It can be devastating to lose a beloved pet, causing intense emotional distress. It may be such a difficult experience that some pet owners may struggle to be present with their pets until the end. However, vets strongly advise that they should be there. Jessi Dietrich’s tweet about this issue gained widespread attention.
While having a conversation with my vet, she shared that the most difficult part of her job is euthanizing animals. She revealed that around 90% of pet owners do not want to be present in the room when their animals are put down. This realization broke my heart as it implies that animals spend their last moments helplessly searching for their owners. A tweet by Jessi Dietrich received a similar response from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Despite the difficulty, the hospital suggested pet owners should provide their furry friends with care and support until their final moments.
At the clinic, a tired and heartbroken veterinarian made a request to those who brought their pets for a peaceful end. Despite the expected emotional distress, he urged them not to abandon their beloved companions in their final moments.
I suggest that you stick around with your pets and not force them to pass away in an unfamiliar place where they feel uncomfortable. They search for your presence when you leave them, but most people do not comprehend this fact, as stated in the clinic’s article. When they are sick, scared, or old, and require your comfort, animals become confused as to why you left them. Do not hesitate because you believe it will be too much for you to handle.
Dr. Lauren Bugeja, a veterinarian in Melbourne, suggests that putting aging pets to sleep at home can be a difficult experience. She explains that while owners may sometimes find it too emotional to be present during the procedure, pets typically feel comfortable and calm during their final moments.
To ensure that the animals do not feel scared or uneasy during their last moments, Dr. Bugeja emphasizes the importance of communicating with them and offering comfort, along with her nurse.
According to Dr. Bugeja, pets tend to get anxious when left alone in unfamiliar surroundings like a veterinarian’s office or consultation room. This occurs because they are uncertain about their location. Therefore, if you opt for a clinic visit, it is advisable to stay in the same room as your pet to avoid any distress.
