Saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion may be the most difficult aspect of pet ownership. The decision to euthanize a pet can be agonizing, and it is important to take advantage of available resources to minimize stress. At-home pet euthanasia allows you to give your furry friend a comfortable and safe send-off in the familiar surroundings of their own space.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Before you begin to make arrangements for euthanasia, we recommend scheduling a visit with your veterinarian unless it is an emergency situation. After a thorough exam, you and your vet can discuss whether euthanasia is the best option. If your pet is in a lot of pain, the doctor can provide pain management options. This helps your pet feel as comfortable as possible in his or her final days.
At Home Pet Euthanasia: Set Up the Space
The biggest benefit of pet euthanasia at home is being able to completely control the environment. This means you can pick the exact location for the procedure and set it up to be extremely comfortable for your pet. Try to choose a location with plenty of room where you can block out background noises, and family members can gather to say goodbye. If your pet has a favorite spot or bed in the house, you might want to consider using it for the procedure.
At Home Pet Euthanasia: Add Some Calming Effects
Many people like to play soothing music for their pets once they have set up a comfortable location for them. Pheremones can help provide a soothing atmosphere for nervous animals. You can either use a pheromone dispenser or a spray. If using a dispenser, we recommend setting it up about two days before the procedure. Fill the area with any favorite toys or blankets. Be sure the location is easily accessible for your pet and provides access to food and water.
Take Caution with Other Animals
Many at-home pet euthanasia practitioners welcome the presence of other animals as long as they will not distract or hurt the patient. Before the procedure, decide if you want to permit other pets to be in the room with you. If you don’t want them close by, be sure you pick a space with a secure door you can close.
What to Expect from the At-Home Pet Euthanasia Procedure
Understanding what will happen during the procedure can help you stay calm. Animals often respond to the emotions of their owners, so it is important for you to feel calm. The euthanasia professional will start off by injecting a sedative to ensure your pet feels as calm as possible. Pets often fall asleep peacefully after the initial injection.
Once you are ready, the veterinarian will inject the final medication, which will trigger the euthanasia. There is no pain or discomfort for your pet. You can have as much time as you need with your pet before, during, and after the procedure to give you the proper time to say goodbye.
With an at-home pet euthanaisa, it is a good idea to decide beforehand whether you can and want to bury your pet at home, or if you prefer cremation. With cremation, you have two options: a single cremation where you receive your pet’s ashes, or a group cremation where ashes are not returned.
The caring team at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital understands how hard it is to lose our beloved pets. If you decide you’d rather say goodbye to your pet in our hospital, we can offer suport, pain management, and advice, as well as on-site cremation services. We also have a pet memorial wall located in a serene meditation garden. To learn more, please call (248) 363-1508.