What Does Euthanasia Look Like?
- r21navarro
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Never forget, that in between "hello" and "goodbye" there is so much love. Euthanizing a pet is never easy. but it is a final act of love that ensures a peaceful gentle passing. It is a decision that is made with love.
What is Euthanasia?
Euthanasia is a procedure that provides a peaceful and painless end to a pet's life when illness, injury, or old age compromises their quality of life and causes pain or suffering that cannot be cured or adequately managed. The passing of a pet through euthanasia is quick, typically lasting about one to two minutes.
All Pets Go To Heaven provides in home euthanasia for pets within Dallas, TX and its surrounding cities. We always strive to be informative during a euthanasia step-by-step.
Step-by-Step
Calming Medication
This provides a tranquil environment for pets. Pets can become easily anxious, nervous, or excited when placed in a new setting or they encounter unfamiliar faces. Pets will be alert but calm. These medications come in a variety of forms, and the routes of administration can also differ. Oral routes take the longest (hours) for calming effects to set in. Injectable forms are as they are given either intravenously or intramuscularly. Both of these forms take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to see calming effects
Sedation
Once pets are calm, an IV catheter is placed followed by administering a sedative. These are typically administered intravenously, and full sedation occurs within seconds before the patient loses consciousness. At this point, they may start snoring, become limp, and sometimes take one final stretch or breath.
Final Injection
This injection is administered after your pet is asleep, painlessly stopping the heart to ensure a peaceful passing focused on comfort.
Confirmation of passing via stethoscope
How Will I Know It's Time?
We understand that your decision for euthanasia is by no means easy. All Pets Go To Heaven does have a quick read that may guide to your ultimate decision. We always encourage pet owners to also discuss this with their primary veterinarian and even explore a hospice approach. Please let us know if we can be of help to you in making your decision.
QOL Assessment Tool
Additionally, we have a quality of tool that you can use to help you gauge how your pet is doing at home.
Presence of Family and Furry Friends
We encourage family members who are comfortable to be present throughout the process. Your pets will be able to hear and see you before losing consciousness from the sedative. It is important for furry housemates to also understand (through sight, smell and touch) what has happened to their friend.
Complexities
Veterinarians always strive for a smooth euthanasia process for pets and their families. However, although rare, there are factors that may not go according to plan.
Aggressive pets that require muzzling initially may disrupt the smoothness of the process families are seeking.
IV catheters not being able to be placed due to poor blood pressure, swelling of limbs, obesity and age.
Tumors affecting IV access.
Please remember, IV catheters are required at Step 2 and 3. However, if an IV catheter is not achievable, there are alternatives. This would require administering strong sedatives intramuscularly followed by allowing ample time for the patient to lose consciousness, and finally, performing an intra-hepatic (in the liver) or intra-cardiac (in the heart) injection. This may take up to 15-30 minutes to pass. These are not common but can happen.
Grief Support
Losing a pet is like losing a family member. Our companions provide unparalleled love, loyalty and joy. Their absence is impactful. The grief that ensues from a pet's death is distinctive and warrants understanding. We hope you find these suggestions not only helpful but supportive to you, your family, and your furry friends.
