What to Expect During At-Home Pet Euthanasia with Rainbow Bridge
My name is Dr. Koontz with Rainbow Bridge At-Home Euthanasia, and I wanted to let you know that I strongly believe helping a cherished family member pass is the last loving gift we can give to our pets. At Rainbow Bridge, we have decided to help you choose where you want to deliver that gift. We believe a serene passing at home surrounded by loved ones is the best way to go. Our trained veterinarians and staff are dedicated to end-of-life care, helping you make that decision, and making the process as easy and comfortable as possible for our beloved pets.
Rainbow Bridge will be with you every step of the way during your pet’s euthanasia.
Many people ask me what that process is like, and I want to discuss it a little. First and foremost, when we arrive at your home, we do absolutely nothing until you're ready. I think that's an important step because some people are ready quickly, while others need more time with their pets. Once you say you're ready, the first thing we do is inject them with an anesthesia. It's an intramuscular injection, going into their muscle, and it doesn't hurt any more than when you get a shot. Nobody likes getting a shot, but it's not very painful, and it's the only painful part of the entire procedure.
Once we give that shot, it takes about five to seven minutes for our pets to reach a very deep plane of sedation. This is a great time for you to spend with them. It's a good time for you to comfort them, be with them, love them, and let them know they're loved. We'll stand back. I'll stand back. Our nurses will stand back and let you be with your pet during that time.
Then, when you say you're ready, the next step is we give them an injection in the vein that will put them totally to sleep, and they'll be in a very deep plane of anesthesia. They'll remain in that very deep plane of anesthesia for another five to seven minutes. Some owners like to leave at that time because your pet is in a very deep plane of anesthesia and won't know if you're there or not. Others want to stay. It's totally up to you.
As they go into that deep plane of anesthesia, they essentially go into a state where we could perform surgery. It's certainly not painful. Finally, they just drift off, their heart stops beating, and their brain stops working. When they reach that point, their body is gone, and we proceed from there.
Contact Rainbow Bridge
You’re never alone in caring for your pet’s health. At Rainbow Bridge , our team is here to support you during this difficult time. Call or email to connect with us today.