Euthanasia: What to Expect

Euthanasia: What to Expect

When you call to schedule a euthanasia appointment, it is a little different than a normal appointment. Here, at Eastbrook, we do everything to accommodate you and your loved ones. We will ask if you want to be with your furry loved one, if you do then you will need an appointment. If not then we will make arrangements with you to drop off your pet. Either way you choose to do is completely normal. 

Now, one of the things you must think about, and is very hard to do, is what to do with your pet’s body. At the time you schedule we will ask you if you would like to take the pet for home burial or have them cremated. If you choose cremation then you have to decide if you want the ashes returned to you or a communal cremation. If you do not know at this point, that is completely fine. Just know, when you come in that we will be asking you. Another concern that pet parents have is what happens to their pets body once they leave them with us. Many people fear that the bodies will be given to a research lab and experimented on. We assure you this is a complete myth. 

When you arrive to the appointment, you may leave you pet in the car and come check in. We will have a form for you to fill out. You will need to sign this form authorizing Eastbrook Animal Health Services to perform the procedure and also stating that your pet has not bitten or scratched anyone within 10 days. Please understand that this is a law, we have to ask due to possible rabies exposure. Also, you will have to inform us if you are taking the body home or sending for cremation. You are given the option to have a clay paw print made at no additional cost. At this point in time, we will have you take care of the bill, as it is one less thing to worry about.

When you come into the room, we will have a blanket set-up on the floor or on the table. We give them a sedative to help calm their nerves and ease any pain they are feeling from arthritis or any other disease. This is NOT the actual euthanasia solution and just helps your pet to become sleepy. Once your pet is sedated and you have had all the time you need to say goodbye (I know there is never enough time to say goodbye). We will administer the final injection. It’s important to know that your pet will not feel any pain other than the needle puncturing the skin. The euthanasia solution consists of phentobarbital, a liquid barbiturate commonly used during surgery. This however, will be an overdose of anesthetic, allowing your loved one to drift off into a very peaceful sleep, eventually it will stop their breathing and their heart. The procedure takes less than 10 seconds on most pets. In critically ill pets or heart failure pets may take a little longer, as their circulation is compromised. They will often take one last deep breath and then be at peace. Every now and then we will have a pet have some involuntary muscle twitches, this is just their body shutting down. Their eyes will not close, and most likely they will either urinate and/or defecate. These are very important things to know, we do not want you to be caught off guard. 

Once they are gone, you are more than welcome to have some alone time with them. If you have elected to take them home, you have the option of wrapping them in a sheet and placing them in a bag. We can put the entire body in or just the back half or not at all. We do, however, recommend the back half at least. This way if they start to urinate/defecate on the way home, it will not be all over your vehicle. 

Rainbow Bridge

 Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

-Author unknown-