By Courtney Prue | June 28, 2022
‘Natural Death’ or In-Home Euthanasia For Pets?
Saying goodbye to your beloved pet will be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make. Unfortunately all pet owners will eventually have to face the heartache of a final goodbye. Nothing compares to the love we have for our pets, and as pet owners we will do everything in our power to keep them safe from harm throughout their life. But there comes a time when they may need us to make a very difficult decision on their behalf in order to protect them from suffering.
How can I help my pet pass away peacefully?
The belief that a ‘natural death’ is peaceful and gentle can offer comfort to pet owners facing this incredibly difficult experience. One of the most common things we hear is, “I just wish my pet would pass away naturally in their sleep”, and that’s completely understandable.
A major reason why families wish for a ‘natural death’ is so they do not have to carry the guilt of ‘playing God’ and making the decision on behalf of their pet, who cannot speak or voice their wishes. Deciding to humanely euthanise a pet can feel gutwrenching and immoral. Families feel like they are letting their pet down or that they are the cause of their death.
Whilst there are some conditions or diseases where your pet could be supported through a natural passing, it is very important to recognise that it isn’t always possible for us to predict or guarantee that the transition will be peaceful, and without fear or pain. Unfortunately, in most circumstances, waiting for your pet to pass away naturally creates a situation which is out of your control and could lead to a lot of unnecessary stress, pain and suffering for all involved.
If you are wanting your pet to pass away in their own time, without the assistance of euthanasia, it is very important that you speak to your veterinarian and make sure it is in your pet’s best interest.
Don’t forget that euthanasia is a gift, something that, when used appropriately and at the right time, prevents further physical and emotional suffering when a good quality of life is no longer possible.
Veterinarians are here to guide you, and will help ensure that the option of euthanasia is chosen at the right time and for the right patients. We want your pet to live a high quality life for as long as they can, and to have the best possible ending when the time comes. When humane euthanasia is not an option, such as for religious or cultural reasons, an owner should be prepared to give 24-hour medical care to their pet through the dying process. Patients often require strong pain medications to prevent suffering.
Reach out to our team if you would like more guidance on ‘hospice assisted natural death’.
Please call us anytime (0422 157 675) for support with important end-of-life considerations for your pets, or look at our other resources.
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