Pet Care Library: A Guide for the Consideration of Euthanasia, Part Three

What can you expect when your pet comes in for euthanasia? At Aztec, we do our best to minimize the stress of this visit. We provide a separate space to meet with you, not in our standard exam rooms, where we can have more privacy and quiet. Depending on the condition of your pet, we may decide to place a small intravenous catheter. This allows us to give the injections with minimal restraint or stress and gives us comfort that we will have continuous access to a vein. After the catheter is placed, you may spend some time alone with your pet if desired.

When ready, we will proceed with the euthanasia. At times, a sedative may be given first, especially if there is any agitation or distress sensed from your pet. The euthanasia is then performed by giving a concentrated solution of an anesthetic agent, pentobarbital, through the catheter. Your pet will immediately lose consciousness, then will quickly slip away. We will carefully listen to the heart to confirm that he/she is gone. In some cases, a pet may evacuate the bladder or bowel or may occasionally have minor muscle contractions. Rarely, we will see contraction of the diaphragm, which can look like a breath, after we have confirmed that your pet has passed away. This can be a bit alarming unless you know what you are seeing. Finally, our patients often do not close their eyes as they expire. If you have any questions about what you may experience, do not hesitate to ask us before we proceed.

Once the procedure has been completed, you may want to spend some time with your friend before leaving. This is always an option and you are welcome to stay for as long as you need to say goodbye. Some of our clients choose to take the collar or harness, or may want us to clip a bit of their pet’s hair for them to take with them. We also offer to make an imprint of one of the paws for a memento. Please let us know if you would like any of these options.

In summary, the decision to take the step of euthanasia is often difficult but unselfish. We hope that this guide has made the process more clear or has answered any questions that you may have had. Feel free to discuss any further concerns or questions with us at the clinic.

We would like to acknowledge the Argus Institute at Colorado State University for some of the information contained in this handout. There are several helpful links on their website for help in issues of pet loss, grief and the human-pet bond.

If I Should Grow Frail

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand
But don’t let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they’ll tend,
Then stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve that it must now be you
Who had to decide this thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

~ Author Unknown



		A Guide for the Consideration of Euthanasia The Decision for Euthanasia Planning for the Euthanasia What to Expect When You Come In Single Page RELATED: Grief What to Expect When You Come In What can you expect when your pet comes in for euthanasia? At Aztec, we do our best to minimize the stress of this visit. We provide a separate space to meet with you, not in our standard exam rooms, where we can have more privacy and quiet. Depending on the condition of your pet, we may decide to place a small intravenous catheter. This allows us to give the injections with minimal restraint or stress and gives us comfort that we will have continuous access to a vein. After the catheter is placed, you may spend some time alone with your pet if desired. When ready, we will proceed with the euthanasia. At times, a sedative may be given first, especially if there is any agitation or distress sensed from your pet. The euthanasia is then performed by giving a concentrated solution of an anesthetic agent, pentobarbital, through the catheter. Your pet will immediately lose consciousness, then will quickly slip away. We will carefully listen to the heart to confirm that he/she is gone. In some cases, a pet may evacuate the bladder or bowel or may occasionally have minor muscle contractions. Rarely, we will see contraction of the diaphragm, which can look like a breath, after we have confirmed that your pet has passed away. This can be a bit alarming unless you know what you are seeing. Finally, our patients often do not close their eyes as they expire. If you have any questions about what you may experience, do not hesitate to ask us before we proceed. Once the procedure has been completed, you may want to spend some time with your friend before leaving. This is always an option and you are welcome to stay for as long as you need to say goodbye. Some of our clients choose to take the collar or harness, or may want us to clip a bit of their pet’s hair for them to take with them. We also offer to make an imprint of one of the paws for a memento. Please let us know if you would like any of these options. In summary, the decision to take the step of euthanasia is often difficult but unselfish. We hope that this guide has made the process more clear or has answered any questions that you may have had. Feel free to discuss any further concerns or questions with us at the clinic. We would like to acknowledge the Argus Institute at Colorado State University for some of the information contained in this handout. There are several helpful links on their website for help in issues of pet loss, grief and the human-pet bond. RELATED: Grief If I Should Grow Frail If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this, the last battle, can’t be won. You will be sad I understand But don’t let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We had so many happy years, You wouldn’t want me to suffer so When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they’ll tend, Then stay with me until the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do for me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don’t grieve that it must now be you Who had to decide this thing to do. We’ve been so close, we two, these years Don’t let your heart hold any tears. ~ Author Unknown ~ List of Library Articles ~ Aztec Animal Clinic 4340 Coal SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-265-4939 Fax: 505-265-4950
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A Guide for the Consideration of Euthanasia

What to Expect When You Come In

If I Should Grow Frail