Pet euthanasia, burial and cremation, Geelong
Making the decision to euthanise a pet can be a very difficult and traumatic time for all concerned. There are a number of reasons that have led you to this decision, but it is always still a very solemn and challenging circumstance.
A pet’s life can come to an end for a number of reasons. These could include:
- The age of your pet. It might not be in the animal’s best interest to pursue medical or surgical treatment given their advanced age.
- The disease or illness your pet is suffering from might have no cure or has advanced to a state where the best our veterinarians can offer is to take away as much of the suffering as possible.
- Injuries sustained in an accident or an aggressive illness may lead to the sudden death of a pet.
- Pet euthanasia may be the most humane course of action to alleviate suffering and allow your pet to die without pain.
Where household pets are concerned, dog euthanasia and cat euthanasia are the most common end-of-life procedures. Dr Trevor Brown will sit with owners to discuss the medical options available for their pet. Where there are no further options available, euthanasia or “putting the animal to sleep” is the most humane decision, however difficult and upsetting this may be.
Understanding the procedure and what will happen to your pet before, during and after euthanasia may take a little of the strain out of the process.
In dogs and cats, euthanasia is designed to cause a minimum amount of pain or distress to the animal. Mobile Vet Geelong’s method of euthanasia involves using drugs to first depress the central nervous system and then any cardiovascular (heart) activity. Generally a very high dose of pentobarbital or sodium thiopental is injected intravenously, leading to a very quick and peaceful death usually within 30 seconds. Dr Brown will generally perform this procedure in two stages. The initial injection simply renders the pet quiet and “sleepy”. This allows you to spend time with your pet and say goodbye while they are still alive. The second injection is the one that causes actual death.
You have the option of burying your deceased pet at home, or you may choose to allow our veterinarian to take your pet with him for cremation or for burial. Pet cremation can have one of two outcomes. The cremated remains can be returned to the client, who can then scatter the ashes in a place that is meaningful to them or keep them in a jar or urn as a mark of respect for their pet. Pet cremations can also be carried out to simply dispose of the body of the deceased pet.
Dr Brown and can offer you support and advice during this sad and difficult time.
For all other mobile vet advice in Geelong, contact us to make an appointment for a home visit.