a cat!” or “Why don’t you just get another dog?” There are also dedicated pet memorial websites where you can share the memory of your pet, which gives many pet-parents comfort.
In some cases, the remaining family pets may also suffer the loss and need support. You may find them huddled on the bed of the pet who passed, or they begin sitting in his favourite place in the garden. They could be subdued and lose their appetite for a while. Some will “ask” you to help them look for their missing friend by pawing at cupboard doors, trying to get behind the bed or the fridge, or popping out to the garden now and then to check that he hasn’t perhaps turned up. If you have other fur kids, give them lots of attention and reassurance at this time, regardless of how low you’re feeling – you’ll find this contact, and the shared activities will help everyone. It’s been said that grief is merely love with no place to go, so be sure to pour out that love to those close to you. If you feel your other fur baby is not coping, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Young children who haven’t yet formed a concept of the finality of death will process the passing of pets differently, based on their age. There are many helpful resources online to assist parents.
SHOULD I GET ANOTHER PET?
Nobody can tell you when it’s right to get another pet: whether you should do so immediately or give yourself some time. This is something only you and your family can decide. It can be healing to focus on the needs of another animal – a helpless kitten, a rescue dog or whatever special furry being calls to you and needs your TLC. But you may also feel that you need to fully grieve your pet first before considering making space in your heart for another.
Some people never get another pet, given the pain their loss caused them. But we hope your grief will not prevent you from opening your home and heart so that another fur baby can experience your love and care. It may help to imagine what the deceased pet would want for you.
We will miss and always remember the companion animals that have shown us so much unconditional love and enhanced our lives in so many ways. Perhaps the fact that they are only with us for a short time should be encouragement enough to make every moment count. Make each day memorable with your dog or cat – take them places, spoil them, expand their horizons and give them loads of hugs. They repay in kind beyond our wildest imaginings and leave us with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
This link gives further suggested reading and a handy checklist to help you determine whether it might be time to decide to let your furry best friend pass. At Cronulla Vet Clinic, we understand the complex emotions and challenges involved in making the best decision for your pet. We will always allow for a pre-euthanasia consultation to answer all your questions and to give you an honest assessment of the likelihood of your pet living a meaningful life in the future or its current quality of life. We will never make the final decision for you, but we can guide you to the extent that you involve us.