Home Pet Euthanasia - What to Expect
The process, how to help kids, and how to involve your other pets
What’s The Process?
If you have specific requests, Dr. Wensing will do everything she can to honor your wishes.
Body care decisions
Mason
Your decision for body care should be made either prior to or on the day of your pets euthanasia. Dr. Wensing can provide your pets body removal. You also have the option to transport your pet to the vet hospital or crematorium of your choice. You may also choose to keep your pet but should review proper burial practices.
The Euthanasia Process
Pre-Sedation
Dr. Wensing highly recommends that your pet start the relaxation process prior to her visit. During the scheduling process she will advise you on pre-visit sedation medication. Medications will need to be obtained most often from your regular veterinarian.
Sedation
A sedative or progression of sedation medications are given orally or by injection in order to calm and relax your pet. Sedation allows for a comfortable transition to euthanasia. Sedation takes approximately 5-10 minutes. With the onset of sedation your pet will look like he/she is sleeping but won’t be easily aroused.
Injection of euthanasia solution
Once your pet is comfortably sedate, an intravenous injection of euthanasia solution is given. Your pet will become unconscious, his/her eyes will not shut, breathing will stop, and his/her heart will stop. This process is relatively fast and takes approximately 3-5 minutes.
Confirmation of death
Dr. Wensing will confirm that your pets heart has stopped and notify you that your pet has passed away.
Post death movement
Your pet may have postmortem movements such as muscles twitching or even a big open mouth breath. Urine or feces may be lost as muscles relax. Eyes will not shut.
Keepsakes
Dr. Wensing will create keepsakes such as hair clippings and paw prints. Please feel free to make any requests.
Body care
Dr. Wensing can provide your pets body removal if your pet is approximately 70lb or lighter. If your pet is heavier than 70 lbs, Dr. Wensing may have you coordinate her visit with Valley Pet Loss Center. They can provide your pets removal and cremation service.
Pets are Individuals in Their Reactions to Euthanasia
Please remember that every pet is an individual. Each pet will react differently to the sedation and euthanasia process. Dr. Wensing does her very best to anticipate and prevent any discomfort that your pet may feel during this process.
What About Kids?
Children ages 1 to 9 years
It is best to inform children in this age group that their pet is not doing well, and may not live much longer. Details of euthanasia do not need to be explained. Dr. Wensing recommends allowing children in this age group the opportunity to say goodbye to their pet. They do not necessarily need to be present for the euthanasia.
Children ages 10 - 18 years
Children of this age group can be asked if they would like to be present for euthanasia.
What About My Other Pets?
Tina and Moonbeam
For many pets the loss of a close companion is just as painful as for the human family. Pets understand illness and death, and they grieve. Dr. Wensing suggests that all family pets be allowed to be present for the euthanasia of their companion. They should be allowed to come and go as they desire during the process. However, if the pet is aggressive or very rowdy, it may be requested that they are brought out after the euthanasia. That way they will have an opportunity to visit their deceased companion. They do understand, and they do grieve.
“Everyone is taught that angels have wings - the lucky ones of us find that they have 4 paws.”