Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Alessandro Animal Hospital

23932 Alessandro Blvd Suite B

Suite B

Moreno Valley, CA 92553 US

(951) 656-4455

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
  • Boarding & Grooming
  • Special Offers
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Birds
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fun with Pets
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Recognizing Illness >
  • Euthanasia: Saying Goodbye

Euthanasia: Saying Goodbye

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
image of senior dog looking tired

It's not easy to say goodbye to cherished pets, even those that have lived long, happy lives. Although you may hate the thought of life without your pet, euthanasia can be the kindest decision you can make when your friend is suffering.

Making the Decision

If your pet has been seriously injured in a horrible accident and is not expected to recover, euthanasia is clearly the most humane option. The choice is not always so clear in other situations. Ups and downs are common when pets suffer from chronic diseases, which can make the decision more difficult.

Evaluating Quality of Life

Does your pet still enjoy life, despite the illness or condition? If your pet is in constant pain or discomfort, despite medical treatment, and does not seem to get any enjoyment out of life, it may be time to consider euthanasia. Signs that your pet may have a poor quality of life include:

  • Pain That Cannot Be Controlled with Medication. In many cases, pets can continue to enjoy life if their pain is relieved by medications. When medication no longer helps, it may be the right time for euthanasia. If you have difficulty gauging the pain level, ask your pet's veterinarian for input.
  • Constant Gastrointestinal Issues. As your pet becomes sicker, vomiting and diarrhea can become daily occurrences. Not surprisingly, these issues can cause your furry friend to lose weight and become dehydrated and lethargic.
  • Difficulty Breathing. Is every breath a struggle for your pet? Trouble breathing can be very uncomfortable and even painful.
  • No Interest in Favorite Activities. Seriously ill pets often lose interest in their favorite activities, such as playing fetch, taking walks through the neighborhood or snuggling up next to you on the couch.
  • Prognosis. Have you talked to your pet's veterinarian about his or her prognosis? In some cases, even aggressive treatment will not save your companion, but will prolong suffering. When your pet's prognosis is poor, euthanasia can prevent unnecessary suffering.
  • Incontinence: At some point, a seriously ill pet may no longer to control its bladder or bowels.

What Happens Next?

After you make the decision, you will need to contact your pet's veterinarian to make arrangements and ask any questions you may have regarding euthanasia including at-home options. You will also want to consider burial and cremation options.

The Euthanasia Process

Before the process begins, you will need to decide if you want to stay with your pet. Some people find comfort in being with their pets in their final minutes and many vets allow and encourage pet owners to be with their pets through the euthanasia process. While it may be difficult for you, accompanying your beloved pet to the very end can provide you both with comfort and closure.

Your pet's comfort is the primary concern during the euthanasia process. He or she may be given a sedative that will cause drowsiness. After the sedative takes effect, the veterinarian injects sodium pentobarbital in a front or hind leg. The drug causes your pet to become unconscious, then stops the heart. Death usually occurs just a few minutes after your pet receives the injection.

Although your pet has died, you may notice some movement or muscle twitching in its body for a few minutes after death. At the time of death, it's also common for the bladder and bowels to release. You will be able to spend some time alone with your pet after the procedure. If you plan to bury your pet, you will take his or her body with you or arrange for pet cemetery employees to pick it up. If you prefer cremation, your veterinarian's office will call you when the ashes are ready for pick up.

Are you facing a difficult decision regarding your pet's health? Call us and we can help you consider all of the options.

Sources:

American Humane: Euthanasia: Making the Decision

http://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/euthanasia-making-the-decision/

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: Euthanasia of a Beloved Pet

https://www.aplb.org/support/euthanasia/pet-euthanasia/

ASPCA: End of Life Care

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

New patients receive $15 OFF first visit. Please print and present coupon at
time of first visit.

Print Coupon

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Schedule Now
  • Special Offers

    Check out our special offers!

    View Offers

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Alessandro Animal Hospital is the best at what they do and make you feel right at home."
    John Doe / Moreno Valley, CA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Your New Year's Diet Could Be Deadly To Your Pet - Xylitol Toxicity In Dogs

    Could your new diet harm your pet's health? ...

    Read More
  • Preparing For Pet Dental Month

    Not sure if your pet needs a dental exam? These 10 reasons may help you make a decision. ...

    Read More
  • How To Care For Your New Pet

    Wondering how to care for your new pet? Check out our recommendations! ...

    Read More
  • Does My Cat Love Me?

    Not sure how your cat feels about you? Learn how your pet shows affection. ...

    Read More
  • Medication Tips For Your Pet

    Do you have trouble giving your pets their medications? These tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • What Vaccines Are Right For Your Pet?

    Wondering which vaccines your pet needs? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Is My Dog Fat Or Is It A Thyroid Problem?

    Wondering why your dog is packing on the pounds? A thyroid problem may be responsible for the weight gain. ...

    Read More
  • Hot Spots and Pets: What You Can Do to Help Your Furry Friend

    Does your pet frequently develop hot spots? Find out how to prevent and treat the painful spots. ...

    Read More
  • Managing Your Pet's Arthritis

    Painful arthritis makes walking and jumping difficult for pets. Luckily, you can do a few things to relieve your pet's pain. ...

    Read More
  • Best Pet Costumes

    Are you thinking about buying a Halloween costume for your pet? These guidelines will help you choose the ideal disguise for your furry friend. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Site Map