The heart-breaking details of our pets’ final moments before they are euthanised

Pets are our family

For the majority of pet owners, our beloved animal companions become an irreplaceable and integral part of our family. Dogs and cats don’t live as long as humans, so its quite often that owners have to lose their beloved four-legged friends.Sometimes our pets pass away due to illness or an accident, sometimes it is our choice to help them over the rainbow bridge when needed.

Making that tough decision

So that our pets don’t continue to suffer, as responsible pet owners we often have to opt for the difficult decision for the vet to put our animals down, to ensure that they are no longer in pain and that their last few moments can be as comfortable as possible. If you’ve never been in this devastating situation before, you may wonder exactly what it feels like. Jessi Dietrich, a pet owner asked her vet this very question on Twitter.

Vet’s devastating response

When Jessi asked her vet what the hardest part of his vocation was, she was astonished to hear that it was when he has to euthanise an animal, that 90 percent of the dog or cat’s owners don't want to be present with their pet as they are given their final injection. Many pets are frantic at this time, so they are given a sedative first to calm them. This is the time when your pet needs you to be present, to stroke him and calm his fears. You don’t want him to be panicky and searching around the room looking for his precious owner.

Understand what to expect from the procedure

Many owners don’t actually know what’s going to happen to their dog as they are put down, and its probably this fear and uncertainty that prevents them from being with their cat or dog at this crucial time. Losing a much-loved pet is a very personal circumstance, and many people have other things going on in their lives too. Don’t be afraid to discuss the procedure with your vet in detail and make sure that you’re happy to spend time with your pet during his final moments. You are certainly not a coward if you don’t have the strength to stay till the very end.

A quick and gentle process

Blue Cross, the Animal charity, offer their advice to deal with the distressing and heart-rending method of putting your pet to sleep. Euthanasia is a gentle and quick process but don’t feel guilty if you are not able to remain with your pet as it happens. Your dog or cat will soon pick up on your distraught emotions, which in turn could upset them too. Vets and nurses are in their professions because of their decision to help animals. You can be certain that even in your absence, your pet will be handled and dealt with in a caring and sympathetic way.

Losing any pet can be a heart-breaking experience and one of the toughest things we have to go through.