"The Clinic That Cares"
Dr Andrew Hodges . Dr Sandy Jameson . Dr Marv Mattson . Dr Babette Baskerville
Low Stress Handling Certified Facility
Pet Euthanasia
The decision to euthanize is difficult for both the pet owner and the veterinarian, but at the same time, we should recognize that sometimes this is the kindest thing we can do in the final stages of our pet's life.
Although euthanasia is a personal decision, it doesn't need to be a solitary one. Your veterinarian, family and close friends can help you make the right decision and support you as you grieve the loss of your pet.
How do I know it is time?
The decision to euthanize may be the most difficult one you'll ever make for your pet. The decision to end your pet's life is an agonizing one, but it is often one of the most selfless and loving decisions you can make for your beloved pet.
In some cases, pet parents delay making this decision because of guilt or fear that they are ending their pet's life too early or they themselves are not ready to lose their pet. Unfortunately, this can prolong an animal's pain and suffering, so it is essential to understand when it is the right time to euthanize a pet.
If you are not sure your pet is ready, you can do a Quality-of-Life Assessment yourself at the following links:
https://www.lapoflove.com/quality-of-life-assessment
https://journeyspet.com/pet-quality-of-life-scale-calculator/
If you still are unsure, you can book a Quality-of-Life Consultation with a veterinarian to help you get the answers you need from a medical perspective.
An important thing to keep in mind is that animals are very good at hiding the fact that they are painful or uncomfortable.
In the animal world, outward signs of weakness or distress make an animal vulnerable, and because of this instinct, our pets often do their best to hide when they are in pain or not feeling well.
What is included in the Quality-of-Life Consultation?
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A full nose to tail medical exam by a licensed veterinarian to assess your pet's overall health.
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Recommendations for treatments to make your pet more comfortable if euthanasia is not yet recommended.
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Ample time built into the appointment if you and your veterinarian decide that compassionate euthanasia is the most humane option for your pet.
If you have decided it is time, consider creating a bucket list
It may not even cross your mind to create a bucket list for your beloved furry companion. This bucket list will allow you to spend precious time focusing on making memories with them. Most pet owners start bucket lists once a senior pet reaches their final days, or after they've been diagnosed with a terminal condition, such as untreatable cancer or disease. If you pet falls into this category, keep these considerations in mind as you create your furry friend's list, to ensure they remain happy, healthy, and comfortable.
Some ideas to have on your bucket list as follows:
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Take them to visit their favorite places and people they love.
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Give them their favorite toys to play with and spend time with them.
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Give them their favorite foods that they haven't been allowed to eat - CAUTION : popular pet bucket list items are foods that are typically off-limits, such as chocolate, steak, and other foods that are known to cause illness in pets. You should avoid toxic or high-fat foods. However, many pets with terminal conditions have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts and may vomit or have diarrhea with diet changes. Speak to one of our veterinarians before offering your pet special treats. You can also spoil your terminally ill pet by planning a final meal filled with all the foods on the "do not feed" list on the day of the euthanasia.
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Allow them to participate in favorite activities. Be careful to consider your pet's energy level, stamina and comfort level.
If you run into a creative block while brainstorming ideas for your pet's bucket list, here are some activities your furry companion may enjoy:
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An afternoon sunbathing.
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A stroll with a favorite canine or human companion.
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Visiting a national or state park.
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Hanging out at a pet friendly beach.
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Playing their favorite game for as long as they want.
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Hitting all the town's pet-friendly hot spots, sampling food at each one.
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Choosing a toy and a bag of treats at the pet store.
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Rolling in something smelly.
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Running off-leash in a large field.
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Snuggling on the couch all-day.
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A road trip with the car windows down.
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A party with favorite two and four-legged friends.
To Stay or Not to Stay?
Some owners feel comfort being present with their pet in his or her final moments. Others may feel their emotional upset would only upset their pet. The decision to stay or not stay with a pet during its final moments is a very personal one. There is no right answer. If you decide you can not stay with your pet, please know that our team will stay by your pet's side and will talk and love them through this process. They will never be left alone, and they will be loved until their final breathe.
What does Euthanasia look like at our clinic?
When you call in to inquire about euthanasia or to book a euthanasia, our Client Care Coordinators will explain the process and ask if you have been through this prior and what your experience has been like.
Once you arrive to the clinic, the Client Care Coordinators will give you the option to go over and sign the consent form and take care of payment prior to going to the exam room or we can go over that once we go into a private room. The option is yours.
The room will already be set up with blankets, tissues and soft music playing.
Our Veterinarian will come into the room and give your pet a sedative that will relax your pet and reduce any immediate pain or discomfort they are feeling. Your pet remains conscious and aware during this time. This will allow you to spend some peaceful moments together. The sedation takes about 10 minutes to fully set in. You will be able to spend some time with your beloved pet while the sedation takes effect.
Once the sedation has taken effect, the veterinarian will come back into the room to carry your pet into our treatment area to place an IV catheter in one of their front legs. Larger pets that are on the floor will remain in the room and we will ask you to please wait outside in the reception area while the IV catheter is placed.
Your pet will then be brought back into the room or you will be invited back into the room. The Veterinarian will let you know that they are proceeding with the final injection. At this time, they will administer an overdose of an anesthetic through the IV catheter, which serves to gently stop the heart and brain function in a few minutes. You will be able to be with your pet and hold them, you can keep talking to them as they can still hear you right up until the very end. You can take as much times as you need after your pet has passed.
After the final injection
Please be aware that as your pet is passing away, their body can have various muscular contractions. These are post-death reflexes, but if you are not prepared for them, it can seem as if your pet is alive. Your pet may appear to gasp or suddenly have a deep breath. Sometimes this may carry on for several breaths. This is a natural bodily reflex. You pet will not be conscious and is not aware or in any pain. Sometimes the pet's bladder and/or bowel can empty at the same time.
Most owners wish to see their pet's eyes closed but this doesn't happen in animals; eyes remain open even after they have passed away.
It should be noted that we only offer compassionate euthanasia services to senior and terminally ills pets and do not provide "convenience" euthanasia services (meaning the reason for the euthanasia is not medical or age-related in nature).
Aftercare
After euthanasia, you have three options for your pet:
1. Private Cremation: Red Deer Pet Cremation Services, located just outside Red Deer, offers private cremation. Your pet will be cremated individually, and the ashes will be returned to you. We manage all arrangements, including transportation to and from the facility. The ashes will be available for pick-up at our clinic within 7 to 10 business days, though it may take longer if engraving or special urns are requested.
Red Deer Pet Cremation Services offers a variety of urns and keepsakes. Visit their website for more details: Red Deer Pet Cremation Services. Pricing is based on your pet's weight; please contact our clinic for an estimate.
2. General Cremation: In this option, your pet will be cremated with other pets, and their remains will be scattered in a garden at the crematorium.
3. Home Burial: You can opt to take your pet home for burial. Note that in Sylvan Lake, it is not permitted to bury pets within town limits, so you must live on acreage or a farm. The burial must be at least 4 feet deep to prevent predation and contamination from the anesthetic
Euthanasia is a deeply personal decision, and there is no right or wrong choice—only what feels right for you. If you have any questions about the euthanasia process, please contact us.
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