Being present during an euthanasia is, in our opinion at Wholistic Paws, the most crucial thing we can do. In this most trying time, it is a privilege and an honor to work with a family. To ease their friends’ suffering and to ensure a peaceful and fearless final transition, we treat families with the utmost respect and compassion. Whether or not your pet is in hospice, we can perform in-home euthanasia, and we work around your schedule by offering weekend and evening hours.
Regarding Dr. John Ciribassis’ response regarding the presence of housemates during euthanasia: For almost 20 years, I have performed home euthanasia as a part of my house call practice. The usual instructions I gave owners regarding the transition of their other pets to life without the one being put to sleep seemed not to apply, which surprised me. Owners repeatedly reported that even when the animals were very close, the other animals did not appear to notice the deceased animal’s absence.
Readers discuss whether other animals should be present during a deceased housemate’s final moments.
I have actually had the experience of having a housemate’s pet attend a euthanasia. My dog Ribbon, who was 9 years old, had spent her entire life with my dog Beau, who was 12 years old. Beau got osteosarcoma, and I finally had to euthanize him. I brought Ribbon with me; I’m not sure why I did that. She hid under the bench while we were performing the euthanasia because she was afraid we would “examine” her. We put Beau to sleep on the floor. I told Ribbon to “Come on” as I stood up to leave after we were finished, but she didn’t look to the right or left or even at Beau who was lying on the ground. She never once looked for him at home before we walked out of the clinic.
After all these years, I’ve come to the conclusion that all they really need is information—specifically, to know whether or not the missing pet is still alive. When the sick person was taken to the hospital, they may have smelled illness, but that is not the same as the smell after all processes have ended. Pets should be given the opportunity to smell the deceased before being allowed to leave whether they were present at the time of death or not, in my opinion. In situations where a housemate passes away following surgery or hospitalization, I even advise owners to bring a surviving pet to the hospital. Losing a pet is difficult enough for the owners, but having another pet who doesn’t understand what happened makes it even harder.
It would be difficult for you to persuade me that something in those “heightened animal senses” failed to acknowledge that Beau wasn’t there. In the past, if one dog wasn’t home for some reason, the other dog would go in search of the missing dog. Ribbon never did this after Beaus death. Although I don’t practice much religion or follow metaphysics, that experience has at least somewhat converted me. I would advise taking the housemate dog with you and letting it be there if there is no research in either direction.
We share helpful techniques, develop our skills, and advance knowledge in this vital area.
At worst, many people unintentionally become emotionally overbearing and intrusive in their need for solace, clinging to the remaining pet in a way that makes it more dependent and even less able to adjust and cope alone for the first time ever. Sadly, the quality of advice provided at these times, if any advice is forthcoming, appears to be highly variable and frequently based solely on personal experience. Although the intentions may be good, since our relationships with and demands placed on our companion animals vary from person to person, this can frequently complicate a potentially volatile situation.
A good rule of thumb is to do whatever seems appropriate to the individual with regard to staying during euthanasia and seeing the deceased pet’s body because circumstances vary and “should” does not apply when it comes to death and grief.
The shift in attitudes toward pet loss in recent decades seems extraordinary. To handle euthanasias as delicately as possible and spend time preparing clients is now standard practice, which is understandable.
Despite some skepticism, those of us who work in small animal practice on a daily basis no longer find such conversations odd. And a good thing too. Clients who put their faith in our professionalism and rightfully anticipate compassion from all those on our side of the consulting table are owed it to us.
Can I feed my pet prior to the euthanasia?
Yes. The last moments you have with your pet should be joyful and filled with things that make them happy, whether it’s a steak dinner or a McDonald’s burger. Whatever special treat your pet might like is fine. Try not to give your pet a lot of food within 1-2 hours of the appointment because some of the medications used to help sedate him or her before the final part of the euthanasia process may make him or her a little queasy. Small amounts of treats should also be fine.
FAQ
Can a dog sense when another dog is dying?
Your pet may have a terminal diagnosis from a veterinarian, be listless or losing their appetite. Dogs are similarly attuned to their environments and surroundings, if not more so, and most likely fully comprehend when a canine companion is leaving.
How do I comfort my dog during euthanasia?
Bring the props—your dog’s favorite comforts. Feel free to listen to it while being put to death on your phone. Further, consider bringing along a favorite toy or “comfort” item. Finally, your dog will be lying down for the euthanasia whether it happens at home or the veterinary clinic. Plan to use your dog’s favorite dog bed.
What happens if you have 2 dogs and one dies?
Maintain a routine for your survivor dog to reduce stress. In order to help the other dog adjust, go on extra walks, teach it some new tricks, or buy it puzzle games. This is because dogs who live together are constantly interacting, so when one dog passes away, the other dog may become bored.
Do your other pets know when another pet dies?
When a friend stops showing up in their lives, cats and dogs tend to notice, and they frequently react to that absence in a way that makes it clear they miss their friend.