End-of-Life Care

There are many resources available both online and from your primary care veterinarian when it comes to determining when it may be time to euthanize your pet. Using a “Pet Quality of Life Scale” can guide you by evaluating aspects such as your pet’s eating habits, interactions at home, and overall health and well-being, then assigning a score and suggesting next steps based on that score.

A quality of life consultation is a discussion with a veterinarian to assess and understand a pet’s overall well-being, including physical, emotional, and social aspects. It helps determine if a pet is experiencing a good quality of life, especially during illness or at the end of life, and can guide decisions about care, treatment, or end-of-life options.

As our last gift to our loved ones, our goal for euthanasia is to relieve them of any pain and suffering they may be experiencing. Veterinarians use a euthanasia solution which acts quickly and painlessly. Owners have the option to remain by their pet’s side through the whole process.

Euthanasia is most often accomplished for pets by injection of a death-inducing drug. Your veterinarian may first administer a tranquilizer to relax your pet. After the euthanasia drug has been injected, your pet will immediately become deeply and irreversibly unconscious as the drug stops brain function. Death is quick and painless. Your pet may move their legs or head or breathe deeply several times after the drug is given, but these are reflexes and don’t mean that your pet is in pain or is suffering.

The main difference between cremation and aquamation (also known as water cremation) lies in the method of body disposition. Cremation uses high heat to reduce the body to bone fragments, while aquamation uses a water-based process with alkaline chemicals to achieve a similar result.

Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care only offers in-clinic euthanasia. We have a comfortable room prepared that allows owners time to spend with their pets before their final good-bye and separate exit so owners can leave when they are ready.

Everyone grieves differently; however, it is crucial to support children through the process with honesty, empathy, and age-appropriate explanations. Use clear and simple language, avoiding euphemisms like “put to sleep”, which can be confusing and frightening. Create a safe and supportive environment for children to share their feelings and questions. Encourage them to talk about their memories of their pet and help them understand it’s normal to grieve and it’s ok to express their emotions.