Experiencing the loss of a pet can be a tough and emotional ordeal for pet owners, causing some to struggle with the idea of being present with their furry friends during their final moments. Despite this, veterinarians strongly recommend being there for them until the end. A tweet from Jessi Dietrich addressing this topic has recently gained popularity.
During a conversation, someone shared that they had asked their veterinarian what the toughest part of their job was. The vet had revealed that when they have to euthanize an animal, 90% of owners choose not to be present during the injection. This fact is heartbreaking because pets often spend their final moments searching for their owners. In response to a tweet by Jessi Dietrich, the Hillcrest Veterinary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, recommended that pet owners should stay with their animals until the end, even though it can be difficult.
Although it is expected that the process will be emotionally challenging, a tired and saddened veteran at the clinic urged pet owners to not abandon their animals who are brought in for a humane and painless end.
I urge you to remain by your pets’ side and not force them to pass away in an unfamiliar environment that they may not enjoy. According to a clinic’s article, pets often search for their owners when they are left alone, something many people fail to comprehend. When our pets are sick, frightened, or elderly, and are in need of our comfort, they do not understand why we have abandoned them. Therefore, do not hesitate to be there for them, even if it means facing difficulties.
Dr. Lauren Bugeja, a veterinarian from Melbourne, suggests that euthanizing older pets at home can be emotionally challenging. While some pet owners may be unable to stay in the room during the procedure, Dr. Bugeja notes that animals typically remain calm and relaxed throughout the process.
To ensure that animals don’t feel scared or uncomfortable during their last moments, Dr. Bugeja emphasizes the importance of spending time comforting and talking to them alongside her nurse.
According to Dr. Bugeja, leaving a pet alone in an unfamiliar environment like a vet’s office or consultation room can cause them to become anxious and unsettled as they are unsure of their surroundings. To prevent this, it is suggested that pet owners stay in the same room with their furry friends if they choose to have the procedure done at the clinic.
