| Euthanasia |
| I have been getting many questions about how euthanasia works. It is going to be one of the most difficult decisions of your life. Consider what�s best for your pet? Talk to your vet, discuss the matter with your loved once. But in the end the decision is up to you. Some people question if euthanasia is a pain free, peaceful end. Hopefully this article will answer some of your questions and concerns. Euthanasia works in 5 stages: 1. Sedation In this stage the pet gets slightly drowsy. 2. Involuntary excitement. As the pet loses its ability to control its reflexes, it might become agitated or excited. It rarely occurs, but every animal absorbs the anesthetic in its own way. At this point the drug affects the pet�s brain, your pet does not feel distress, even though its involuntary excitement might look like it. 3. Light anesthesia. The pet is still somewhat conscious, its eyes might still remain open and its tongue might hang from its mouth. 4. Deep anesthesia. Completely unconscious, the pet breathes slowly and deeply, as in a deep sleep. 5. Death. The pet�s brain ceases to function, followed by the heart. In USA, euthanasia is an overdose of the same type of anesthetic your vet might use to prepare a pet for surgery. The anesthetic works within few minutes or less, so it�s best to say your goodbyes before the injection is administered. If you have never witnessed euthanasia, here are a few things you should be prepared for: The pet�s abdominal contents might gurgle, and/or the body might release feces or urine. Depending on your pet�s illness, blood, or foamy fluid might drip from its mouth or nose. The final few breaths worry many owners. The part of the brain that controls breathing is one of the last to shut down. Long after the pet is completely unconscious and near death, it might inhale sharply or gasp as the muscles of the chest contract a few final times. You might think the animal felt pain or distress at the last moment, but rest assured it didn�t. This article explains mostly how euthanasia works on the pet�s body. No one can understand how it feels emotionally to loose a beloved pet, unless they had gone through it themselves. At least knowing that your pet didn�t suffer and had a peaceful end with you by its side, might give you some comfort. Did you know that 6 out every 10 dogs that enter shelters in USA are euthanized, because they go unadopted? Safe a Life, please adopt a pet! |
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