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Why do we euthanase our pets?
We euthanase, or 'put to sleep' pets either because they are in pain or their quality of life has deteriorated beyond an acceptable level. The decision to euthanase an animal is never easy. In certain cases, where perhaps treatment is not viable and your pet's condition is rapidly deteriorating, the decision is made a little more clear by knowing we can help prevent our pets from suffering. Other situations are less black and white, and good days are mixed with bad. Often it helps to talk about the situation with friends, family and the staff at the practice. As pet owners ourselves, we appreciate just how difficult this time can be.
Some pets do die quietly and painlessly at home. However, for the majority of pets, the quality of their life deteriorates and they need veterinary intervention.
How do I assess my pet's quality of life?
The following may help you:
- Pain
Chronic (on-going) pain can be difficult to detect. Animals rarely cry as they would with acute pain - when they would whine or yelp. The signs to watch for include lethargy, loss of appetite, reluctance to exercise and a generally dull demeanour.
- Appetite
When pets feel well they eat well. If they feel ill or in discomfort, they may eat little or nothing. Any pet that is disinterested in food or drink, or has no appetite has a reduced quality of life.
- Socialisation
Most pets respond when we come in from work or enter the room. If you notice a change and your pet doesn't greet you or respond to you, it could signal serious illness.
- Cleanliness
Our pets, like us, prefer to be clean. Cats especially are fastidious groomers. Matted coats or soiling of the coat or bedding, particularly in animals that have previously been clean, indicate a serious deterioration in quality of life.
- Change in Behaviour
Small pets (such as rats, gerbils and hamsters) may appear hunched or fluffed up, or may come out at unusual times if they are feeling ill.
How is euthanasia performed?
A very large dose of an anaesthetic drug is given that leads to unconsciousness within a few seconds. How the anaesthetic is given depends on the species and medical condition of your pet, but in every case the procedure is quick and painless. We usually administer the medication by injection into the vein. There are circumstances, such as illness or poor circulation, where this may not be easy, and we will discuss with you of the method we may choose to use for your individual pet to cause the least stress possible. If your animal is very nervous, we can administer a tranquillising drug before the procedure. Consciousness is lost in seconds, and although you may see some reflex actions such as gasping, sighing, urinating or defecating, please be assured that your pet is unaware of any pain or discomfort. You can decide to stay with your pet, or say goodbye and leave him or her with the nurse and vet.
Where do we carry euthanasia?
We can carry out the procedure either at your home or at any of our surgeries.
- In the Surgery
We will help you to choose an appointment when the waiting room is quiet in order to minimise your waiting time. This may be difficult to arrange at short notice, but we will do our utmost to accommodate you and your pet at this difficult time. Please try to call us before 10.00am if you require our services on the same day.
- At Home
We will of course visit you at home. The vet will usually bring a nurse to help. Again, please give us time to organise the visit, especially if requesting a specific vet (perhaps someone who knows you and your pet well). It is best to phone the surgery before 10.00am, or better still, the day before you need the visit. Home visits are more expensive, and the cost of the visit is in addition to the charge for euthanasia.
What happens to my pet's body after euthanasia?
We treat all pets and wild animals with respect. The cremations are carried out by a small family run firm, based on a farm in Gloucestershire. We chose this company for their professionalism and compassionate service.
- Routine Cremation
This is an economical and sensible option. Pets are taken from our surgeries to the crematorium. Several pets are cremated at the same time and their ashes scattered at the premises
- Individual Cremation
Pets are cremated individually and the ashes placed either in a biodegradable box which can be kept, buried or the ashes scattered in a special place, or in a polished wooden casket with your pet’s name on a brass plaque.
- Burial at Home
Many people choose to bury their pets at home. Before undertaking this, remember the size and depth of the grave must be sufficient to accommodate your pet without the risk of disturbance from wild animals or future owners of the property. It is better to wrap your pet carefully in a biodegradable material, such as paper or a carboard box.
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