Caring and Compassionate Pet Euthanasia
Euthanasia is something most people would rather not think about. Unfortunately, pets become old and ill. When they appear to be suffering, pet euthanasia is the most caring and compassionate gift an owner can give to their pet.
Understanding When It's Time to Say Goodbye
It can be difficult for pet owners to determine when it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved pets. This is especially true if your pet has good days and bad days. If you are unsure as to whether it’s time to say goodbye, Seneca Animal Hospital can evaluate your pet’s health and answer your questions in order to help you make a decision.
Some considerations for evaluating your pet's quality of life:
1. Your Pet Is in Chronic Pain that Cannot Be Alleviated With Medication.
2. Your Pet Has Stopped Eating and/or Lost Weight.
3. Your Pet Has Chronic Vomiting and Diarrhea that Cannot Be Controlled.
4. Your Pet’s Activity Levels and Interest in Their Surroundings Have Dropped.
5. Your Pet Can No Longer Stand or Walk on His or Her Own.
In-Office Pet Euthanasia
Many pet owners choose in-office pet euthanasia. However, they still want their pets to be as comfortable as possible. Once you arrive in our office, you will have the option of choosing whether you wish to stay with your pet for his or her final moment, or if you wish to say your final goodbyes, and then leave when you're ready. If you wish to stay with your beloved pet, our staff will try to make the euthanasia procedure as comfortable as possible for your pet, and you as well. During the procedure, our veterinarian may give your pet a sedative prior to putting him or her to sleep. They will then inject the medication that helps your pet pass peacefully. After your pet passes you can be with your pet as long as you wish to, to say your goodbyes. You will have the option to take your pet home for burial, or we can help make arrangements with a pet cemetery for burial or cremation services. You will then have the opportunity to have your pet's ashes returned to you in a lovely cedar box, or beautiful paw print tin if you choose cremation.
At-Home Pet Euthanasia
An increasing number of pet owners are choosing at-home pet euthanasia in order to help their pets be as comfortable as possible, and in a familiar environment. Seneca Animal Hospital recommends Paws in Your Heart or Lap of Love , to perform your pet's at home euthanasia.The process for at-home pet euthanasia is essentially the same as it would be in the office. The only difference is that a veterinarian brings the medications to your home to be administered. Being at home also gives you the option of having your pet put to sleep either indoors or outdoors, depending on which you think your pet would prefer. Once the medication has been administered and your pet has passed peacefully, you will be given time to grieve. When you and your family members are ready, the veterinarian can remove your pet from your home, or can help you find a place to have your pet cremated or buried.
1.) Lap of Love can be reached at (716) 320-0187.
2.) Paw in Your Heart can be reached at (716) 898-8525.
For questions about pet euthanasia or to schedule an appointment with Seneca Animal Hospital, call us at (716) 652-6120 today. We’d be happy to make this difficult process a little easier on your family.