Instructions
Recognize that your pet is very sick and old. Sometimes we love our pets so much that we are almost blind to their pain because we want to keep them around. Pets become family and you love them like your own children. This can make it hard to see when they are in too much pain to live this way any longer. Making the decision to put a pet to sleep is not easy, but if you can put aside how much you want the pet to stay with you and recognize that he is suffering, you'll be better able to assist him to a better place. Try to remember that you are helping your pet, not hurting him, if you've exhausted every other option in terms of healing your pet.
Prepare for putting your pet to sleep by talking it over with family and friends first. Many pet owners are worried that they are making a bad or hasty decision in putting their pet to sleep. Talking with others can help ease the burden of making that choice and help you clearly see what's best for your beloved pet. It's a good idea to talk to other pet owners or those who have had to put their own pets to sleep. This will help you to get a good idea of whether your making the best decision for your family pet.
Call your pet's veterinarian and make an appointment to have your pet put to sleep. More than likely, your vet anticipate this call. Plan a time of day when you can take the day off of work or have no other plans. You'll need this time to mourn your pet and to prepare yourself for putting him to sleep. Discuss burial or cremation options with your veterinarian so that you are not worried about them on the day you take your pet to put him to sleep.
Prepare your family on the day you are taking your pet to put him to sleep. Get yourself ready as well. This will be one of the saddest days of your life. You'll need plenty of support and so will your family. Take time to love your pet that day and spend time with him as much as you can. You don't want to have any regrets in saying goodbye to him. Have someone come with you to the veterinarian appointment that day. You should not be alone when you take your pet to put him to sleep.
Decide whether you want to be in the room when your pet is put to sleep. Some choose to do so. This may make things easier for you and it may make it harder. You're going to be sad and the vet and veterinary staff understand that. You can have a few moments with your pet after he is put to sleep. It may be important that you do so to mourn him rather than keep your emotions in. If taking your pet home to be buried, you'll need to take him home yourself. This is another reason to bring someone else with you, especially if the pet is a big animal. Honor your pet by placing something of his by his grave. Many pet owners even buy a little gravestone for their pet.
Think of the good memories you had with your pet and honor him the way he was when he was healthy. Don't think of the sickness. He is well now and in a better place. There is no more pain and suffering that your pet endures. Put pictures around the house of your pet if you haven't any up already. Remember him often so that you can properly mourn him. Losing a pet is just like losing a family member and many psychologists will tell you that you need to mourn a pet much like you would a person in order to be mentally healthy. Don't ever feel bad for putting your pet to sleep. Letting him suffer in pain would have been much worse for him and you're a great pet owner for helping him to a place of peace and tranquility.
How to Handle Putting A Beloved Pet To Sleep
Having to have a family pet put to sleep can be one of the most difficult things you ever have to do. A pet becomes family from the moment you take him into your home and stays that way forever. Sometimes, however, pets become so sick that you finally realize it's in his best interest to relieve his pain and suffering and have him put to sleep. When that time comes, nothing can prepare you for how awful you'll feel. But, here are some tips to try and ease your sadness and help you to handle having to put a beloved pet to sleep.