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Pet Euthanasia

Answered 5 years ago

Vet just told us we need to put our at down. She's come home to say goodbye for a couple of days first. My questions are has anyone stayed when their pet was euthanized? Was it better for you to be there or not? What about kids, is it a bad thing for them to see it happen (mine are 10 and 12 and have no experience with death at all)


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ANSWER
5 years ago
I was 12 when I was first given the option to be there to say goodbye to a pet. I thought I was ok, but then the vet pulled out the needle and I had to leave. I've watched a few of my pets been put down over the years, and recently went in with my mum to say goodbye to her old dog while he was PTS. I've always been there if I could because they would be terrified enough as it is and would be searching for you and I couldn't do that to my pets in their last moments. I'm so sorry you have to do this, I would personally give the kids the option and, if they want to, let them know that they can leave at any moment if they don't think they can go through with watching it. It really is an incredibly hard thing to do and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy x

ANSWER
5 years ago
From the cats point of view, it's better for you to stay. Their last moments should be with familiar people.

ANSWER
5 years ago
I'm so sorry for you guys 😢 You should all be there with your fur baby so she's not alone. This is an experience your children will need to have sooner or later and they are probably more resilient than you think. All the best xx

ANSWER
5 years ago
I stayed with my dog, couldn't imagine leaving her to die alone. my kids were only 4 and 2 so they didn't come but maybe at 10 and 12 you could explain to them what's going to happen and ask them if they'd like to be there

ANSWER
5 years ago
I stayed with my cat. There's no way I'd let go out alone. She was already terrified of being in the vet, it's the least I could do. I think it's just kindness to comfort your pet on the way out. How would you feel if your husband or parents left you to die alone? I see it as just apart of the responsibility of being a pet owner.

ANSWER
5 years ago
Sorry to hear about your pet. I've stayed with mine and reassured them by holding, talking gently and stroking them as they pass. A little while after their body can twitch and contort a little which may be a bit confronting for your children (although just a natural part of the process).

ANSWER
5 years ago
Ohhh that's so sad for you and your family - I'm sorry :-( I had to have my very sick 12 year old doggo put to sleep about 10 years ago. I stayed with her while it was happening and cuddled her for a while afterwards. I couldn't leave her to die alone. My kids were only very little so they didn't understand and so I couldn't let them in while it was happening. I think at 10 and 12 it's a good idea to have a talk with your kids and explain to them what will happen and why, and maybe let them make the decision. We have a really good article here which might help you? https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/houseandhome/pets-and-pet-food/dealing-with-the-death-of-a-beloved-pet/