Undeniable is the human-animal bond. Once an animal enters a family as a pet, everything changes. Words fall short to describe the relationship of man with animals. Our pets play a significant role in our mental well-being, and that is the reason why it breaks our heart to imagine the day when they will have to leave us. If you can relate to this or going through a similar situation then you would know the amount of pain our pets go through when they are sick. And at times when they are too sick to make it through, the pet owners have to take the decision of putting their pet to sleep which is also known as Euthanasia.
However, the process of euthanasia involves asking a veterinarian for pet evaluation. At this time, many veterinarians use “Quality of Life Index” for pet evaluation. The most preferred indexes are the HHHHHMM scale. The veterinarian will have to work with the pet owner when using this scale to check your pet on seven criteria: Happiness, Hunger, Hygiene, Hurt, Hydration, Mobility and More good days than bad. Each category scales from 1 to 10 with 10 being highest. Quality of life is OK if this total surpasses 35.
Let us learn a few things about at-home euthanasia and things that you must know.
Things to consider before choosing Euthanasia at home
Firstly, it is important to understand that euthanasia at home is not meant for every pet owner. Unavoidable is the fact that losing your dear pet forever is heart-breaking, especially when you are in a situation where you will have to put her or him to sleep. But if you have made up your mind, you must consider the following factors:
- Prepare yourself well
Firstly, look for the best vet on call. During this period, you need the help of a good vet for taking the right decision. They will also help to understand the health condition of your pet better. If in case the vet suggests you to conduct the euthanasia at his or her office then it is better that you go by their advice. Also, you should carry your pet’s belonging or bed with you to make your pet feel more comfortable.
- The process of euthanasia
When you call the home visit vet you must ensure that you have sufficient amount of time in hand to give your furry buddy the comfort just sitting beside while they are being medicated. Certain vets give sedative drugs before the euthanasia evaluating the condition of the pet. The drug used by most vets is pentobarbital. It is a kind of seizure medication and is given in one of their legs by an IV injection.
- Licensed Vet
Only the vets who are licensed euthanasia technician can perform euthanasia. So, before finalising, you must conduct some form of research work and get the one who has a license, experience and also whom your pet is familiar with. If in case the regular vet who knows your pet does not perform euthanasia, then ask him or her for suggestion or recommendation about licensed vets who can perform the euthanasia.
- After death consideration
There are a lot of factors that determine the aftercare of the pet’s body like religious beliefs or previous experiences that the owner would find desirable as per the situation. Also, cost plays a significant role in the decision-making process. The two common processes of aftercare for the body are either burial or cremation. Certain veterinary offices allow the pet’s body to remain with them in cold storage for a few days if in case you haven’t decided about the process of aftercare that you would like to follow.
- Don’t miss out on pre-euthanasia appointments
Before deciding on euthanasia, it is always ideal for making appointments with your vet and discussing the procedure and other relevant considerations to make. The vet has the requisite amount of knowledge to guide you through and encourage about options that are favourable for your pet. Pre-euthanasia appointments are important for all pet owners before they put their pet to sleep because these appointments will allow them to make a sound decision and explore options when they are calm. In the certain critical situation of the pet, the owner signs a consent form in advance, pay for the chosen aftercare and make other necessary arrangements.
Therefore, it is always ideal to have a plan especially in a situation like this. Often at times, people in grief make a decision that they are not happy about later. The more you are aware of the condition of your pet and yourself, the better decision you will be able to make. Spending a significant part of your life with your dear buddy and then losing him or her can bring forth huge distress. Owners tend to become regretful when we, as humans, fail to do our part righteously. Hence, a little bit of planning and precision will make things easier when you bid your furry friend goodbye, forever.