Companion  Crossroads 

How to prepare and what to expect during your pet’s home euthanasia:

 

Euthanasia of a companion is a very stressful and emotional time for families. Companion Crossroads is here to support you through every step of the process to ensure that your pet has a peaceful, dignified passing. There are things that you can do as an owner to help prepare your pet and your family for the in-home euthanasia which will help reduce your companion’s stress and improve their comfort during the process.

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Your typical daily routine and activities should be continued as usual the day and evening prior to your appointment including your pet’s standard feeding schedule. Excessive treats should be avoided as this may result in abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea during their final hours. The day of your appointment, food should be partially restricted, only offering a small portion of your pet’s typical breakfast. Some snacks and light treats are ok, but excessive food intake can result in nausea and vomiting upon receipt of pain medications and sedatives during the appointment. Although it is not necessary for your companion to be restricted on their dietary intake, we find that most pets will have a more comfortable, peaceful experience if they have not had a large meal within 6 hours of their appointment.

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The environment within the house including lighting and noise level (TV and music) should be maintained as usual on the day of your appointment. Sudden changes to the typical environment or daily routine are easily detectable to pets and can result in unnecessary stress. The location of where you would like your pet to pass is completely your choice. We encourage you to select a place where your companion is most comfortable but also easily accessible and away from areas of potential harm such as stairs, large furniture/tables, and slippery floors. We suggest preparing an open area on the first floor with a several comfortable blankets, favorite toys, and a couple of special treats. Outside appointments are also welcome and encouraged. Some pets will urinate or release their bowels when relaxed and sedated, so taking your dog outside just prior to your appointment can help reduce uncontrollable soiling inside your home.

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On the day of your appointment, the veterinarian will message you when she is on her way. Please arrange for ample parking for a large SUV as close to your home and front door as possible to facilitate transport of your pet after the appointment. Upon arrival, the veterinarian will take some time to become familiar with your companion and answer any additional questions that you have. During this time, all aftercare requests are confirmed and final payment is collected. If your companion appears anxious or uncomfortable during this time, a pain medication or light sedative can be administered prior to this initial consultation.

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Pet euthanasia is an overdose of anesthesia. A relaxing, falling asleep feeling is what your companion experiences. The first step is to administer a calming sedative carefully under the skin using a tiny needle. During this process, it can help some most pets if they are distracted with extra love and small tasty treats. Relief, heavy sedation, and complete relaxation typically occur within 5-15 minutes, although some anxious pets may experience a transient drunken like state for a few minutes or require a second, larger dose. Now is a good time to remove any personal belonging such as collars that you would like to keep. After your companion is unconscious and unable to feel pain, an overdose of anesthesia is given as an injection into a vein in a leg or sometimes into the abdomen of smaller pets. The anesthesia is rapidly absorbed and causes the brain to shut down first, assuring a completely pain free passing. Occasionally respirations may become short and rapid for a few seconds during this time, followed by complete cessation in breathing. The heart then slows and stops within 5 minutes after receiving the euthanasia medication, although most senior or ill pets pass within only 1-2 minutes. Most animals remain completely motionless after the heart stops; however, occasionally slight muscle twitching or an agonal gasp/deep breath can occur as the air exits the lungs, final energy is released, and the body fully shuts down. Most animals will leave their eyes open even after they have passed.

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The veterinarian will notify you when your companion’s heart has stopped. At this time, she will gather her belongings and exit the room to allow extra privacy for the family. Your companion will then be carried into the veterinarian’s vehicle with a basket or stretcher and then transported to the crematorium. Please be prepared to assist with the moving of larger pets. An in-home euthanasia appointment typically lasts 45-60 minutes. If private cremation is selected, the crematorium will contact you when your companion’s cremains are ready to come home.

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Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions prior to your appointment.