When it comes to the difficult and emotional experience of losing a beloved pet, many pet owners struggle to be present during their final moments. However, veterinarians strongly advise against this. A tweet by Jessi Dietrich highlighted this issue, as she asked her vet about the toughest part of his job, and he revealed that a staggering 90% of pet owners choose not to be in the room when their pets are euthanized. This heart-wrenching realization shows that pets often spend their last moments desperately searching for their owners.
The Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa echoes Jessi Dietrich’s sentiments, urging pet owners to stay with their animals until the end, despite the emotional difficulty. A compassionate and emotionally drained veterinarian at the clinic pleads with those who bring their pets for a peaceful and pain-free farewell not to abandon them during this critical time. He emphasizes the importance of being there for them, avoiding subjecting them to an unfamiliar and unsettling environment in their final moments. Most people do not realize that pets, in their time of need, search for their owners in the faces of everyone present. They cannot comprehend why they are being left behind when they are unwell, elderly, or in need of comfort. The message here is clear: do not let fear deter you from being there for your pet.
Dr. Lauren Bugeja, a veterinarian in Melbourne, emphasizes that euthanizing older pets in their familiar home environment can provide comfort. She notes that pets often feel peaceful and at ease during this time, even if their owners are too distraught to stay in the room. Dr. Bugeja highlights the importance of taking the time to talk to and comfort the animals, with the assistance of a nurse, to ensure they do not experience fear or distress in their final moments.
Dr. Bugeja also points out that pets may become anxious if left alone in an unfamiliar environment, such as a veterinary clinic or examination room, as they feel disoriented. Therefore, she strongly advises staying in the room with your pet if you choose to have the procedure done at a clinic.
