Making the most compassionate decision for your pet.
We love our pets and want nothing but the best care for them. One of the most difficult moments of pet ownership comes with making end-of-life decisions. We all dread this moment and try to prepare for the inevitable day that we have to say good-bye. This experience is very personal and different for every person and every pet. Your veterinarian will do their absolute best to help guide you through the decision to euthanize. The term euthanasia translates to ‘a good death’. This time comes when your pet’s quality of life is not what it should be. It may be obvious, but in many cases the signs are more vague.
Many people will ask their vet: what would you do if he were yours? Dogs and cats have evolved to hide signs of pain or illness. Dramatic weight loss, severe stiffness, weakness and inability to rise and decrease in appetite or recurring stomach upset are all signs that should be discussed with your vet. As an advocate for your pet, you are the connection between the physical exam and your pet’s home life and an accurate history is essential.
Once a decision has been made we will schedule your appointment. The staff at Riverside understands what you and your beloved pet are going through and will do everything possible to make the experience a peaceful one. Each situation varies, but most pets will have a catheter in the vein for the procedure. The injection is given into the vein, and takes less than a minute to take effect.
It takes strength and compassion to help our pets pass. Some people prefer to stay with them for the procedure while others may be too emotional or would rather not have that memory of them. We can assure you that whatever you decide, it is your personal preference, and every member of the staff will treat your pet as if he or she was our own.
Cremation options:
Of course it is difficult to plan what comes after the passing of a beloved pet. At Riverside Veterinary Hospital, we offer cremation services through Pet Passages. Pet Passages offers personalized funeral services, cremation, online pet memorials, and bereavement support. For a complete list of services and more information, please click on their logo:
