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IN COMFORT AND PEACE
At-Home Pet Euthanasia Denver
And Foothills
Photo Credit: By Dr. Amy's kids!
Dr. Amy and her beautiful golden retriever.
Saying goodbye to a pet is hard enough. Nobody wants to make that call for at-home pet euthanasia (Denver, or western suburbs and foothills). There is so much sadness and so many questions. We find many reasons to want to hold on tighter when, deep down, we know it’s time to let go.
As hard as this all feels, know you’re not alone.
Everyone who’s ever had a pet has gone through feelings of helplessness at some point. So when you feel there’s nothing left you can do for your best friend, I want you to know I’m here to help you with end-of-life veterinary services.
Here’s a message from my heart to yours…
Dear Devoted Pet Owner,
The last thing you want to do is say goodbye and let them go. They’ve been with you their whole life, and you’ve built such a strong bond over the years.
“Where you go, I go!” - that’s their motto, and they’d follow you to the ends of the earth and back again.
But now they’re tired. Their joints ache and standing up is hard. Their bodies betray them in ways that make them feel ashamed and sad.
The memories are clear and the companionship remains. They’d still do anything for you, but they’re weaker now, and the light in their eyes is slowly dimming.
You know the time is nearing to say your last goodbyes, but you don’t want to lose them, and you’re holding on tight.
I completely understand - I’ve been there too, many times.
And there comes a time when, though it’s heart-wrenching and painful for you, you know what you have to do.
That’s why I’m here.
To help you through one of the toughest decisions of your life and theirs with end-of-life veterinary services.
If you know in your heart that it’s time, I can help your beloved pet pass in their most comfortable, happy place, surrounded by those they love.
I’ll inform you at every step what happens next, and I’ll give you the time and space to say your goodbyes in your own way.
Once all is quiet, if you choose, I can cradle your beloved pet and deliver them to aftercare.
At every moment, you and your pet will receive the ultimate in professional care. I make sure the entire process is dignified and compassionate.
I may shed a tear, too.
That’s because I feel your pain. I know exactly how you feel, and I fully respect the unbreakable bond between you and your pet.
So if you know that compassionate at-home pet euthanasia (Denver, west of I-25 or the foothills area) is what your dog or cat needs, please reach out so I can care for both you and your beloved pet.
Remember all the fun-loving times you’ve had together and know that you’re giving them a gift, releasing them from pain and discomfort, and letting them run free once more.
With So Much Love…
For end-of-life veterinary services with care and compassion
and peaceful at-home pet euthanasia (Denver and west of I25), call Dr. Amy.
Give your loving pet one final gift of peace.
Dr. Amy’s End-Of-Life Vet Services
This is no easy decision, and I want you to feel completely comfortable with your choice.
So I offer you the following options.
Current Quality Of Life
Examination
As a qualified veterinarian of almost 20 years, I can assess your pet’s current health conditions and make recommendations for your decision based on your pet’s quality of life.
Compassionate At-Home Pet Euthanasia
If the time is truly here, then your pet is in kind and caring hands.
I’ll walk you through each step and allow you the time you need.
Your Pet’s Aftercare
Losing a pet is never easy.
I still care deeply for your pet after their passing and can transport them to the crematorium for you. Please see my Services page for more options.
If you’re torn in your decision, let’s talk. I can walk you through your options and help you make the right decision for your family.
Peace for your four-pawed friend is one call away.
At-Home Pet Euthanasia FAQs
This is a heart-wrenching decision. And we know it’s even harder to pick up that phone. To help you better understand what happens next, here are some of the FAQs we get at our office, from other pet parents, just like you.
How to prepare for pet euthanasia at home?
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Choose a comfortable spot where your pet really feels at home. Whether that’s on a couch, on the floor by a sunny window, outside on the deck, or even under the deck. Wherever you know that your pet loves to spend time relaxing and just hanging out is the ideal spot.
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Understand the process. The right end-of-life veterinarian for you and your pet will talk you step-by-step through the whole procedure with compassion and respect. They’ll let you know what happens at each stage and will allow you time with your best friend to say your goodbyes.
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You’ll need external emotional support since your pet may have been that emotional support for you. Make sure you have friends or family you can call on when you need a shoulder or a helping hand.
How do I know when it's time to put my dog down?
You know how your dog normally acts and you can tell when they’re feeling under the weather. The same holds true as they age and everyday movements become more difficult.
If your pet is aging and you begin noticing significant changes in their daily habits, you might want to consider contacting end-of-life vet services. Many at-home pet euthanasia vets offer ‘quality of life’ examinations to assess whether your pet can still enjoy life at an acceptable level.
Should your pet be assessed at a lower quality of life, the vet may suggest at-home pet euthanasia as a humane option rather than letting your best friend suffer.
Can I hold my pet during euthanasia?
Yes - I’d encourage you to hold your pet during at-home pet euthanasia. The more you hold, stroke, and talk to your pet during euthanasia, the more calm and relaxed the pet feels, and the more peaceful you’ll feel as you reassure them everything will be okay.
Pets always feel calm at your touch. After all, they naturally move toward you when they want attention. It’s important to provide that soothing touch during their final moments. It’s your last chance to tell them just how much they mean to you. They’ll feel loved, comforted, and peaceful as they close their eyes and fall asleep one last time.
Is it possible to humanely euthanize a dog at home?
The only way to humanely euthanize a dog or cat at home is to have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who specializes in at-home pet euthanasia complete the procedure.
The generalized procedure begins with finding a comfortable spot, informing the family or owner of the steps of the procedure, administering an anesthetic to calm your pet, allowing time for goodbyes, and then completing the euthanasia.
DO NOT attempt to euthanize your pet yourself! ALWAYS call a veterinarian.
How to know if euthanasia is right?
If you have any doubt as to whether euthanasia is the right choice for your pet’s situation, call a professional. The last thing you want to do is to lose your pet if they can be cured. If your pet hates to travel, always search for a veterinarian who offers mobile end-of life vet services.
Here are some signs from your pet that euthanasia should be a consideration:
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Avoids physical contact
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Excessive panting or shaking
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Restless or uncomfortable
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Being quiet or withdrawn
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Acting confused or disoriented
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Don’t want to exercise or walk
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Difficulty standing or performing normal tasks
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Unusual crying or yelping
If your pet is suffering from several of these signs, call Dr. Amy.
Is it better to cremate or bury your dog?
Most often, it’s a matter of personal preference, but here in certain counties of Colorado, you may find there are specific rules on pet burial locations. If you’re unsure what’s allowed in your county, be sure to search for county-specific or city-specific regulations to be sure you’re following the guidelines.
Pet cremation is often much easier than home burial and there are several ways of memorializing your pet using their cremains, including keeping or distributing their ashes somewhere special to you both, or even having their ashes formed into a blown glass ornament. See Services Page for details of cremation services.
What to do on a dog's last day?
The best advice is to make a pet’s last day fun, relaxing, special, or all of the above. You might want to take a trip to a particular place where you had the most fun, treat your pooch to a fabulous dinner or their very own ice-cream sundae, or take a walk somewhere beautiful with lots of interesting scents.
If your pet has trouble walking, take them for a ride in a bicycle basket (depending how big they are of course), push them around in a baby stroller, or even a wheelchair.
Take lots of photos, which I’m sure you already do, but make sure you have some with you in them too. Make the most of the happy memories you create.
Is it better to stay with your dog during euthanasia?
If your pet isn’t well they’re going to want you nearby. They’ve trusted you their whole life to raise them, treat them well, and take care of them in so many ways. I would hope you’re not going to leave them alone in their final moments.
Pets can be nervous of veterinary clinics, so your best and kindest course of action is to treat them with dignity and respect, and give them the final gift of ending their suffering with at-home pet euthanasia. End-of-life veterinary services are your last best way to show your love to your best furry companion.
Are pets scared when euthanized?
As long as you aren’t scared, neither are they. End-of-life veterinarians provide the most tender care. They understand both your and your pet’s feelings and respect both equally. They carefully administer a sedative allowing your pet to gently fall asleep. Once your pet is sleeping you can say your goodbyes, and after that they don’t feel a thing.
Create a peaceful atmosphere, choose a pleasant location, make your pet comfortable, and there’s no need for them to be scared. They’re with the family they’ve trusted their whole life. They’re at peace.
Can a dog feel pain during euthanasia?
The only pain a pet may feel is the initial poke of the needle if their medicine is given under the skin. Some animals may not receive their sedation through a needle, but will take it orally. Once the sedative is administered to send them into a dream-like sleep, they’ll feel no pain.
If you think your pet might be in need of end-of-life vet services or at-home pet euthanasia (Denver area west of I25 and foothills locations), call Dr. Amy, and get peace for your pet’s paws.