Euthanasia

Euthanasia: When and what to expect

When is it time?

Deciding when it is the right time to say goodbye to your pet is one of the hardest things a pet owner can face. Our emotional attachment to them as a family member is so strong it can be hard to separate our feelings and let go when our pet needs us to.

Sometimes we hope that our pet will pass away on their own peacefully while sleeping, but this is rarely the case. More commonly, we have to take the brave decision of euthansia, to help them pass away and prevent suffering in their final stages of life.

When deciding if it is time to help a pet pass away by euthanasia we must consider their quality of life as well as preventing suffering. We use three main quality of life markers and all three of these must be present for us to say a patient has a good quality of life:

1. Comfortable movement. A pet should be able to move around their house or garden without pain. They should be able to go to the toilet and settle to rest.
2. Desire and ability to eat. A pet should be able to get themselves to their food bowl and want to eat a meal.
3. Interaction with their family. A pet should show their normal behaviour of greeting their family and be interested in life around them.

When a pet is having more bad days than good in regards these quality of life markers, it may be time to let them go. This PDSA article has further information about when is the right time to say goodbye.

The euthanasia process at Mulberry House Vets

Saying goodbye to a family pet will always be a very sad time, even if you know that you are making the kindest decision to relieve their suffering. It is helpful to have a friend or family member with you for support.

If the weather is favourable then we can use our lovely, peaceful garden for euthanasia. We do also offer home visits and we will always endeavour to accommodate you even with short notice, however on busy days and Saturdays, we may not be able to do so.

You will have the option of being with your pet during the whole process, but if you prefer not to be present this is absolutely fine and we will look after your pet and comfort them in their final moments. If they still have a good appetite, they can eat whatever they want. You may want to have their favourite treats with you or their comfort blanket or toy.

The vet will place a catheter into a vein in one of the legs. Sometimes if a pet is very dehydrated or unwell, this can take a few minutes. If a pet is anxious we can give sedation so that they fall asleep before the catheter is placed. The catheter is attached to a long drip line and you can be close to your pet to cuddle and comfort them. The overdose of anaesthetic is injected and your pet will become anaesthetised then after a few minutes their heart will stop. The vet will listen with a stethoscope to confirm that your pet has passed away.  Sometimes a pet may make some small noises, movements or twitches and pass urine or faeces while their body is closing down.

After your pet has passed away, we will leave you to spend as much time as you need with them to say goodbye. You may choose to take your pet’s collar or leave them with a particular blanket or toy to be cremated with.

What happens next?

We look after your pet with utmost respect and dignity after their passing. It is important to us that they are treated in the best way even after their death.

You can decide whether you would like to bury your pet at home or have them cremated.

Home burial:

You may take your pet home to bury in your own garden.  Please note that the grave should be at least one metre deep and three metres away from water sources.

Cremation:

We use Millers of Wokingham for all our pet cremations. They are an independent family-run business who provide a compassionate and caring service. They can collect your pet from us or if you prefer to take them yourselves we can help make an appointment for this.

What is the difference between individual and communal cremation?

Individual cremation means your pet will be cremated by themselves and their ashes will be returned in your choice of scatter box or urn.

Communal cremation means your pet will be cremated alongside other pets and it will not be possible to have their ashes returned to you.

Grieving

It is normal to deeply grieve the loss of your pet. You are not alone and there is help available if you need it:

• Blue Cross Pet Loss Support
• Cats Protection Grief and Loss

Here is some more information and reading which you may find useful in coping with the loss of a pet:

• “Absent Friend: Coping with the loss of a treasured pet” by Laura and Martyn Lee
• “Companion Animal Death” by Mary F Stewart
• “A Loving Farewell” by Davina Woodcock
• “Goodbye, Dear Friend” by Virginia Ironside

For children:

• We have produced a printable childrens information booklet to help support your child(ren) through the process.