Losing a pet can be a very emotional and distressing experience for pet owners. It is a difficult time that some may find it hard to be present with their pets until the end. Nonetheless, veterinarians highly recommend being there with the pet during these final moments. A tweet by Jessi Dietrich on this matter has gained significant attention.
During a recent chat with my veterinarian, she confided that the hardest aspect of her job is having to put down animals. To my dismay, she disclosed that nearly 90% of pet owners opt not to stay in the room with their beloved pets during euthanasia. This saddens me because it means that many animals spend their final moments searching for their owners, feeling alone and scared. A tweet by Jessi Dietrich elicited a similar reaction from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Despite the emotional difficulty, the hospital suggested that pet owners provide their furry friends with love and support until their last breath.
In a veterinary clinic, a veterinarian who was exhausted and saddened asked pet owners who brought their pets for euthanasia to stay with them until the end. Despite the anticipated grief, the veterinarian pleaded with them not to leave their cherished animal companions alone in their last moments.
My advice is to stay by your pets’ side and not make them spend their last moments in an unknown place where they feel uneasy. As stated in the clinic’s article, pets look for their owner’s company even when they are not feeling well. When they are sick, scared, or old, and need your affection, animals get bewildered when you abandon them. Don’t let your doubts hold you back from being there for them.
According to Melbourne-based veterinarian, Dr. Lauren Bugeja, euthanizing aging pets at home can be a challenging experience. Although pet owners may find it too overwhelming to witness the procedure themselves, pets usually feel relaxed and at ease during their last moments.
Dr. Bugeja stresses the significance of providing comfort and communication to animals during their final moments to avoid causing them any fear or discomfort. Her nurse also works alongside her in this important task.
Dr. Bugeja suggests that pets may become nervous and uneasy when left alone in new environments such as a veterinarian’s office or consultation room. This is due to their uncertainty about the unfamiliar surroundings. If you choose to take your pet to a clinic, it is recommended that you remain in the same room with them to prevent any distress they may experience.
