CW // Saying goodbye – how best to help your pet at their final appointment
October 21, 2023
CW // Content Warning: Some readers may find the content of this article upsetting.
One of the most heart-breaking parts of being a pet owner is when it’s time to say goodbye. As animal lovers, our vets and nurses find this essential, yet extremely difficult procedure to be one of the toughest parts of their job.
Our Vet Darren Partridge has put together the following information to encourage all owners to carefully plan their pet’s last moments. Our team at Molesey Vets is always available to discuss euthanasia appointments to help ensure that your pet has a dignified and peaceful passing.
Your pet’s wellbeing
Unfortunately, due to illness and old age, it is often necessary to end a pet’s suffering. During these last moments, it is of great comfort to pets knowing that their owner is there with them.
Many pets get nervous coming to the vets and rely on their owner for confidence. If you are able to be with your pet during the euthanasia procedure, it can help keep them calm and provide them with reassurance that they shouldn’t panic. A distressed pet’s final moments can be extremely difficult for our team at Molesey Vets to manage, as we truly know that the bond pets share with their owners, built on years of love and trust, cannot be mimicked by us.
Providing closure
During any euthanasia procedure, we fully expect it to be emotional for all owners and family members present. Darren has sadly had to complete many end-of-life appointments at Molesey Vets and says that being able to witness your pet’s final moments is an essential part of the grieving process. Seeing your pet fall asleep, whilst being able to stroke, cuddle and talk to them, helps to provide you with closure.
We understand this can be one of the most difficult things you will do whilst owning your pet, but this final act of love can make a huge difference to their last experience with us.
Molesey Vets’ team knows that euthanasia is an emotional decision for pet owners. However, Darren urges all owners to be present during the procedure. Your presence can provide comfort to your pet during their final moments and help with the grieving process. Remember, as hard as it will be, being responsible for a pet means being there for them through all of life’s ups and downs.
Contact our team today to discuss end of life care for your pet.
