End-of-Life Care
Saying Goodbye: End of Life Concerns
This is by far the hardest and most emotional part of being a pet owner. And we are right there with you–it is the hardest part of our jobs, too.
If you have questions about pet euthanasia or whether or not it is time, we are here to listen and answer questions the best we can.
We realize there are no easy answers. And if you need a tissue along the way, we have plenty. We need them, too. If you need an ear to bend or a shoulder to cry on, we also have many of those. Please let us know how we can help.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is the continuance of medical care with the understanding that a ‘cure’ or ‘resolve’ of the medical issue will not occur, and that the goal of treatment is therefore changed to keeping the pet as comfortable as we can.
Although we want your pet to have as much time with you as possible, we want that time to be quality time. Therefore our goals are:
01 Comfort and Pain Management
Our primary goal is quality over quantity: ensuring that your pet is living their best quality of life possible. This may look like adjusting or adding in medications, medical procedures such as routine subcutaneous fluids, or helping to ensure that you have the right set up at home.
02 Counseling and Decision Making
We will work as a team to ensure that we know that your pet is either able to pass peacefully on their own, or to ensure that we have control over when we decide it may be time to help them pass.
Common Questions
How will I know when it’s time?
In the past you may have heard that “you’ll know when it’s time.” Unfortunately, this is not always the case with our beloved animals. In many circumstances, in order to prevent pain and suffering, choosing the time to help your pet pass on may be a decision that is made in advance. Thankfully, this decision is not one that you need to make on your own – and is something that we will help guide you through in order to find the best time for both you, and your cherished family member.
Regardless of your pets’ medical history or past, our goals are the same: to relieve suffering and pain, and to provide the most peaceful passing as possible. Helping you to assess your pets quality of life, and their future quality of life, will help us to make that decision.
How do I assess quality of life?
Have you ever been told that your pet’s last day should only be if they’ve stopped eating? In some cases, this may be the case, but for others, determining quality of life may not be as simple. A pet’s quality of life can be difficult to measure – especially if they have an ailment that does not cause complete body dysfunction. We will help you to ensure that your pet is not suffering or painful, and provide you with resources to reduce and relieve that pain if possible.
For better assessment of their overall wellness, we have provided in this packet some common quality of life scales that can help us to be able to make the best decision for your pet, and your family. These scales are from Lap of Love – a wonderful resource for families and veterinarians regarding end of life care and decisions for small animals.
Is euthanasia painful?
Thankfully, no: The term ‘euthanasia’ literally means ‘to bring a good death’ – and that is our goal in the process of euthanasia: to help our loved ones pass on in a dignified manner, free of pain and discomfort. Our process is set up to ensure that any risk of pain or discomfort is minimized.
What will euthanasia look like?
During euthanasia, we will ask to borrow your pet to place an intravenous catheter that way we only need to poke your loved one once, and they can be in any position during the final medication. We will then administer a pain medication that will also allow them to get sleepy and relax. Finally, our veterinarian will administer the final solution through the IV catheter. The passing of the solution is usually painless, and feels like an ‘overdose of anesthesia’. Typically pets will take a few deep breaths as they relax, but otherwise it will seem as if they are just drifting off to sleep.
Will my other pet know?
Other pets in your household may already be picking up on pheromones or subtle cues that your beloved member may be approaching the end of their time. However, pets experience grief very similarly as we do. You may notice that other pets in the home may be more withdrawn, slow, or down just before, or following the loss of your loved one.
Can my other pet be present as we say goodbye?
Some families choose for other pets to be present during the euthanasia process. Other families choose to bring home a blanket or toy that was with their family member as they passed, so that they may pick up the pheromones indicating to them that they have passed.
During mourning, your pet may need extra affection, attention or activities. Try your best to stick to your typical schedule, but consider adding in extra time dedicated to them whether that be extra play time, walks, or snuggles on the couch. Your dog/cat may also become a bit more dependent on you – ensure that they have entertainment while you are gone. If your pet is truly struggling – do not hesitate to reach out as we may be able to help as well in the form of tips/tricks or medication.
What if I can’t be there?
- I’m bringing my pet to the clinic, but I don’t want to be present.
We completely understand, and there is no judgement. Just let us know what parts you would like to be present for, and we can accommodate this for you. Some people wish to be ‘around’ but not be present for the final injection, and choose to step into our garden and be alerted when the process is over. Others wish to have their pet sedated, and leave when they are calm. And some individuals do not want to be present at all. We believe that there is no ‘right way’ to say goodbye so long as the pet is comfortable, and will help you to ensure that the process is peaceful and as stress free as possible for both your pet AND you. - I’m bringing my dog to the clinic, but someone who wants to be there cannot.
This is a difficult situation, and in some cases we need to say goodbye, even if there are family members who aren’t here. We try to accommodate as best as we can. If your doctor approves, Facetiming can be a good option in this tough circumstance. - I want an at-home euthanasia, but can’t stand to be there for the final injection.
We are happy to accommodate however we can in this situation as well. Let us know what your wishes are, and we will walk you through every step, and decide how present you would like to be.
What if my pet passes at home?
Should your pet pass away at home, you are always welcome to bring them to us for confirmation of death. At that time, we could also help with aftercare in the form of cremation, or making a clay pawprint. Other families may choose to keep their pet home for burial. Should your pet pass away at home, please notify us so that we are aware.
Call us at 319-232-5292 to speak with a Veterinary Technician about our End of Life services. We’re happy to speak to you about potentially making this tough decision and what our processes look like.
