How to Cope when Your Pet's Euthanasized

Steps

1. Consult with your veterinarian. In almost all cases, vets will try everything in their power to save the animal. They may also be able to explain what the process involves and answer any questions you may have.
2. Be with your pet and treat it well. Spend as much time as you can with your pet. If it's old, keep it warm and gently stroke it and comfort it. If your pet is in need of urgent euthanasia, be with your pet and talk to it, tell it how you feel and how much you'll miss it. If you have a few weeks or days with your pet, give it VIP (Very Important Pet) treatment: a warm bath, a massage, expensive food and treats, and lots of fun times. If your pet is unable to walk due to old age or an injury, carry it to a sunny spot and talk to it. Your pet will love you even more, and this private time is essential for grieving.
3. Make sure you have another driver with you, if you are licensed. More than likely, your emotions will take hold after the consultation, and you will only want to sit quietly.
4. Take your pet to the vet a few minutes early, so you're not rushing into the consultation. Take your pet's favorite blanket, basket, bed, or toy, and constantly talk to your pet. Pets know about things, like if you're in danger or if they are going to the vet. Your pet will know what is happening.
5. While at the vet clinic, ensure any paperwork is filled out prior to the consultation, unless required afterward, as after the euthanasia your eyes will more than likely be swelling, and you will be unable to concentrate.
6. During the process, take a few minutes to be with your pet, stroke it and talk to it. The veterinarian will understand and nearly always will ask you if you are ready. If the pet is sick and this is the most humane treatment, then this is your goodbye. When you give the go-ahead, look into your pet's eyes and talk to it, stroke it, and cuddle and kiss it. As your pet's life fades, you will be the final thing it saw and heard.
7. After the euthanasia is completed, you may take your pet's body home for a burial, have it cremated and receive the ashes, or allow the vet to dispose of it (usually by cremation). If you have a long-term residence and a place for burial, it may be best to take it home for grieving and burial. If you wish to take it home, The vet will wrap it up in a blanket or plastic bag and place it in a box.
8. At this point, it is probably best to read Get over Losing a Pet Without Forgetting Them and Cope With Losing a Pet. These articles will help during the whole process.
9. Conduct a Burial Service ( This Link May Help ); have your friends and family there or simply have yourself. Say a few nice words, and place flowers or something nice on the burial plot.
10. Coping is hard; not coping is harder.
11. Understand that if your pet had a serious illness it was a better choice to have it euthanasized than to have your pet suffer for the last of their life. Your pet will be very grateful that you put your pet out of their misery.

Tips

• Don't feel like this is the end; it's not, and though it will seem hard and never-ending, the pain will stop, and your life will be able to be as normal as you make it.
• Don't dwell on the past. Remember the good times and think that if you never had your pet, your life would not have changed for the better.
• Let your emotion out. It may be bottled up for a few days, but you need to let it out, or you will become sour and angry with yourself.
• Don't eat to compensate for your loss; try to live as normally as you can.
• It is time for a pet, for example a dog, to go to the beyond when a "dog can't be a dog anymore." If your pet is in continual pain or can not play, eat (retain nourishment), or enjoy life and you have reason to believe that it can't be righted; it's time.

Warnings

• Change is hard, and losing a pet or loved one is the hardest change ever.

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