Euthanasia means inducing death by methods that cause no pain or suffering: an injection of sodium pentobarbital brings an immediate loss of consciousness followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest. The decision belongs solely to the owner; the vet advises, guides and supports, but never decides. It is usually considered in the face of terminal illness, a very serious injury, or an irreversible loss of quality of life.
Key facts:
- What it means: from the Greek, “good death”. Without pain or suffering.
- Who decides: always the owner. The vet advises, because they know how the animal will progress.
- Signs of lost quality of life: uncontrollable chronic pain, frequent vomiting or diarrhoea with weight loss, refusing to eat, incontinence, an inability to stand, loss of interest in everything.
- You may be present or not: both choices are valid.
- Grief is a normal process. It ends when you can remember your animal without pain.
It is the conversation no owner wants to have. But coming to it informed — knowing what it is, how it is decided and what happens — makes it a little less hard, and helps you make the decision with the animal in mind.
What is euthanasia?
“Euthanasia” is a Greek word meaning “good death”. It consists of inducing death by methods that cause no pain or suffering to the animal. To do so, barbiturates are injected at a high concentration, causing an immediate loss of consciousness followed by cardiac and respiratory arrest that ends in the loss of brain function and, finally, death.
Who makes the decision?
The decision belongs solely to the owner. That said, the owner needs the vet’s guidance, because it is the vet who best knows how the animal will progress. The vet and the rest of the clinic staff can guide, advise, explain and help, but never decide. The owner must weigh what is best for the pet, but also for themselves and their family.
When is it considered? Signs of lost quality of life
Thanks to advances in medicine, pets now live many years. But the appearance of a terminal illness, a very serious injury or a loss of quality of life through old age (arthritis, cognitive problems, incontinence) leads many owners to consider euthanasia. These are the signs that usually indicate the animal is suffering:
- It shows chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication.
- It has frequent vomiting or diarrhoea causing weight loss.
- It has stopped eating, or only eats if forced.
- It suffers from incontinence.
- It has lost interest in its favourite activities.
- It can no longer stand up.
What happens during the procedure?
The vet will explain the process before starting and answer your questions. They will inject a dose of sodium pentobarbital so that the animal loses consciousness and its heart slowly stops. Sometimes a sedative injection is given first, to make sure it is calm and still. After the pentobarbital, death occurs within a few minutes.
There may afterwards be some muscle spasms or release of urine: these are entirely normal and no cause for alarm. Once death is confirmed, the vet will ask whether you would like to spend a few more minutes alone with your pet.
Should I be present?
It is your choice. For some the emotion is too intense; for others it brings comfort to be with their animal in its final moments. Neither choice is wrong. Before the procedure takes place, it is important that you and the rest of the family take your time to say goodbye in private. If there are children, it helps to explain the decision clearly, to prepare them in advance and to help them through their grief.
What happens to the body?
For many owners their pet is far more than an animal, so the body should not be treated as a mere object. The vet should inform you of the options that follow. Today there are various choices: crematoria, pet cemeteries, and others.
How is grief handled?
Grief is a psychological process that follows a loss and is characterised by pain. Its duration and intensity depend on several factors: the type of death (a sudden death is more painful than one where the owner has watched quality of life decline), the relationship (the bond today is often so close that the grief resembles that for a close family member) and age (children and the elderly suffer the loss most).
Sharing the experience with someone who has been through the same always helps: it allows you to unburden yourself, to show your feelings and to talk about your pet. Bear in mind, too, that the loss can affect other animals in the house, who may need special attention until their own distress eases.
Grief can be said to end when the owner can remember their animal without feeling pain, and can even give their affection to another pet without forgetting the one that is gone or feeling guilty for it.
Frequently asked questions
Does euthanasia hurt?
No. Sodium pentobarbital is injected, causing an immediate loss of consciousness. Death follows within minutes.
Who decides, the vet or me?
The decision is solely the owner’s. The vet advises, explains and supports, but never decides.
How do I know the moment has come?
When there is uncontrollable chronic pain, the animal stops eating, cannot stand, is incontinent or has lost interest in everything.
Can I be present?
Yes, if you wish. It is equally valid not to be. The vet will explain the process beforehand.
This guide is for information. If you have any doubt about your pet’s quality of life, always consult your vet, who is best placed to advise you.
In a serious illness, being able to choose treatment on medical grounds rather than by what the budget allows changes everything. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose. See the policy terms.
