WARNING: Sensitive content. This video is for educational purposes. Viewer discretion is advised. Please be respectful.
In this video we discuss one of our most requested topics: euthanasia. We discuss the frequency with which veterinarians are exposed to death and the main reasons that pets are euthanized. Our hope is that by discussing this, we can help pet owners who who are facing euthanasia to be less afraid, and also to prevent situations were euthanasia is performed for reasons that people might regret later. At the end of the video we show video footage from the euthanasia of one our own patients.
Euthanasia is a way for veterinarians to end suffering when they can't further help their patients. However, when performed for the wrong reasons, euthanasia can lead to more suffering for the pet's family and the vet team due to emotions like guilt and regret. We also discuss the process of euthanasia, and provide some simple tools that you can use to help make the process less confusing.
*Note: Referenced statistics reflect the year this video was made. Current statistics indicate roughly 2500 pets/day are euthanized in US animal shelters.
RELATED CONTENT ON OUR CHANNEL:
- How Do I Know When It's Time to Say Goodbye?"
- Rescued from Death Row
- 3 Tips That Could Save Your Pet's Life
- How Facebook almost killed Bae-Bae
Helpful Resources
Pet Loss Resources:
Pet Medical Insurance:
Shelter & Adoption Resources:
- Animal Shelter in Houston: "There is a 2.5 hour wait today to surrender an animal.."
- Pet Statistics (ASPCA)
- Canadian Animal Shelter Statistics (Humane Canada)
- Where to find a purebred or mixed breed rescue pet
- CVMA Position Statement on Responsible Pet Breeding
- AVMA Passes Policy on Responsible Pet Breeding
- A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations
- AKC Guide to Responsible Pet Breeding
Responsible Ownership Resources:
- Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet
- Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership
- CVMA Position Statement on Responsible Pet Breeding
WELCOME TO PET PARENTING 101! On this playlist, you will find all of the information that you need to be a responsible and informed pet parent, so that you can keep your furbaby safe from danger and be prepared for the worst case scenario. The year is 2020 and the days of being a "pet owner" are over. There was a time when pets were considered property, and people thought that if their dog got sick or broke a leg- "put it to sleep and get a new one." Our society's beliefs on the responsibilities of pet guardianship have evolved, but there is still a disconnect when it comes to giving pet parents the information that they need to be responsible and informed pet guardians.
Additional Resources:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Hotline: (888) 426-4435
- Preventive Health in Puppies
- Meet "Oliver"
- Medical Insurance Can Save Lives
- 3 Tips From The Emergency Vet That Could Save Your Pet's Life
WELCOME TO TWIN TREES VET TALK! Join us LIVE every Sunday 5:30-6pm PST. An informal chat with Dr. Lopez (Emergency Veterinarian) and friends to share our perspective on pet predicaments, being a veterinarian, our shared love for animals and more! Have a quick question? Want to run something by us? Or just need our two cents? This is your chance! Enter your questions here. and each week we will select a handful of questions to answer.