End of Life Care

We are with our pets for every step of their lives, from the moment we adopt them until the moment it’s time to say goodbye. Our pets are our family, and they deserve the best care, even at the end of their lives. A pet’s final journey may be a sad one for its human companions, but each pet deserves dignity, peace, and love in their last moments. In many cases, when your pet becomes too sick to continue living comfortably, your vet will recommend euthanasia. While this is likely one of the most difficult choices a pet owner will have to make, a trusted vet can be your partner and your guide. Here, we’ll take a look at how to determine when euthanasia is the right choice, what the procedure entails, and how you can prepare yourself and your pet. 

Guidance Through a Difficult Time

Our pets will often let us know when they can no longer go on living due to illness or injury. They will stop eating and drinking and struggle to show enthusiasm for even their most favorite people and things. These are all warning signs that your pet is ready to let go, but sometimes we hold onto hope that they will get better. 

The decision to put your pet to sleep is one that should be made with the input of a trusted and compassionate vet. Establishing a relationship with a vet early in your pet’s life can help you know where to turn if something goes wrong. And when the end does come, your vet can help ensure that you’re making the right decision. 

At Penny Paws Animal Clinic, we understand that this is one of the most difficult times in your life. You love your pet and want to do the right thing, but saying goodbye is so hard. Our dedicated team of veterinarians will provide your pet the end of life care they deserve up until the final moment. And our knowledgeable staff will first ensure that all other available options have been explored before considering euthanasia. Our staff will partner with you through the whole process, and you can take all the time you need to say farewell to your beloved companion. 

How Do You Know When It’s Time?

There is no perfect moment to decide to put your pet to sleep. When it comes down to it, it’s all about your pet’s quality of life. If they can no longer live without constant pain or anxiety their quality of life is gone, and much of their waking time is spent suffering.

If you think the end of your pet’s life is drawing near, keep a journal of their good days and bad days. Are they having more bad days than good? Do they seem like they’re in distress? Are they finding little pleasure in their favorite toys, food, or activities? Cats and dogs don’t understand that they have a terminal illness, so they don’t react to it emotionally as humans do. Instead, animals are often distraught because they don’t understand why they are in pain or how long the pain will last, which results in anxiety. Or your pet senses your distress and anxiety, and becomes more confused, upset, and worried. 

Many pet parents want to avoid causing their pets to suffer any more than is necessary. Some opt for euthanasia at the first sign of terminal suffering. Others need more time to come to terms with their pet’s decline. Either way, it’s ultimately your decision to make, but understand that waiting may cause unnecessary suffering. 

Compassionate Care for You and Your Pet

At Penny Paws Animal Clinic, we strive to provide compassionate care for your pet at every stage of their lives. Seeing your pet sick or suffering isn’t easy for us either, and we always want to do what’s best for all of our furry patients and their parents. We believe that it’s our honor to provide your pet with the care and love they deserve, no matter if your pet is just a few months old or near the end of their lives. 

Euthanasia is just part of the comprehensive care that we provide throughout the life of your pet, but it’s often one that people don’t want to think about. However, it’s an important thing to consider. While most people expect their pets to live long, healthy lives, terminal illness can strike at any time during your pet’s life. Having a vet you trust is the first step in the process. 

While many of us would prefer our pets to die at home peacefully in their sleep, this often isn’t the case. Sometimes we let our pets suffer longer than necessary in hopes that we won’t have to euthanize them. But the truth is, euthanasia is a compassionate choice. The team at Penny Paws Animal Clinic will give you the support you need to make the process as easy as possible. 

Help Your Pet Find Peace

As your pet becomes more ill, you may feel even warier or more stressed about euthanasia. Your pet can likely sense your anxiety, which may compound their own anxiety and pain.  You cannot tell your friend what’s wrong – all they understand is that you’re upset, and they can’t comfort you. This is not a situation where you want to wait until the last minute to make your decision. You want your final moments with your pet to be peaceful and full of love. Waiting could result in an emergency situation where you may not get the peaceful goodbye you were hoping for. 

Euthanasia is painless. Your pet will relax and their pain will cease. You can choose to hold them or pet them during the process, and you can both find comfort in each other’s presence. In most cases, your pet will be given a sedative to help them stay calm during the procedure and fall asleep gently and easily. 

If you wish, you can bring along a favorite blanket, towel, or other comfort item that reminds your pet of home. This may help them relax and stay comfortable. If you think you may have special circumstances or want to understand more about the euthanasia process, it’s a great idea to talk to your vet and ask them any questions. 

What to do Before Euthanasia

When you know your pet’s euthanasia is approaching, you want to make your last moments together memorable and filled with happiness. If your pet is still eating, give them their favorite treats, take them to a favorite outdoor spot, or spoil them in all their favorite ways. Your pet knows you love them so you can use this time to give them extra special treatment. Your cat or dog can be showered in all the best things before you have to say goodbye.  

Also take some time to prepare yourself and your family. Ask your vet exactly what you can expect during the euthanasia process and talk to any children in your family using age-appropriate language. Older kids can make the decision to be in the room when your pet passes, but for younger kids, being present can be confusing or distressing. You know your child best, and you can help to determine whether they are mature enough to handle being present. Make sure your child knows that they can leave at any point in the process if it becomes too much.

While you’re probably focused on taking care of your pet and easing the minds of your family members, don’t forget to care for yourself. It’s ok to be sad, scared, nervous, or even angry. These are all normal parts of the grieving process, and you shouldn’t deny yourself these feelings. You are losing a friend and a companion, and you have a right to feel whatever you’re feeling.  

What Happens After My Pet Passes?

After your pet is euthanized, you may be wondering what comes next. When the euthanasia process is complete, you can take some time to mourn your pet before we take their body to be cremated. Your beloved friend has left their body, but they will not be forgotten. We understand how important it is to you to memorialize your furry family member. We give you a few options, so you can choose what’s right for you and your budget. You can either choose to have your pet cremated individually or as a group with other pets. And if you decide to keep your pet’s ashes, you can choose a standard urn or one of our customized options. You can also get an imprint of your pet’s paw to help keep the memory of them alive. These are all great ways to help remember your pet, but of course, the decision is up to you. 

How Do I Cope With This Loss?

One of the biggest hurdles that pet parents face is returning home without their pet in tow. Many people who have lost a pet agree that this is one of the most difficult parts of the process. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to mourn your pet, and it certainly isn’t silly. You spent years of your life together, and made so many wonderful memories. 

Give yourself time to heal from the loss of your pet and find ways to honor their memory. Create a memorial in your home, plant a tree, a bush, or some flowers in their favorite spot, or make a donation to your local animal shelter in their name. As much as you miss your pet, think about the joy they brought you over the years, instead of focusing on the loss. And never rush to adopt another pet until you’re sure you’re ready. Grief can take many different forms, and sometimes it can take a while to recognize.

If you need support, there are pet loss groups you can join online or in person. These groups give you a safe space to talk about what you’re going through, and the other members of the group can offer you advice, or just lend you a compassionate ear. They have been through something similar to what you are experiencing.

Let Us Help You Make the Right Choice for Your Pet

If you are struggling with the decision to euthanize your pet, we can help you understand when the time is right and give you the support you and your pet need. Penny Paws Animal Clinic has years of experience helping pets and their owners navigate this tough time and we know that every situation is different. Owners are often at a loss when their pets start to decline, and are left with a lot of questions. If you have any questions or need other information about the end of life services we offer pets and their people, contact us. Even if your pet is in good health but is getting up there in years, it’s a good idea to have a plan of action for if and when your pet gets sick. And it’s always a great idea to have a good relationship with a trusted veterinarian at all stages in your pet’s life. Penny Paws Animal Clinic is ready to partner with you for now and for the future health of your pet.