Euthanasia

[June_O]

I have two pets that have been together since they were babies and now are 14 years old. One has been treated by the vet for the last year for a disease that is not going to get better but can be managed with strong anti-inflammatory drugs Problem is these drugs can cause liver damage and he’s now on the strongest dose possible, with other complimentary procedures, but his pain over the last couple of months is increasing. The vet has advised Euthanasia within the next few weeks would be the kindest outcome and it will be done at home. I have been conflicting advice on whether I should allow his ‘mate’ to see the body or not. I have no idea what to do and would welcome some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Thanks. x

[Barmaid]

When I have had cats PTS in the past, I've allowed the others to see the body whilst I've been digging the grave. Invariably, they have had a sniff and walked away.

[Bobbisox1]

June what an awful dilemma, not sure about the 'mate' seeing his body, what good would that do?
Is it yours or the vets choice to have it done at home?

[Bobbisox1]

I've never heard of that BM but then I've not had more than one pet

[SparklyKid]

We had a cat put to sleep at home. His pal, our other cat , sat next to him as he fell asleep. Animals have senses we cannot begin to understand.

[Old_Geezer]

No personal experience but I think it might cause more problems than it solves.
Pet's mate is taken away, next thing they know they're shown someone has killed it's mate ? Is it next ? Gone missing isn't nice but I'd have thought it the better of two evils.

[spathiphyllum]

I'm not overly informed on the psychological complexity of a dog and its ideas or senses on death but I think surely the only benefit of watching is that the dog has some idea where his mate is, and probs won't expect to see him again?

[Bobbisox1]

My friend had two dogs, one has sadly died and the other walks around all day looking for his pal, very sad

[douglas9401]

Some might say that the priority is the suffering of one animal and not the imagined thought processes of the remaining one.

[June_O]

Thanks for the swift answers. Its not my choice to have K put down at home its impractical and cruel in my opinion to take him somewhere other than his home. C will not be present when the vet gives the injection but I've been told it gives closure to the other animal and they do know what death is, they can sense or smell it. I have no idea but the experiences of those who have done this is invaluable in making a decision. BTW these are not cats or dogs they are horses :-(

[bainbrig]

June. I’ve faced that problem a few times now, and can only conclude Sparklykid is right. Animals DO understand death, differently from us, maybe better than us. (Have you ever seen an elephant, distraught and howling at the death of her young?)

Hold your pet gently, speak soft words of love, and let the survivor look at their pal’s body.

And once you are alone with the last one, assume they remember and miss their friend. “Animals don’t remember.” Nonsense.

Animals DO remember, and grieve. All you can do is offer love.

With respect,

BillB

[ladybirder]

My cat many years ago just sniffed and walked off after seeing his dead brother, who was killed on the road.

June I am so pleased to hear you are having the deed done at home. So much less stressful than a visit to the vet's surgery.

[Bobbisox1]

Horses are beautiful creatures June and very intelligent ,now being told of what your pets are, I'd say it was right and would add closure to the passing of him x

[calmck]

My vet always comes to the house for planned euthanasia and the other animals are always around, sniff, some pat and walk away. The one time one died at the vet the others seemed stressed and lost for a while. I did not have the body to bury as it was sent for scientific examination as it was thought the cat had mad cow disease. I would definitely let the other be present

[Bobbisox1]

Great advice Cal

[Barmaid]

My neighbours have recently had this happen. They think the survivor has pined for her mate, despite seeing the body. I'm not sure whether it is pining or not, but I do know that horses always seem happier with other horses - mine were. The survivor has developed a rather silly habit of escaping now!

[Fudiot]

I remember seeing a TV program about a pack of wolves in captivity. When the dominant male died, it’s body was left in the compound for several days for the pack to view. They said it was so that a new male could assert it’s dominance.

[NellieMay]

We have had lots of pet dogs and cats over the years and always have them put to sleep at home so that there is no stress for them. The other animals is the household have always been around to see what is happening and allowed to investigate the dead pet if they want to do so. Vets often recommend it. it's seems to me the natural way of doing things. I can't imagine taking a loved pet to the vets to end their days.

[June_O]

Barmaid, I am making arrangements to borrow a mare to put in the field next to C to keep him company after we have K put down. In November I have a young filly coming which will go in with the mare, then eventually run with C so hopefully there will be plenty to occupy him.

[jakep]

When I was working in a veterinary clinic, we always advised that companion pets should see and smell the body of their deceased friend. This is not easy in the surgery, but has been down.
At home, there is much more time and a familiar atmosphere. We have always let our surviving pet be with their ‘sibling’ after the euthanasia.
It may well be anthropomorphic, but they do at least know what has happened.

[jakep]

.....has been done...