Euthanasia

Is it Time?

It’s never an easy decision to make, but perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is extremely ill or so severely injured that it will never be able to resume a life of good quality is to have your veterinarian provide a humane death by euthanasia.

When your friend has reached an irreversible, debilitated state AND you have decided not to continue treatment, the time has come to consider humane euthanasia. If your pet can no longer experience the things he/she once enjoyed, cannot respond to you in his or her usual ways, or appears to be experiencing more pain than pleasure, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option. Sometimes asking yourself the question, “Does my pet have more bad days than good days?” can help you make the decision.

A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make for your pet. Although it is a personal decision, it doesn’t need to be a solitary one. Your family and close friends can help you make the right decision and can support you as you grieve the loss of your pet. Dr. Fausel can help you with this decision as well. Consults to discuss quality of life and personal concerns are always available. Should you be unsure about what your options are or how your pet is feeling, please contact Dr. Fausel for a complimentary initial call to discuss what may be best for you, your pet, and your family.

Are you unsure if it is time? Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your loved one’s situation. Dr. Fausel will provide advice on how to evaluate whether your pet might be ready for humane euthanasia.

What to expect:

Dr. Fausel will review the details of the visit during your initial conversation and ensure that you know what to expect during the entire process.

Dr, Fausel will start with an initial administration of sedative and anti-anxiety medications to relax your loved one. You may choose to have this take place outside, on a favorite piece of furniture, or on your lap. Within a few minutes most pets are feeling the effects of the medication.

As you are sitting together, your pet will become very sedate, generally in about 20 minutes. The final injection is gently administered once your friend is asleep. Your pet will not have any pain or distress during this entire process.

Aftercare:

Dr. Fausel can help you with individual aftercare arrangements to suit your specific needs. Cremation services can be arranged with Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Services, including return of your pets ashes in a beautiful wooden urn. You can discuss other cremation options as well as at-home burial.

Palliated (Natural) Death:

If your beliefs do not align with the choice for euthanasia, Dr. Fausel can discuss the option for assisted palliated death for your beloved friend. Without having the proper support, an animal may suffer unduly while their family struggles to care for them. We will review what to expect during this process, whether this is the right option for you and your pet, and how we will work to give your animal comfort to ease, not hasten, their transition into death.