End of Life Care

Managing the End of Your Pet's Life

There are many different versions of the last chapter. We are, of course, referring to the final days and moments of your pet's life. It's important to know that every pet and every owner will have their own specific set of circumstances. The first decision many owners face during this time is whether to euthanize their pet or not.

Pet Euthanization

Euthanasia is from the Greek language, meaning "good death." It is the act of compassionately and humanely putting an animal to death or allowing it to die by withholding medical procedures. The reason for euthanization usually involves an incurable and painful disease.

When the animal's suffering outweighs its chances to return to a normal way of life, euthanization becomes an option for the owner. If the difficult decision to euthanize one's pet has been made, specific details are then discussed with the veterinarian performing the procedure.

Most pets are euthanized by an injection of barbiturates, which first render the pet unconscious, so it feels no pain or distress. Once unconscious, respiratory and cardiac arrest quickly follow. Within seconds, the pet passes on.

If desired, we will always allow pet owners to be present and even hold the pet in their arms during euthanization. This gives the owner the opportunity to be alongside their companion during his or her final moments, allowing one last chance to say goodbye.

After They Pass…

When a pet passes away, the owner has several choices in terms of burial. Many owners have the desire to bury their pet at home. If this is the case, we will enable you to transport your pet's body home to its final resting place.

Another option we provide is communal cremation. In this case, your pet's cremains are transported to a pet cemetery and scattered in a plot along with other deceased pets.

Lastly, there is the option of individual cremation. If this is your decision, your pet's remains are taken to a crematorium, where he or she is cremated individually. The ashes are then returned to you, so they can be placed in an urn and kept wherever you wish.

The subject of a pet's final moments and its burial is hard enough to think about, let alone plan. The staff at Dallas Highway Animal Hospital is here to help with the process. If you have any questions on these subjects, please feel free to contact us. We pledge to walk you through this process as compassionately as possible.