Here are some examples of what not to say when a pet dies: "Don't cry." Crying is part of the grieving process for many people. "It's just a [dog/cat/etc.]." A comment like this that downplays the loss is mean and thoughtless. You don't know what the pet meant to that person.
Give them all the things they enjoy most – their favourite toys, their favourite food. You know what will make your pet feel most at ease in the time that remains. If you become tearful, ask a family member, friend or other trusted person to take care of your pet so you can leave the room and have a cry.
Occasionally, a dog may give a small cry as the injection is given – as with all anaesthetics, there is a brief feeling of dizziness as the drug takes effect. Unconsciousness follows within seconds, often before the injection is finished. Death occurs within a couple of minutes when the heart stops beating.
Some dogs seek out the comfort and company of their humans to the point of clinginess, while others become more solitary and seek quiet corners to be alone. Some dogs seem to know when they are about to die and wander off to a secluded location in the house or yard for their final moments.
The Euthanasia Process is Essentially Painless
Our vets want you to know that the euthanasia process is almost completely painless. Putting a pet to sleep is a two part process: A vet will start by giving your pet an IV which is usually painless or nearly painless, depending on your pet's tolerance for shots.
Animals know when they are dying. They are not afraid of death, at least not in the sense that we people are. Nearing death, they come to a place of acceptance and try to communicate that to us.
For young children, losing a pet might trigger a range of troubling thoughts and disquieting emotions. Encouraging kids to say goodbye to their pet helps them find ways to ask questions, express emotions like sadness and fear and to accept comfort and support from family members, teachers and friends.
Within seconds, your dog will become unconscious, experiencing no pain or suffering. Breathing will slow down and then stop over the next several seconds. Cardiac arrest will soon follow, resulting in death. Typically, a peaceful death occurs within 30 seconds of intravenous administration.
Some dogs instinctively want to be alone when they are about to die. It has been hypothesized that this is because their body would attract predators and could be dangerous to the pack.
Since they may not actually understand death as something permanent, sometimes a dog will wait patiently, believing that the deceased caregiver, will return. Still others believe that the dog may just be reacting to the grief exhibited by humans in the house as they deal with the death of a household member.
On her website, Beside Still Water, she assures owners, “Animals know when they are dying. They are not afraid of death, at least not in the sense that we people are. Nearing death, they come to a place of acceptance and try to communicate that to us.”
Can I feed my pet prior to the euthanasia? Yes. Your pet's final moments should be happy and filled with whatever gives him or her joy- be it a steak dinner or a McDonald's burger. Whatever special treat your pet might like is fine.
Rudolph, estimated to be about 8 months old, was chosen to be put down because of overcrowding at an animal shelter in Oklahoma. When the veterinarian returned after injecting the euthanasia drugs, the puppy was still awake.
They may react a little bit to the feelings of loss of control and may even try to get off the table or struggle a bit. Just help them to feel as calm and comfortable as possible. After a few minutes they will become incredibly drowsy and you may like to hold them in your arms.
“One reason why losing a pet is such a deep loss is because animals' love is so unconditional and accepting,” she said. But it's also because so many aspects of people's lives are impacted. “Every single facet of life is part of the loss,” she explained.
Symptoms of acute grief after the loss of a pet can last from one to two months, with symptoms of grief persisting up to a full year (on average).
Choosing to stay with your pet during euthanasia is best because it alleviates their stress. Having you present reduces the anxiety and fear they may experience at the end of life. The process of dying can trigger anxiety in a pet. Having their loved one near relieves some of their discomfort.