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Dealing with the loss of a pet is never easy. When dealing with euthanasia or sudden loss due to an emergency, illness or injury, the decision that must be made and the ultimate loss of the pet bring up a lot of conflicting and difficult emotions.

When children are involved, special considerations must be made to help them understand what is going on and how to deal with pet loss and grief.

To put it bluntly, euthanasia is “death by injection” for a terminally ill, suffering animal. Many people euphemistically refer to this as “putting an animal to sleep.”

The finality of death is a difficult concept, especially for children under the age of five or so. Children can be confused and even frightened by the term “putting to sleep” if they see the lifeless pet after the euthanasia is performed.

When preparing for an appointment to have a terminally ill pet euthanized, it is best to speak in honest terms at an appropriate level of detail for the child’s age. Very small children need to know that this is final - the pet isn’t going to wake up or come back.

To say that the pet “went away” or is “in heaven” without offering any other details can also confuse children. Older children need to know the reasons why this decision is being made and why it is humane for the suffering animal.

To be or not to be present at the actual euthanasia is a question many adults grapple with. This is a personal decision and one that should be discussed with your veterinarian.

When children are involved, some veterinarians don’t allow kids under five years old to be present for the actual euthanasia. Young children have a hard time understanding the concept of death and witnessing the event does not make it easier to understand or cope with. Even teenagers can have a difficult time understanding the reasons why euthanasia is required and the emotions involved with the act itself.

It’s important to realize that when adults and children are upset, the pet is, too. While difficult, it is important for us to lend support and comfort our pets in this last time of need. Seeing humans upset may upset pets too.

Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe dog fence.

Tags: Pets

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