Euthanasia

Organise payment: 

We find it nicer to do this beforehand to allow you time and privacy to grieve, so you do not need to be bothered with it later when feeling upset, or in front of other clients. 

Premedication: 

This involves giving your pet something to relax them and/or some pain relief before they pass, to make them more comfortable. Premedication is given as an injection, after which your pet can relax with you while the medications take effect.  

Intravenous cannula:

After your pet is feeling nice and relaxed, we will place an intravenous cannula. This cannula allows your pet to be cuddled by family and move freely without restraint before and during euthanasia.

Euthanasia injection: 

This is pain-free and works quickly and smoothly. The drug we use was previously an anaesthetic agent which means your pet will drift off after a few seconds. The drug stops the heart beating and lets your pet pass peacefully and with dignity.

After your pet passes, they may urinate or defecate. They may also take some final breaths as their body relaxes. They are unaware of these things, and this is normal as their body winds down. Animals often will not close their eyes after passing.

Coping with grief:

We understand losing a member of the family can be heart-breaking. Giving yourself permission, time, and space to grieve is important. 

Some important things to consider are:

• Don't let anyone shame you for grieving the loss of your pet. Evidence shows that most people do feel the loss very deeply. There are grief counsellors available who can help you process your grief. 
• Don't compare your grief to anyone else’s. If your neighbour had a pet pass away and seemed fine a week later, that’s good for them. However, everyone’s process is individual. 
• Don’t set a time limit on how long you grieve, there is no formula and feelings are for feeling. It is normal to go between acceptance and denial. 
• Consider a way of memorialising your pet that has meaning for you. This might mean placing their ashes in a pot with a beautiful plant and their collar around it. It might mean framing a lovely photo of them, having a pet portrait commissioned, drawing pictures of them with your kids, or just talking to a like-minded person about how much they meant to you. 
• Don’t sign off from having pets forever. The pain we feel at losing them is the price we pay for the great love that we shared. Unfortunately our pets can not live forever, but it is important to focus on the valuable memories we have with them.

If you would like to be pointed in the direction of pet loss support professionals, please feel free to contact our team at any time. 

From the whole team at West Blacktown Veterinary Clinic – we are so sorry you are going through this difficult time. We have all been there, and we know how much it hurts. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions, or if there is anything specific we can do for you or your furry family member.