Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Edisto Pet Clinic

1309 Springdale Dr

Orangeburg, SC 29115 US

803-533-0153

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
  • Clinic Hours
  • Online Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Cats
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Pet Dangers
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Living With Your Pet >
  • Saying Goodbye >
  • Euthanasia

Euthanasia

  • Created in Living With Your Pet, Saying Goodbye

older cat

You may have concluded that it's time to euthanize a pet. Or, maybe the vet told you that euthanizing is in the pet's best interest. Now, you have a responsibility. You now have to explain to your child what happens during the process. You also have to emphasize the fact that the procedure is humane and necessary.

What's Euthanasia

When you're explaining what euthanasia is, you must start by explaining that a veterinary professional performs this procedure. This helps a child to understand that the pet is in good hands. Then, you'll need to explain that the pet gets put into a deep sleep and peacefully passes away. Then, you'll want to explain that the procedure is only performed on pets who are ill or are suffering immensely.

If your child would like to know more about the process, you can go into further detail about how the pet is given a special medication that instantly puts them into a deep sleep and allows the pet to pass away more comfortably.

Explaining Why Euthanasia Is Beneficial Sometimes

Your child may only see the fact that you're causing the end of the pet's life earlier than nature intended. This can concern a child. Therefore, they may have questions and wonder if it's necessary.

When you're explaining a pet being euthanized, you must explain that vets only perform this procedure on pets who are suffering. It helps stop the pet's pain or other unpleasant symptoms, so he or she doesn't have to suffer any longer. It's important to mention that the procedure is quick and painless for a pet, and it's often what's best for them if they are suffering.

Helping Your Child Cope

Explaining euthanasia to a child consists of more than just explaining the process and letting your child know that it's sometimes necessary. Your child has an emotional attachment to a pet, so the process also entails validating his or her emotions. It's important to reassure your child that you're doing what's best and that you're doing it because you care.

Your child may have questions about where the pet goes after his or her passing. You'll need to formulate a response based on your family's religious beliefs.

Euthanizing seems like a cruel practice to children. That's why you need to explain to a child that it's to keep a pet from suffering. It's also an excellent time to answer any questions your child has about death in general and remember to allow your child to say "goodbye" to his or her pet before the procedure.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am

12:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Testimonial Coming Soon..."

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • November Newsletter: What Causes Cataracts in Cats and How Are They Treated?

    Think cataracts only happen to people? Your cat could also develop this eye problem. ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How to Celebrate National Senior Pet Month

    Don't have plans for National Senior Pet Month yet? Try these suggestions. ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: The Importance of Daily Dog Walks

    This simple form of exercise could make your dog one happy pup. ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: How to Care for Your Pets When They Are Teething

    Wondering what you can do to help your teething pet? ...

    Read More
  • September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

    Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death? ...

    Read More
  • September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

    Read More
  • Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

    Read More
  • August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems

    Do you know how spaying and neutering can protect your pet's health? ...

    Read More
  • August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety

    Does your pet hate being alone? A visit to the veterinarian could help. ...

    Read More
  • July Newsletter: The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet

    Is daycare right for your pet? ...

    Read More

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map