Time to say goodbye

At Jurassic vets we understand that losing a much loved pet is a very difficult time and the sense of loss associated with saying goodbye cannot be undervalued. The bond we form between our animals is a special one and many are viewed as part of our families. Therefore, we would like to share the end of life and bereavement services Jurassic Vets offer to best support you when you feel the time has come to say ‘goodbye’ and put your pet to sleep.

What is euthanasia?

We often use the term 'euthanasia' when we put animals to sleep which is a deliberate intervention carried out to relieve pain or suffering which usually can’t be cured or managed adequately. This choice is one of the most difficult decisions anyone can ever make for their beloved pet. There are several emotions and thoughts associated with the process and this information aims to provide you with options available, however each case is individual and highly personal so please do not hesitate to contact us to speak to a member of the team directly. Whether this is for guidance regarding when the right time would be, questions regarding the process, or a discussion. We are here to listen.

What happens when you think the time has come to say 'Good bye'?

As pet owners we aim to keep our beloved pets fit and healthy all throughout their lives. Unfortunately they do not live as long as us, so we must prepare to say 'goodbye' at some point in time. Sadly very few pass away in their sleep, leaving us to make a heart breaking decision. Nobody will be able to tell you when it's the right time, in most cases your beloved companion will tell you. You know them better than any body else after all. 

    There are several signs you can look out for: 

• Loss of appetite
• Lack of interest in playing or moving around
• Restlessness 
• Becoming withdrawn from you or family

If you are concerned your pet is showing one or a combination of these signs we are always at the end of a phone to discuss any of your worries. 

Is there nothing more I can do?

As a practice our Vets will always aim to give you all the treatment options available to you and your companion. To ensure they are kept comfortable and any symptoms are relieved. There is however, a time when we run out of options. The illness may have progressed or you might now feel they are suffering. In these cases we can book an appointment with a Vet, who can help you feel at ease. We can book a consultation with or without your pet to discuss the steps going forward. 

What's next?

Once you and your family have made the decision the time has come to 'put your pet to sleep'. You have the option to speak to Jess who will help you plan a dignified send off for your pet and go through all the options available to you. Jess will be able to discuss with you cremation options as well as timing. You can book in for an 'End of life consultation' at a time of your convenience. 

We can arrange an appointment at the practice convenient for you or we can plan a home visit. So you can say your final 'Good byes' in the comfort of your own home. 

Planning a home visit

In order for us to accommodate your needs, ideally we need 24 hours notice to book a suitable time to make sure we can spend enough time with you and your pet in their last moments. In these cases a vet and nurse will come out to your home, you are able to request a particular vet or nurse if that is your wish. We will do our best to fulfil your request. 

After your pet has been 'put to sleep', we will give you time to say your final good bye and either take them back to the practice for cremation or leave them with you for home burial. 

Please be aware that additional charges apply and certain times may be restricted. 

Will you be able to stay with your pet?

Having a pet 'put to sleep' can be difficult for some people to watch. It can be distressing and emotional. The majority of people choose to stay with their pet in their last moments as they feel they can give them comfort and reassurance whilst they pass away. But at Jurassic vets we understand that this does not suit some people. Our vets will give you the option to stay. If you decide not to, you can be reassured that our nurses will make sure they are relaxed and comfortable while they are 'put to sleep'. You will have the option to see them after they've passed away should you choose. 

No matter what your decision we will support you throughout. 

What happens?

After you have made the decision and decided on the options. We can go ahead and book an appropriate time. 

On the day we will welcome you in to the practice and direct you in to the consult room, which is more private from other clients.

The vet will greet you, along with a nurse and together they will talk you through the process. You will need to sign a consent form, to give us permission to go ahead. We need to have written consent from you to allow us to 'put your pet to sleep'. 

We aim to make the final moments of you pet as peaceful as we can. Clients are often surprised just how peaceful it is. Euthanasia involves an overdose of anaesthetic given by injection in to the vein. Some vets choose to place a catheter in to the vein first or even sedate if the patient is particularly fractious or nervous. 

Once the injection has been given. Your pets heart will stop beating and they will quickly loose consciousness and stop breathing. The process itself is very quick and painless. Shortly after the vet will do some checks before confirming they have passed away. Sometimes you will notice your pet make some gasping breaths, twitch or evacuate their bowls and bladder as everything relaxes. This is normal but can initially make you jump. It is important to be aware that your pet will not close their eyes once passed away. 

Afterwards...

What happens next?

When you are ready to leave, we will help you out of the practice particularly if you are taking them home for burial. Should you have decided to have them cremated, We will treat them with the upmost dignity and respect.  After you have left the practice we will carry them through to be placed in cold storage until collection. 

There are several cremation options available which Jess can explain to you in detail in an 'End of life consultation'

1. Communal cremation - your pet will be cremated alongside other animals and pets, with NO ashes returned
2. Individual cremation -   your pet will be cremated individually by Summerleaze pet crematorium and the ashes will be returned to you in a casket or pouch of you choice. We have leaflets in practice of the options or you can visit their website: http://www.summerleaze-pet-crem.com/cms/home

When will you need to decide?

If the loss of your pet has been sudden or you weren't able to speak to us prior to their passing about your wishes. We can hold you pet for a week in cold storage before contacting you. 

This is the hardest decision we have to make for our pets, but at Jurassic vets we will support you through out in any way that we can. We have also written the post about 'Coping with the loss of a pet' in our news section which you may find helpful.