I love my job but sometimes being a Vet can be extremely hard. Sadly, this past week I had to say "farewell" to a favourite, dear, old patient of mine, whom I have known for many years.
It is always a hard decision to let a much-loved, dear pet go.
However, as Vets, it is one of the most important duties that we must do for our patient's care, quality of life and comfort. Euthanasia, when necessary, is very much part of that life-long patient care.
Making that decision to say a final goodbye and choosing euthanasia for your beloved pet can be one of the hardest and most difficult decisions you have to face as a pet owner.
It can also though be seen as the last positive, compassionate act that you can give your faithful companion at the end of their life, to relieve them of on-going, end stage illness, pain, or suffering. It may be a very necessary release and is a way to humanely, and with some dignity, end any suffering, in a pain free, previously planned, carefully controlled and peaceful manner.
If you are considering euthanasia for your pet and you are wondering what is involved and whether to be present at the procedure, although difficult, if you can, it is helpful for you as the pet owner to take time to discuss beforehand the usual steps involved with your Vet. A discussion prior to the time of euthanasia may help make the final "saying goodbye" a little less stressful.
It is entirely natural to feel distraught and upset when your pet passes. Do not be embarrassed about showing your emotions, your Vet and Vet support team will understand, and they will expect you to be extremely upset. They will always help and support you during this sad time.
Losing a much-loved pet can be extremely hard to cope with. The emotion and pain of grief can feel overwhelming. This grief can lead to conflicting and confusing emotions, from shock, denial, and disbelief to feelings of guilt and even anger. These emotions are quite normal and confirms the special bond between people and their pets.
It is particularly important to give yourself as much time as you need to grieve. You have lost a very special companion here, so missing them is quite natural. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this grief, so it can sometimes feel like a very lonely, depressing experience. Take time to talk things over with supportive friends and family and speak with your Vet practice and the advised support networks. Your emotions here are quite natural, so do not feel ashamed or embarrassed of them. Try not to feel guilty, or to blame yourself, the decision for euthanasia is always a very carefully considered one and is always taken with your pet's interests at heart and to avoid any further discomfort or suffering. It is important also to remember that with time grief eases and its intensity does fade.
For further information and advice on pet euthanasia, do contact your Vet. We are here for you and do understand and we are always here to help, support and listen.
Contact your Vet to discuss the procedures in place at your Vet practice during these difficult times.
Support is also available from the Pet Bereavement Support Service, a confidential Support line, open from 8:30am to 8:30pm
Tel: 0800 096 6606
Or if you prefer not to speak to anyone, their e-mail support line is: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk
Alison Laurie-Chalmers,
Senior Consultant,
Crown Vets