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Vet says you shouldn’t feel guilty if you can’t be there when your pet is put to sleep
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things anyone can go through, so deciding whether its best to stay with your furry friend when they’re put to sleep, or leave the room while the vet carries out their work, can be agonizing.
Its a debate that often sparks up on social media every few months, as happened at one stage in 2023 when a vet posted on TikTok asking pet owners to stay with their animal companions in their final moments. However, in response to the discussion, a veterinarian writing on the site Vet Help Direct said that owners shouldnt feel guilty if they find putting a pet to sleep too emotional.
Reasons to stay with your pet when they’re being put to sleep
In the article, written by vet Joe Dunne, he outlined several reasons why it may be beneficial to remain at your pets side in their final moments (focusing on dogs during the article).
Dogs are social animals and you are family to them, Dunne wrote. Even the most confident dog can be upset by you leaving for any reason.
Not all dogs like the vets either, he added. Being prodded and poked by strangers at a time when they are likely feeling quite unwell can make these stressors worse. Many of these dogs may be comforted by your presence.
Dunne also highlighted that some dogs may have separation anxiety and could become very stressed when their owner leaves, potentially resulting in fear, distress or even aggression.
“For dogs such as these, having you there to assure them could help calm them down and prevent further distress, Dunne said.
Even for dogs that love the vets, are familiar with the staff and arent feeling too unwell, you are likely their favorite person. Your presence is bound to keep them wagging until the end.
Why it may not always be the best choice
Despite making several points as to why you may want to stay with your furry friend, Dunne also listed a number of reasons explaining why leaving your pet with the vet may be the best option.
We often find that many dogs appear to know what we are doing is helping them, and go very calmly, with or without their owner, Dunne said.
In the worst cases, some dogs are so unwell they are not aware of what is going on and dont appear to be that distressed. We find that a great many euthanasia procedures occur calmly. So do not assume that your dog will be a terrified wreck if you choose not to stay with them.
One of the main considerations Dunne lists for not staying with your pet is what effect your presence will have on them. If you’re feeling emotional about saying goodbye to your animal companion, it could add to your pet’s distress.
Dogs are clever and are attuned to our emotions. They may be able to detect your stress and emulate it,” the vet wrote.
“As difficult as it is, sometimes having you there could be making your dog more stressed. In these cases, it may be better to spend some time with them before the procedure starts and say your goodbyes then.
There is also yourself to consider
The final point that Dunne makes asks whether staying with your pet when they’re being put to sleep is the best decision for you, as it can be an incredibly emotional and painful experience that not everyone is cut out for.
We do everything we can to keep dogs calm during euthanasia and make the process as smooth as possible. Unfortunately, not all will be smooth. Dunne explained, before listing several possible events that could happen if the process goes awry.
A good vet will warn you of the possible complications of a euthanasia beforehand. But they can still be a shock.”
For many people, seeing their dog die is too much. We dont see dead things as much as we used to anymore. And it is understandable to not want to watch your dog die.”
“Some people may prefer the last memories of their dog to be happy ones, with them alive and tail wagging,” he said in conclusion.
“Death is hard and difficult to deal with. Everyone processes it differently and not everyone is comfortable seeing it happen. That is more than enough of an excuse to not sit with your dog as they pass.
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