Dispelling Common Myths About Pet Euthanasia

The choice to euthanize an animal who is in extreme pain and discomfort is a compassionate choice when there are no other palliative options. Most people have mixed emotions about pet euthanasia, and with good reason. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly and should only be considered as a last resort. That said, there are some common myths associated with pet euthanasia that need to be dispelled:Myth #1: Euthanasia is SelfishSome people fear that deciding to euthanize is a selfish decision that demonstrates a lack of willingness to care for an ailing pet. They feel as though it’s the easy way out and that going to great lengths to care for an ailing pet is the selfless choice. Though euthanasia should only be considered as a last resort, when the time is right it’s the most selfless choice a person can make for their pet. Prolonging the agony of a suffering pet to postpone one’s own suffering is a far more selfish choice.Myth #2: My Pet Will Tell Me When It’s TimeIt’s a common myth that pets will provide some sort of sign that they are ready to die. While the sentiment is heartwarming, most often this isn’t the case. Waiting for a pet to provide some sort of “signal” that it’s their time to go needlessly prolongs their pain and suffering.Myth #3: Pet Loss is Insignificant Compared to Human LossThe grief a person experiences, whether due to the loss of a pet or a human, isn’t something anyone has the right to judge. In many cases, the loss a pet is more devastating than a human loss. People grieving the death of a pet should be afforded the same respect and comfort as anyone else.Myth #4: It’s Best to Protect Children from What HappenedThe old story about the family dog being taken to the farm to live out the rest of his years is really more about sparing parents the uncomfortable discussion than it is about sparing the child’s pain. If a child is close to an animal, he or she is going to experience pain when it’s not longer there. Not knowing what happened to the animal can only exacerbate this. When parents are honest with children and offer them the opportunity to say goodbye to a beloved pet, it gives the child closure and a healthier association with the topic of death.Myth #5: Pets Don’t Mourn the Loss of Other Pets When animals share close quarters they often form close bonds. Even an animal that wasn’t demonstrably close to a deceased animal can show signs of mourning. When losing a fellow pet, many animals will experience loss of appetite, depression and may search the house to find the missing pet. Remember to provide extra love and attention to surviving pets as they navigate this difficult time.Ending the life of a pet is not a decision anyone should take likely. When confronted with this most unthinkable choice, many people are clouded by these common myths. In the best interest of your pet, it’s important to get the facts straight about pet euthanasia.

What to Do Before Euthanizing a Pet

Deciding to euthanize a pet is a heartbreaking choice. In the worst cases, a pet may be involved in an accident or experience a medical condition which causes a great deal of pain, necessitating a quick decision to euthanize. In the case of aging pets or those with debilitating conditions, you have a bit more time to prepare. While nothing associated with this painful choice could be considered a blessing, having time to prepare can make the process more peaceful. Here are some things to consider before the day comes:Create MementosConsider how you want to remember your pet before he or she exits this world. The moments leading up the the procedure will be your last opportunity to take pictures, videos or record that special bark or meow. Some pet lovers like to take an ink stamp of a beloved pet’s paw or make a clay imprint. Think about what would be special and meaningful to you so you have something to remember your friend by.Prepare Your Kids:If you have children, it’s important to explain to them what is going to happen and what that means. For many kids, the loss of a pet is the first encounter they will ever have with death. Handling the situation with grace and delicacy is important to ensure your kids learn the skills necessary to deal with this inevitable fact of life.Prepare YourselfWhile you may be busy taking care of other people, make sure you take care of yourself. If you’ve created a special-bond with a beloved pet, you’re likely to experience immense grief after their passing. Prepare yourself for what comes after the procedure is over. That may involve taking a day off work or making plans to go somewhere or do something that will help you deal with your own grief.Plan GoodbyesInvite friends, family and loved ones to come say their goodbyes. This can be planned for before the procedure or you can have them there with you if you opt for in-home euthanasia. This will allow others who loved your pet a chance to say goodbye and will give your pet added love and attention.Euthanizing a pet will never be an easy decision, but if you’re fortunate enough to have time to prepare you can say your goodbyes on your own terms. If you decide an in-home procedure is right for you, Gentle Journey can help you prepare. Please give us a call 602-332-7757 at or visit us online for more information.