Euthanasia: What to Expect, Options/What to Discuss

The end of your pet’s life is a challenge we all must face in exchange for the lifelong love we experience with our pets. While it is never easy to think about, understanding what can happen and planning within realistic expectations gives us the best chance at a peaceful ending to your pet’s life. Every family and every pet is unique so while we can’t tell you what’s best for your family, we hope to guide you in the options available. Our Quality of Life page has information and links to help you in making this significant decision. This page is to help once we are in the range of the end of your pet’s life.

Natural Death- Many of us hope that when it's time, our loved ones will peacefully pass away in their sleep, and this wish extends to our animal loved ones. Natural death may sound like the simplest option, but depending on what disease processes and struggles your pet is experiencing, there can be many complications in this path that you would need to be prepared for. We recommend hospice assisted natural death if this is the route you choose to walk with your pet. The veterinarian will do their best to prepare you for what may happen and discuss options we have to try to alleviate as much pain and suffering as possible. We cannot stop death from happening, but we can have plans for what to do as it nears.

Euthanasia- While making the decision to euthanize your pet may be the hardest decision you will make for them, know that it is coming from a place of love and understanding of their spirit as a special member of your family. In choosing euthanasia, the goal is to end your pet’s suffering as peacefully as we can. We help them to fall asleep, then pass away in their sleep.

What to Expect in a Euthanasia

The word “euthanasia” literally means “good death”, and our hope for any euthanasia is peace for both you and your pet in a safe space for your pet to feel your love. If you have never been through a euthanasia before, the fear of the unknown can be one of the hardest obstacles. Information and awareness are the best strategies to overcome these obstacles.

There are several steps to a euthanasia, and while they may not all be exactly the same as previous experiences you may have had, certain things will generally occur. We will outline them here. Know that you can also choose to be there for some of these stages and not others. Be sure to communicate to us what you are comfortable with and ask any questions you have.

Planning and paperwork

Planning ahead helps minimize stress during an already highly emotional time. We will review options for when, where, and who is to be present ahead of time. We will also go over options available and finalize wishes for your pet’s remains before the euthanasia so you can focus on your pet in the moment. Financial considerations will be discussed, and most often, payment is finished ahead of time as well so there will be no distractions when it’s time to focus on your pet.

Sedation/Anesthesia

Psychological rest and physical relaxation are things we hope to achieve in our loved ones, even as we take on the pain of letting them go. The second stage in a euthanasia is helping your pet to welcome sleep. This may involve medications given in pill or liquid form at home and/or injections given by the veterinary professionals. While we can’t avoid all discomfort from injections, we do everything we can to try to minimize distress and pain involved. We distract them with delicious food if they are willing, or we love them with gentle petting and affection. You can have their favorite treats or toys ready for this stage.

After the injection is given, it can take your pet 2-15 minutes to relax both physically and mentally. This is usually a very peaceful time, but every body is different and how sleepy they get can’t always be known. The veterinary staff will be available to make adjustments if needed and will be able to help guide you with any questions you may have.

IV Catheter

An IV catheter is often placed once your pet is relaxed to provide for a smoother final transition. Animal’s bodies near the end of their lives are not always amenable to an IV catheter so there may be times where this step is not possible and other routes may be used. We will do all that we can to ensure your pet is as pain-free as possible and we will keep you informed of our plans as we progress.

Euthanasia

The final step is the euthanasia itself. It can often involve several medications, which could be given in different places. Important things to remember at this time are that we are all there to love and guide your pet to their final rest. Again, every body is different and may respond differently. However, most of the time, this is a very peaceful step. Breathing stops and then the heart stops. The veterinarian will listen to the heart until they can pronounce that it has stopped. You are welcome to stay with your pet through this step and even afterwards for as long as you need. Loss hurts and every grief is different. Take the time you need.

Additional notes:

• River City Vet is now able to help guide your family and pet through the euthanasia process in your home, if that would be more peaceful for you. These steps are very similar if performed in the clinic or in your home. 
• For those who will experience all of these steps with their pet, there are a few things to be aware of. For the large majority of the time, this entire process is completely peaceful, but that can’t be guaranteed. During the sedation step, some animals will feel the needle or the medication could sting as we give it. We take precautions against this, but their response can be unpredictable. If it is too uncomfortable for them, we may change plans and will keep you informed throughout. Sometimes animals may be nauseous or vomit while getting sleepy. This is also uncommon but possible and we will be available to help if it is seen.
• Natural body functions are a part of any situation. After the body has stopped, they may release their bowels or their bladder. We will be there to help contain these normal actions. It is uncommon but possible for muscles to twitch or even for them to look like they are taking a breath after their heart has stopped. These are also normal reactions of muscles and nerves not under control of the brain. They don’t last long, and your pet is not feeling them.
• While these are not all the actions that could be seen, and hearing about them could feel scary, they are not common, and we do what we can to avoid them and anything that would be distressing to your pet and to you.

Things to Discuss

This brochure gives a general overview of factors to consider when planning for euthanasia:

Specific things to consider as a family are not only when, but where and who in your pet’s life would give your pet and family the most peaceful end of life experience. River City Veterinary Hospital can help guide your pet through a peaceful end of their life both in the clinic and outside the clinic. This could mean in your home or a favorite place for your pet, even outside in the yard. Keep in mind that public places are public when making this decision, but we are open to what is best for you. 

Favorite treats, previously forbidden treats like chocolate, or their favorite snacks are very welcome during this time. We will encourage your pet to eat if they want to, and they can have whatever they like, especially while they’re drifting off to sleep.

Being present at your pet’s euthanasia is a decision only you can make. For some, it is too painful to be there, and for others it is too painful not to be. We will help your pet transition from this life in a peaceful and loving manner no matter what you choose. Please see the section on “What to Expect” to prepare yourself for the general process of a euthanasia as knowledge can help it be less stressful.

Parents, you are the best judge of whether or not to have your children present. Please see the links to information in our Grief section to help guide you and your children through this difficult time. This website is a great resource.

Other pets can be present during a euthanasia, however, they are most often a distraction. They sense the distress and sadness of their people and want to be involved, or they are anxious or excited because the veterinary personnel are there. If you want your other pets to be present, please have a back up plan for where they can be kept in case they are not calm. We find it’s best to have them separate until after your pet has passed. They can come to visit after and observe their friend when you’re ready to be there for them.

Please see our section on Aftercare and Memorialization for more topics to consider.