Saying Goodbye to Your Companion

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Making that difficult decision…

We all hope and wish that our pets will pass peacefully away in their sleep, but very often we are put into the position, as pet owners, to make that decision for them.

As pet owners we are fortunate to be able to choose to end our pet’s life to prevent them suffering, but it also comes as a great weight on our minds when making that final decision. This page aims to give you all the information you need to help with this important yet difficult decision. Please feel free to speak to one of the team if you have further questions.

We all have different measures of quality of life, each animal in each situation will behave differently meaning there is not an exact ‘right time’ for anyone.

If you feel that your pet is elderly, in distress, in pain that cannot be controlled, suffering from an injury or illness, unable to toilet or eat normally, or is just tiring of life then it is likely that the time may be right.

It is however important to discuss your concerns with a vet as there may be treatment options that have not been considered that can improve your pet’s quality of life.

In the clinic

We will usually try to accommodate you at a time that is quieter. At Sturminster we have a bespoke room that is separate from the main building, it is very peaceful and spacious and sometimes we may suggest using this area if it is more appropriate. In Shaftesbury and Blandford the team will ensure that you have the time you need to spend with your pet.

If you want to see a particular vet please discuss this with a member of staff.

Home Visits

We appreciate that, in some circumstances travelling to the clinic can be difficult and we offer home visits where we can. We plan each day so that our vets can help as many animals as possible. Therefore, please give us as much notice as you can if you require a home visit, so that we can accommodate you. One of our nurses would call you back and discuss the home visit and would provide a cost of this service for you so that you can make an informed decision.

If we cannot accommodate a home visit at the time you would like we can give you details of a third party independent home visit service and you would deal with them directly.

Sedation

Some animals are calm and quiet and do not struggle when put to sleep. Other pets are understandably more anxious or distressed and sedation is available for these patients. Sedation is usually an injection which can occasionally sting for a moment or two, but then your pet will feel sleepy and lie down quietly. Occasionally they will vomit or look nauseous but this feeling soon passes, the peaceful sedation outweighs these risks.

The Final Moments

You will be asked to give permission for euthanasia of your pet. Euthanasia is performed using a blue or yellow coloured drug similar to an anaesthetic – it induces sleep, anaesthesia and then quickly stops the heart.

You do not have to be present, it is perfectly acceptable to leave the room, but you can be present to comfort your pet if you wish.

Your vet will usually use a vein in the leg to administer the drug and will clip the fur from this area. In collapsed, sick or sedated animals the blood pressure can be low, making it more difficult to find the vein, or causing the vein to leak. Sometimes your vet will have to inject into a different area of the body. We will always talk you through the procedure and reassure you if things are more difficult than expected.

After the drug has been given, it is not uncommon for animals to gasp, twitch, toilet or even vocalise. This is all normal as the body settles down. The eyes do not close after passing away which can be a surprise to a lot of people. We will reassure you if any of these occur.

Options after Euthanasia

You may choose to keep their collar, lead, paw print or lock of hair. You could make a photo album or place a nice plant in the garden in remembrance.

There are several options for your pets’ body and you can let us know before, during or after euthanasia if you need time to decide. You can bury a companion animal at home, but do not underestimate how deep and large a hole may need to be dug especially for large breed dogs.

We offer cremation through PCS (Pet Cremation Services). Pets can either be cremated communally (with other pets, where ashes are not returned) or individually whereby your pet’s ashes are returned to you. PCS have procedures in place to ensure that the ashes returned are that of your pet, and offer a scatter box, closed casket made of beech wood and other keepsakes. We can arrange collection from the practice (this is usually weekly with pets remaining in cold storage until they are collected).  You can request prices from us directly.

There are also other options available to you. If you would prefer, you can take your pet directly to PCS in West Stour, where you can wait in their quiet room while they are cremated.

Tel: 01747 839 809 | Email: [email protected]

https://www.pcsonline.org.uk/crematoriums/pcs-dorset-pet-crematorium/contact

There is also another company in Wincanton called Companions at Peace, an independent, family-run business. We would put you in touch with the company, and you can deal directly with them for this service.

Tel: 07900 654 440 | Email: [email protected]

https://www.companionsatpeace.co.uk/

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

The Pet Bereavement Support Service