Effective February 6th, we will be open the first two Saturdays of every month from 8AM to 2PM. Our Monday-Friday hours will remain 8AM to 5PM.

Close
×

Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Pearl River Veterinary Hospital

(985) 863-5404

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
    • Pet Wellness Program
  • About Us
    • Meet The Doctors
    • Meet Our Staff
  • Our Services
    • Bathing and Boarding
    • Dentistry
    • Internal Medicine
    • Radiology
    • Surgery
    • Well Health Exams
  • Petsimonials
    • Memorials
      • Submit Your Pet Memorial
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Patient Portal
  • Pet Selector
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Living With Your Pet >
  • Saying Goodbye >
  • Euthanasia

Euthanasia

  • Created in Living With Your Pet, Saying Goodbye

older cat

You may have concluded that it's time to euthanize a pet. Or, maybe the vet told you that euthanizing is in the pet's best interest. Now, you have a responsibility. You now have to explain to your child what happens during the process. You also have to emphasize the fact that the procedure is humane and necessary.

What's Euthanasia

When you're explaining what euthanasia is, you must start by explaining that a veterinary professional performs this procedure. This helps a child to understand that the pet is in good hands. Then, you'll need to explain that the pet gets put into a deep sleep and peacefully passes away. Then, you'll want to explain that the procedure is only performed on pets who are ill or are suffering immensely.

If your child would like to know more about the process, you can go into further detail about how the pet is given a special medication that instantly puts them into a deep sleep and allows the pet to pass away more comfortably.

Explaining Why Euthanasia Is Beneficial Sometimes

Your child may only see the fact that you're causing the end of the pet's life earlier than nature intended. This can concern a child. Therefore, they may have questions and wonder if it's necessary.

When you're explaining a pet being euthanized, you must explain that vets only perform this procedure on pets who are suffering. It helps stop the pet's pain or other unpleasant symptoms, so he or she doesn't have to suffer any longer. It's important to mention that the procedure is quick and painless for a pet, and it's often what's best for them if they are suffering.

Helping Your Child Cope

Explaining euthanasia to a child consists of more than just explaining the process and letting your child know that it's sometimes necessary. Your child has an emotional attachment to a pet, so the process also entails validating his or her emotions. It's important to reassure your child that you're doing what's best and that you're doing it because you care.

Your child may have questions about where the pet goes after his or her passing. You'll need to formulate a response based on your family's religious beliefs.

Euthanizing seems like a cruel practice to children. That's why you need to explain to a child that it's to keep a pet from suffering. It's also an excellent time to answer any questions your child has about death in general and remember to allow your child to say "goodbye" to his or her pet before the procedure.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Contact Us

For More Information

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Contact Us

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Open the first two Saturdays over every month from 8AM to 2PM.

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

  • "All of the staff is compassionate and caring. They will love on your animals when you can't!"
    The Oilers Life Stacy L. M.
  • "Wished I would have found this Vet a long time ago. They are indeed animal lovers and very thorough. Took extremely good care of my pets. Very clean and very reasonable.
    Not money hungry like most. Very conscientious of pet's needs and owner's concerns.
    Than you Pearl River Vet Hospital"
    Jackie M.
  • "We LOVE Dr. Bradburn!!! :) We would recommend him to anyone!!"
    Kristie R.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

    Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More

    Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More

    The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More

    Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More

    Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More

    What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More

    Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More

    World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More

    Why A Vet Is Your Best Defense During A Zombie Apocalypse

    Could your veterinarian help you survive a zombie apocalypse? ...

    Read More

    8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Snoring

    Do you know why your dog snores? ...

    Read More

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map