It’s hard to deny the heart-wrenching pain that comes with losing a beloved pet. This experience can be incredibly difficult for pet owners, to the point where they may feel unable to be present with their furry friend until the end. However, veterinarians strongly recommend being there for your pet during this time. Jessi Dietrich’s tweet on this topic has gained widespread attention.
During a conversation with my veterinarian, I asked her about the most difficult aspect of her job. She told me that when it comes to euthanasia, 90% of pet owners choose not to be present for the procedure. This information was heartbreaking for me, as it means that many animals spend their final moments without the comfort of their owners. Recently, Jessi Dietrich shared a similar sentiment on Twitter, prompting a response from Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. While it may be emotionally challenging, the clinic encourages pet owners to stay with their animals until the end and provide them with love and care throughout the entire process.
Even though it can be emotionally tough, a tired and heartbroken veteran at the clinic urged pet owners to stay with their animals as they were put down in a peaceful and painless manner.
I suggest that you stick by your pets till the very end. Don’t force them to pass away in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable environment. According to experts at the clinic, pets often search for their owners when they are left behind, a fact many of us fail to comprehend. When they are sick, scared, or old, they seek our comfort and don’t understand why we abandon them. So, don’t hesitate to be there for them even if it seems hard.
Dr. Lauren Bugeja, a veterinarian based in Melbourne, suggests that putting down senior pets in the comfort of their own homes can be a challenging experience. While owners may find it difficult to witness, Dr. Bugeja notes that most animals feel calm and relaxed during the process.
To ensure that the animals don’t go through any sort of unease or anxiety during their last moments, Dr. Bugeja emphasizes the importance of communicating with them and providing comfort alongside her nurse.
According to Dr. Bugeja, leaving your pet alone in an unfamiliar environment like a veterinary office or consultation room can cause them to become anxious due to their uncertainty about their surroundings. To avoid this, Dr. Bugeja suggests staying with your pet in the room if you choose to have the procedure done at a clinic.
