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.

Location

Our location and directions to our clinic

Office Hours

Due to staffing shortages, medical questions and prescription refills called in after 12pm on Friday cannot be processed until the following Monday.

Healthy Pet Veterinary Clinic

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8am-Noon Open As Normal / Noon-4p No doctor in the clinic, but we are open for boarding admits and previously processed medication refill pickup.

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "This clinic is very clean, friendly, and gentle. My Guinea Pig Bear had a tumor and they have worked hard to care for him and follow up to be sure he is healing well from surgery removal as well as be available to answer any questions I have.I was even able to set up an affordable payment plan for his medical bills. All in all a very trustworthy Vet Clinic."
    Kaija Swift
  • "Very nice and clean clinic with helpful staff. We used them to board our rabbit while we were on vacation. They have a dedicated rabbit room with multiple large cages. Rabbits get daily individual 'out-of-cage' exercise time."
    Tim Goihl
  • "Fantastic clinic..everyone there ..they take the best care of princess my cat lol.highly recommend."
    mr potato head