Rosario Monachino
A vet has issued an emotional plea to dog owners regarding the moment their pet is put down.
Saying goodbye to a pet is undoubtedly one of the worst experiences that you can go through.
It’s a heartbreaking moment that you can’t really prepare for.
But if the time does come for your pet, it’s important to know how to make your dog’s final moments as peaceful as possible.
Thankfully, a nurse has shared some advice that can help you and your pet.
Related Article: Pet Sitter Shares Four Surprising Dog Breeds She’d Never Own
Related Article: Vet Explains Why You Should Never Flush Your Dog Or Cat’s Poop Down The Toilet
Recently, a person took to Reddit and asked what they should do while their pet is being put down.
They wrote: “Those of you who have had a dog put down, did you stay in the room with it or did you stay outside? Did you regret your decision?
“On one hand, I don’t want to leave him alone in a moment that will terrify him. I want him to feel as comfortable as possible in his situation.
“On the other hand, I don’t know if I can handle seeing him die. I know that sometimes the dog doesn’t just stop breathing peacefully and it sometimes isn’t very glamorous.
“I would like some input on how you guys handled it and if you regretted your decision.”
People replied with their own experiences in the comments.
“I stayed with my cat, talked to him and petted him through his last breath. It was really hard but I wouldn’t have changed it,” one person recalled.
“I wanted to give every bit of love and comfort I could as he passed. The last words he heard were me telling him he was a good boy and he was.”
A second said: “I didn’t stay. That was 15 years ago, and I deeply regret my decision.”
“Been there for a few family dogs as they pass. It’s not easy and has broken my heart each time but I wouldn’t do it any other way. It’s better to regret something you have done and all that,” shared a third.
While a fourth commented: “Be with your dog. They deserve to pass alongside their friends and family.”
If your pet is in constant suffering and medication is no longer working, unfortunately, euthanasia can be the best option.
Sadly, nothing can prepare you for when the time comes, but experts have put forward advice that might help.
Animal welfare charity Bluecross explains that the procedure can take place in your home or at a vets.
The charity also suggests you take some time off work and openly talk with family and friends.
PetMD also recommends that you try behaving like yourself in the moment, adding: “Act like you. Your pet has been a huge part of your life for a long time, and this is not an easy thing for you to do.”
But when it comes to your dog, how can you make it a peaceful moment for them?
Well, veterinary nurse Rachel Bean tells the Mirror that dog owners should talk to their pets as they drift away – so they know they are loved and not alone.
“Your dog will take a tremendous amount of comfort from seeing you, hearing your voice and feeling soothing gentle strokes from you in this unusual environment,” she explains.
“In the room make sure that your dog can see your face, and see that you are there. Talk to them and tell them how loved they are.”
Bean says research has proven dogs understand the words ‘I love you’, so it is important to emphasise this to your pets.
The vet adds she understands the pain and grief that come with choosing to euthanise a canine companion – but it is important to think of your pet at this moment.
She concludes that it can be a ‘dignified and loving experience’.
Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.
