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-At Compassionate Veterinary Care we offer non-judgmental
support during the decision-making process. We know how important
the pet is to those who have loved and cared for him/her. We
are committed to making the euthanasia experience as meaningful and as
positive as possible. We provide detailed information
about the process of euthanasia over the phone ahead of time
and/or during the euthanasia home visit.
When Dr. Shanan arrives,
he takes time to acknowledge the graveness and importance of
the situation, and to introduce himself to the ill pet. The family
decides where in or around the home the euthanasia will take
place. After this,family members are given time to spend with the
pet, if they desire. Then, when all agree that it is time to
proceed, the euthanasia process begins. The method we prefer
to use involves two injections. The first is a sedative drug
that places the pet into a soothing state of relaxation. The
second injection is the euthanasia solution, a highly concentrated
overdose of an anesthetic (pentobarbital sodium). This injection
will actually stop the pet's brain activity and other bodily
functions, and ultimately cause his death. Death takes place
quickly and peacefully, usually before the euthanasia injection
has been completed.
After death, the pet may
urinate, defecate, twitch, or even sigh a bit. He will not be
aware of any of this, though, and he will not feel any kind of
pain. In addition, his/her eyes may not close. After the pet
has died, the owner can stay with her/his body for as long as
possible. The body is then positioned and prepared for viewing,
storage, and/or transport. After care decisions are made by the
owners. If requested, Dr. Shanan and CVC Staff handle transporting
the deceased pet to the pet cemetery for cremation or burial.
When preparing for your
pet's euthanasia, it is helpful to decide who you would like
to have present during the euthanasia. Some people - yourself
included - may be comfortable being present during parts of the
euthanasia procedure but not all of it. We encourage each individual
who will be present to do whatever feels appropriate at the time,
including leaving the room or coming back at any time during
the euthanasia visit. If you wish to be alone during the procedure,
you may still want to ask a friend or family member to be with
you before and/or afterward - in person or by phone - so their
support is available.
 Hospice
Care
End
of Life Consult Line
At
Home Euthanasia
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At
Home Euthanasia
