Saying Goodbye with Compassion: A Guide to In-home Euthanasia
When you’re ready to say goodbye via in-home euthanasia, we are here to support you. The process may be easier if you know what to expect. Here is some information on the process of in-home humane euthanasia.
Understanding sedation
If your pet becomes stressed in the presence of our team or with medical handling, we may ask you to pre-medicate the night before and prior to our arrival. This will minimize your pet’s anticipation and concern with our team’s arrival.
For companions who become stressed with gentle restraint or prefer not to be handled, we will consider oral or intramuscular sedation. This will allow for low-stress sedation with minimal to no handling.
How does my pet die during euthanasia?
Once your pet is sedated and/or resting, or if your pet is comfortable with gentle handling, our team will attempt to access a vein. This may be done in a couple of ways; we may attempt to place an IV catheter that is taped in and can be accessed repeatedly. Alternatively, we may use a butterfly IV catheter that can be accessed briefly. The decision between these two options is based on your loved one’s blood pressure, vein access and quality, and mobility.
In rare cases, when our pets are geriatric or sick, their veins may be very difficult to access. In those cases, we will do our best to access a vein, but may need to be fully sedated with an injection in the muscle or under the skin, then perform an intracardiac injection, an injection using a thin long needle introduced into the heart resulting in almost instantaneous passing. Every attempt is typically made to avoid this technique, but if necessary, our team will ensure your pet is fully sedated and resting before this is performed.
Most humane euthanasia is performed using two injections. The first is an “induction agent” meant to ensure your loved one is fully asleep, and unable to feel any further procedures before moving forward. The second injection is meant to stop the heart, resulting in respiratory and cardiac arrest.
How long do I have with my pet and what can I expect?
Families can choose to spend some time with their pet during the appointment. Some choose to have some time after the first injection and others choose to spend time after the second injection when the pet has passed.
Both injections typically take no more than 15 seconds, and overall, the procedure is very peaceful, akin to falling asleep—which is where the euphemism “put to sleep” comes from.
During or after the procedure, we rarely observe urination, defecation, muscle twitching, or breaths/gasps. Due to their anatomy, the eyes will remain open.
What happens after they have passed?
After your pet has passed, you’re welcome to spend some time with your pet. If you prefer to spend an extended period of time or even a night with your pet, we can schedule a time to have your pet collected when you are ready. This may be the time you elect to collect their personal items such as clothing or collars, and we can assist in collecting samples of hair or whiskers, or we can do this prior to euthanasia.
When it’s time for our team to leave, you may choose to walk us to the door or car. On the other hand, some guardians choose to exit the room knowing that the remaining care of their pet is in our trusted hands. Please note, if your pet weighs more than 50 pounds, we may request your assistance, or if you prefer, we can schedule assistance ahead of time to help move your pet.
Our team will then help your pet to their next steps and ensure they are treated with dignity and care through their transportation, cremation and return to you.
If you are struggling with your pet’s care and considering whether it is the right time to say goodbye, we recommend reviewing what defines and measures Quality of Life and talking to your veterinarian.
Gentle Journey Vet Care helps its patients and clients have a dignified and comfortable end-of-life. If you are feeling stuck or have more questions about what in-home euthanasia may be like, please talk to your veterinarian. If you are hoping to bring on palliative care support for your pet as their life draws to a close, schedule a virtual consultation where we can provide all the information and guidance for you and your pet.
