Is now the right time?

How do I know if it is the right time to put my pet to sleep?

Unfortunately, our pets can't use words to share with us how they are feeling mentally and physically. Therefore, many pet owners turn to vets asking them to decide on euthanasia for them. Unless the dog is visibly in pain, the vet will not know what to make of the situation.

Eventually, it's up to you to observe your pet and understand their quality of life. Here are some guidelines that might help you in making the right decision.

• Does your pet still have an appetite?
• Is it able to walk?
• Does it show a sign of pain, such as yelping?
• Are the medications you are giving it working?
• Does the vet think there is anything else that can be done for your pet?
• Do you have a feeling your pet is giving up?
• Is the dog avoiding its bed, and prefers to sleep on cold surfaces?
• Is your desire to have your pet by your side overshadowing its suffering?

How can I prepare for my pet's euthanasia?

As euthanasia is a planned procedure, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself and your pet for it. Here is a list of things you could do before putting your pet down:

• Make sure you are well familiar with the process (and hopefully this article will help with that).
• Ask the vet any questions you have so that there are no surprises.
• Decide on whether or not you want to be present during the euthanasia, and discuss with the vet how you can be involved in the procedure to make it as compassionate as possible.
• Talk to your children about euthanasia and explain the procedure.
• Celebrate your pet's last days. Whether it's a trip to their favourite park or one last photoshoot, surround your pet with love, care and joy one last time.
• Plan the post-euthanasia process whether burying or cremation.
• Create a support mechanism for you and your family. If you need to, ask a friend to accompany you or make a plan for the day of euthanasia. Perhaps go out to dinner and make a toast for your beloved dog or hold a wake with family and friends.

How do I explain to my children that my pet will be put to sleep?

The passing of a family dog can leave an indelible mark on a child's memory. As a parent, you need to make sure to turn that experience into one in which they learn about the acceptance of life and death and how to deal with grief effectively.

Before you bring your child to say the last goodbye and witness the euthanasia procedure, you need to consider their age and ability to understand what is going on.

• Children of 4 years and under cannot understand much about the concept of death. They should stay in a separate room so parents can be fully present for the pet's passing.
• 5-year-olds can understand that their pet is sick, that it will not get better, and that the pet is not here any more. Luckily, they can be easily distracted by other activities and toys. Once they see other family members crying, they can feel confused and sad, but as soon as they get back to their routine they will forget all about it.
• 6 and 7-year-olds may be able to understand almost everything that is going on, but they will not be able to come up with the right questions. Nevertheless, you need to provide them with the answers. At this point, you need to make sure your child knows what "dying" means. If you are religious, perhaps you can relate relevant religious concepts to what is happening to your pet. No matter how you decide to explain the idea of death, the child needs to know that the pet has died and that it will not be coming back.
• Children 8 and over are mature enough to grasp the fact that the pet is in pain, although they may not understand the disease process. They will want to know what happens next. Try to avoid saying things like "the dog will be put to sleep", because some children are very literal. The best way to make them understand the situation is an honest explanation of euthanasia. Tell them that their loved pet is sick and can't get better. Explain to them that because you all love the pet so much, you will not let it suffer, and that you are going to help it die with comfort and dignity.

What happens during my pet's euthanasia?

The appointment for euthanasia is the most emotional appointment pet owners will have to make for their pet. These are the steps the vet is going to take during the euthanasia process:

• The vet will want to insert an intravenous catheter in your pet's leg, because this is the most effective way of administering the medication. Your pet will feel a very slight needle prick.
• Once the needle (or a catheter) is inside the vein, the vet will start giving the pentobarbital solution that will cause the euthanasia. This solution can be thick and brightly coloured (blue or pink) and will not cause any discomfort to your pet.
• Decide on whether or not you want to be present during the euthanasia, and discuss with the vet how you can be involved in the procedure to make it as compassionate as possible.
• The euthanasia solution will rapidly travel throughout the pet's body, causing unconsciousness within seconds. You will notice the pet's breathing slowing down until it stops. A cardiac arrest (heart failure) will soon follow, which leads to clinical death. You might notice your pet has muscle twitching, urinating or last gasps after the administration of the euthanasia solution. It is important to note that your pet is completely unaware of these movements, and it does not feel any pain. Such movement are normal.
• In some cases, it might be hard to find a vein due to low blood pressure, so the vet will consider injecting into your pet's body or heart. If that happens, the vet will administer a sedative to your pet before injecting the actual euthanasia solution. This will make your pet relaxed and sleepy before the actual euthanasia takes place.
• The vet will check the heartbeat of your pet. Once no heartbeat can be heard, the vet will confirm death and leave you alone with your pet .This is an emotional time and you are allowed to stay as long as you need.