10 Important Questions to Ask a Pet Euthanasia Provider
Deciding to put your pet down through euthanasia is very difficult, whether your pet is suffering from a long-term illness or is just old. Raising questions on what happens can also be very scary, and most pet owners are afraid to ask about the process.
Even though it’s hard to imagine the life of your pet coming to an end, it’s essential to understand the process and prepare yourself mentally. It helps make the right decision regarding your pet and know what to do when that time comes.
10 Important Questions to Ask a Pet Euthanasia Provider
1. How long does the process take?
A painless death usually takes 30 seconds after the intravenous euthanasia solution. Nevertheless, whether the provider uses an iv catheter or administers sedation before euthanasia, the process may take 20-30 minutes or more.
How does one know when it’s time?
According to Home Heart Vets, animals tend to sleep more when they are aging. They also struggle to get up or down due to pain from arthritis. Pets also communicate through their interactions with you. However, the decision to euthanize is entirely yours. A at home pet euthanasia service provider can help guide you through the process.
2. Is it Okay for other Pets to be Present During the Process?
The home care providers advise having your other pets present during the euthanasia process. Since pets also have instincts and can tell when a pack member is about to go. Therefore, it’s okay for them to be present because they will be able to mourn and sympathize with you and your family. They can also depict emotions from everyone in the room and recognize that you are saying farewell.
3. Is My Pet Dying Naturally Better than Euthanasia?
Letting your pet die naturally can prolong its suffering. Whether your pet is suffering from a terminal illness, incurable disease, or a geriatric condition, it is better to euthanize it than let the pet go through needless pain. However, it’s okay to let your pet die a natural death if it is not in any pain.
4. Is Euthanasia Painful to my Pet?
Some pets may whine, whimper, and cry during the process, and some cats also hiss or meow, but after seconds, the pain will go away. The pets may also paddle or stumble because of the sedation, but these are unintended consequences of the euthanasia solution. The euthanasia process is painless and is identical to when a human being is under anesthesia. Therefore, your pet might act weirdly and make strange motions and noises before losing consciousness.
Read Also: 6 Signs Its Time to Visit a Neurologist
5. What Occurs During the Euthanasia Process?
The most common euthanasia involves administering an intravenous (IV) pentobarbital injection, immediately stopping the heart from beating. The solution works faster when given through a vein.
Although administering it through the body cavity is also an option, it does not work as quickly. Before injecting the euthanasia solution in your pet, an IV catheter is implanted, which makes venous access easier, making injections rapid and painless. Plus, it also helps avoid any complications. Your pet also receives a sedation injection to ensure a smooth process.
After your pet is sedated and sleeping calmly, the veterinarian injects the euthanasia solution, and it quickly travels throughout the body, causing a state of unconsciousness. Afterward, the veterinarian injects the solution in excess, which causes the body’s processes to slow down, eventually leading to death.
6. What Happens to My Pet After Being Euthanized?
You have the option of burying or cremating your pet after euthanization. You can choose between communal or solo cremation, where your pet’s ashes are delivered to you if it’s individual cremation, and they scatter ashes in a crematorium park or garden in communal cremation.
7. When Can I Expect to Get My Pet’s Ashes?
The time frame may vary, but in most cases after 10-14 days. The service providers will contact you to arrange how to deliver your pet’s ashes.
8. Does an Assistant Accompany the Veterinarian?
On most occasions, the veterinarian comes with an assistant to help them during the process. After and during the euthanasia process, they give you and your family personal time and space.
Conclusion
Letting go of your beloved furry friend can be one of the most difficult decisions you will make in your life, but before making any decision. It’s also essential to consult with your veterinarian and decide what’s best for your pet. However, scheduling a euthanasia appointment is better than prolonging your pet’s suffering.