Veterinarians Urge Owners to Stay With Pets During Euthanasia
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Veterinarians are urging pet owners to be present during euthanasia, as dogs and cats seek their owner's comfort in their final moments. This practice, highlighted by viral social media posts from clinics like Hillcrest, aims to provide pets with a sense of security. Specialists recommend discussing options like at-home euthanasia and comfort items with veterinarians beforehand. The advice is applicable globally, including in Israel, where owners can choose to stay with their pets during the procedure.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Veterinarians advise owners to stay with pets during euthanasia for comfort.
- Dogs and cats seek their owner's presence and familiar faces in final moments.
- A 2018 viral post from South Africa's Hillcrest clinic highlighted this issue.
- Owners can discuss options like at-home euthanasia and comfort items with vets.
- Israeli veterinary practices also follow similar protocols for pet owners.
Veterinarians are advising pet owners to remain with their animals during euthanasia, as dogs and cats often seek their owner's presence in their final moments. Specialists observe that pets in unfamiliar settings look for the person they trust most, sometimes calling out to their owner even if they have left the room. The owner's presence can provide a sense of support during this difficult time.
This issue gained significant attention in 2018 when the Hillcrest veterinary clinic in South Africa shared an emotional appeal from a veterinarian on Facebook. The post, which went viral, described how animals search for a familiar face after their owner departs, looking intently at everyone in the room but failing to find their loved one. The veterinarian, described as "tired and heartbroken," pleaded with owners not to leave their pets alone in their final moments.
Similar accounts have been shared by other professionals. Veterinarian Sean McCormack recounted a dog whimpering and calling for its owner after they left. Another veterinarian on Reddit urged owners to "be there when they cross that bridge," noting that while the farewell is hard for the owner, the pet is with a stranger.
Veterinary practice specialists recommend that veterinarians stay in the room during the procedure unless the owner requests privacy. They also advise owners to discuss options beforehand, such as pre-sedation, at-home euthanasia in a familiar environment, or bringing a comfort item like a blanket or toy to the clinic. During the procedure, speaking calmly and maintaining physical contact are suggested.
These recommendations are relevant for pet owners in Israel as well. Local clinics perform euthanasia for terminally ill pets, and owners typically decide whether to stay until the end. Israeli veterinarians can explain the procedure and discuss alternatives like at-home euthanasia, allowing the pet to remain in its familiar surroundings.