Page 5 - Compassion Understood - Euthanasia

After the injection
It’s best to be prepared that very often, after your pet has passed away, the body can have various muscular contractions. These are post-death reflexes, but if you are not prepared for them, it can seem as if your pet
is alive. Your pet may appear to gasp or suddenly have a deep breath. Sometimes this may carry on for several breaths. This is a wholly-natural bodily reflex. Your pet will already have died and is not aware of any of this. Sometimes the pet’s bladder and/or bowel can empty at the same time.
Spending time with your pet afterwards is usually possible, but will depend on the individual veterinary practice and the availability of their consulting rooms. Some practices have a specific bereavement room for this reason so that you are not rushed
into leaving.
Following your pet’s death you
may wish to take a lock of hair as a memento. Don’t be afraid to ask for the vet to do this for you - it’s a very common request. You may also wish to take away your pet’s collar with you if you are leaving your pet with the practice for cremation.
If you have chosen to have your pet cremated, your vet will usually be able to arrange this for you. They will gently wrap your pet’s body up to be taken into cold storage. You do not have to stay at this point, and most owners will leave when their pet is at peace.
If you have chosen to bury your pet
at home, it is advisable to arrange the body into a curled position soon after death. This is because rigor mortis (stiffening of the joints and muscles
of a body after death) will start within 3 hours and can last up to 72 hours, potentially making burial difficult and necessitating a larger grave to be dug.
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The pet will be given a concentrated overdose of the anaesthetic so that they peacefully fall asleep and then pass away.