Euthanasia
When the time comes to say goodbye – making the right decision
Euthanasia in veterinary medicine is sometimes referred to as “putting to sleep” – a gentle euphemism to describe an injection a veterinary surgeon administers to bring about a painless, quick death where an animal has incurable disease or injury or is suffering in old age. Euthanasia prevents suffering and distress; it is a final act of kindness.
Euthanasia decisions are never easy, but it may help to remember that this is a shared decision: your veterinary surgeon has professional responsibility for advising you from a medical perspective and you have personal responsibility for the decision as the pet’s guardian.
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/time-to-say-goodbye-to-your-dog
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/wellbeing-and-care/time-to-say-goodbye-to-your-cat
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/pets/health-and-injuries/time-to-say-goodbye-to-your-small-pet
Where it happens
This can be done at any of our branches – Linlithgow, South Queensferry or Edinburgh or you also have the option to say your final goodbye to your companion at home. In the practice we try to book appointments at quieter times of day to give you time and space to say your goodbyes.
A home visit from the vet should be pre-arranged with adequate notice where possible for a mutually convenient time.
What Happens?
Every animal is different and we try to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as we can for that patient. Some animals are given a small dose of sedation before to reduce stress – your vet will discuss this with you. Often a catheter is placed into a vein on the front leg through which the euthanasia drug is given. This works very quickly and is not painful. It is not unusual for animals to give some big breaths during or just after they’ve passed away. This is a normal response as the muscles of the body relax. It can be a bit upsetting to see but be assured, they are no longer conscious and can feel no pain or fear.
Should you stay with your pet during euthanasia?
This is entirely your choice. It may be a comfort to you to see that euthanasia is usually a quick and gentle process, but try not to feel guilty if you feel unable to watch – if you are very upset then this may upset your pet. Vets and nurses choose their profession because they want to help animals. You can rely on them to treat your companion sympathetically even in your absence. If you wish, ask to see your pet afterwards. At the end you will be offered the opportunity to spend some alone time with your companion if you wish.
Personal Items
Many owners like to keep their dogs lead and/or pets collar afterwards; it is worth considering before you come in if you would like it.
Pawprints
We can do ink pawprints for you free-of-charge. These are made into a handmade card – with the option for a hair locket to go with this. Again, this is not for everyone but we would like you to be aware of the option available.
Some keep a lock of hair to keep with ashes or in a locket or with a favourite photograph.
Memorial Options
There are a few options following euthanasia:
Burial – You may choose to take your pet’s body home for burial.
Cremation – You can choose either communal cremation (where your pet is cremated along with other pets) or individual cremation with ashes returned to you. We work with Central Pet Cremations based in Falkirk. More information on the service they provide and options for memorials (urns, caskets, etc) is available on their website: www.centralpetcremations.co.uk/
Dick Vet Educational Memorial Programme
We can arrange for your pet’s body to be donated to Edinburgh Vet School to be used in teaching and research. More information is available here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/donate/dick-vet-educational-memorial-programme
Pet Memorials
There are a lot of small businesses and designers who specialise in pet memory who can create a more lasting or unusual keepsake with pet hair or pawprints. Below are some links with a few different examples.
Ashes into Glass – very popular and comes recommended by several clients: https://ashesintoglass.co.uk
Pet Keepsake Items (using locket of hair): https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WoosHandmade?ref=search_shop_redirect
Etsy – a large varied selection of pet memory items are available: https://www.etsy.com/uk/search?q=pet%20memory%20uk
Truly Treasured Originals (based in South Queensferry) Local jeweler who does Silver Imprint Jewellery – your ink pawprints can be used as design: 07397 192203
Linlithgow Pottery have made custom urns for a few clients, they may be able to customise something for you. Their contact details are on their website: https://linlithgowpottery.com/contact/
Custom Made to Pet https://www.urnsforashes.co.uk/urns/pet-memorials/custom-made-pet-urn/
Support following the loss of a pet
Losing a pet is a very emotional experience and it is normal to grieve and be upset. More help and support is available from the Blue Cross website.
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-loss-support-children-missing-my-friend
