Euthanasia

older cat

You may have concluded that it's time to euthanize a pet. Or, maybe the vet told you that euthanizing is in the pet's best interest. Now, you have a responsibility. You now have to explain to your child what happens during the process. You also have to emphasize the fact that the procedure is humane and necessary.

What's Euthanasia

When you're explaining what euthanasia is, you must start by explaining that a veterinary professional performs this procedure. This helps a child to understand that the pet is in good hands. Then, you'll need to explain that the pet gets put into a deep sleep and peacefully passes away. Then, you'll want to explain that the procedure is only performed on pets who are ill or are suffering immensely.

If your child would like to know more about the process, you can go into further detail about how the pet is given a special medication that instantly puts them into a deep sleep and allows the pet to pass away more comfortably.

Explaining Why Euthanasia Is Beneficial Sometimes

Your child may only see the fact that you're causing the end of the pet's life earlier than nature intended. This can concern a child. Therefore, they may have questions and wonder if it's necessary.

When you're explaining a pet being euthanized, you must explain that vets only perform this procedure on pets who are suffering. It helps stop the pet's pain or other unpleasant symptoms, so he or she doesn't have to suffer any longer. It's important to mention that the procedure is quick and painless for a pet, and it's often what's best for them if they are suffering.

Helping Your Child Cope

Explaining euthanasia to a child consists of more than just explaining the process and letting your child know that it's sometimes necessary. Your child has an emotional attachment to a pet, so the process also entails validating his or her emotions. It's important to reassure your child that you're doing what's best and that you're doing it because you care.

Your child may have questions about where the pet goes after his or her passing. You'll need to formulate a response based on your family's religious beliefs.

Euthanizing seems like a cruel practice to children. That's why you need to explain to a child that it's to keep a pet from suffering. It's also an excellent time to answer any questions your child has about death in general and remember to allow your child to say "goodbye" to his or her pet before the procedure.

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9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

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  • "A top notch practice. Highly recommend."
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  • "I've been bringing my pets to Buck Road Animal Hospital almost from the time they started and I have never had anything but positive experiences there. The staff feel like friends to me and they always make you feel like they're happy to see you and your pets. The vets take their time with you and your pets and they go out of their way to give you any information you might need about a pet's condition or treatment. I have A LOT of pets and some of my dogs have aggression issues but you'd never know it to see them there. They understand how to make any animal feel at ease and even my most difficult dog is welcomed there. I'd never go anywhere else. Best veterinary practice anywhere."
    Mary K.
  • "I have been a client of Buck Road Animal Hospital for 30 years..and they are the all the greatest caring friendly kind people..I would not go anywhere else..They go out of there way to accommodate you..They are Number 1..Hats off to Caroline Renee Leanne Donna Lindie and to the best vets Dr Steve and Dr Mary Pat."
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  • "Probably the greatest animal hospital of all-time. The staff is superb, and the Doctors are as kind and knowledgeable as they come. Can't wait for our next visit!"
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