Eutanasia en gatos y perros | Cómo afrontar la difícil decisión de dormir a tu mascota 🌈

Today I'm going to talk to you about the thing I like least about my job, which is when we have to make the decision to put our canine or feline companion to sleep. And although it's very hard, this is something that everyone, both the family and the veterinarian, have to be prepared for. Hello, I'm Carlos, a clinical veterinarian at Small Animals. Welcome to the Happy Pets and Families Channel. In today's video, I'm not here to give you advice on how to care for your pet, but rather to tell you how we, the veterinarians, and you, the families, deal with that difficult moment when we have to decide to let our animal companion go because we have reached a point where their illness is irreversible and we can only expect it to get worse and that this could cause them a lot of suffering. These are typical things that none of us are prepared for in our studies. They don't prepare us for this. And, and the first time we experience it, it's a very, very painful situation, emotionally speaking, because we have to deal with a case, with an animal that is suffering from some type of illness that we have probably treated for a very long time, and also with a family that is frustrated and hurt because their pet is not going to be saved. Perhaps you have been extremely lucky not to have had to face this difficult situation with your pet because, well, for whatever reason, they have left naturally. But sometimes we have to face the consultation and have to tell you that your pet has no quality of life and that euthana may be indicated. In these situations, the process is completely painless and we always do it under general anesthesia. First we sedate them, which is a slightly milder form of anesthesia, and then we proceed with general anesthesia so that they don't feel anything. We only do it when we have made sure that they are not suffering any pain. If you find yourself in this situation and you think you're not ready to make the decision, I want you to know that it's normal. None of us are prepared. It's easy for none of us. But I also want you to know that you'll have your vet by your side, who will guide you, advise you, and help you make the best possible decision. In any case, your vet can't make this decision for you because, after all, he or she is a member of your family. But keep in mind that if after talking to your vet, he or she has offered you this option, it's because it may be the best alternative for your canine or feline Companion. If you ask me about the word euthanasia, the first thing that comes to mind is generosity, because it is an act in which we are showing our canine or feline companion that we are willing to prevent them from having a life full of suffering and pain in which they will not improve in relation to their illnesses, such as if they suffer from some type of terminal cancer or some type of disease, for example, kidney disease in its final stage. In these cases, we cannot expect them to have any improvement, and that is why we can make the decision to free them from that suffering. Keeping them with us is the easiest option because it does not force us to face having to make the decision. But there can also be an element of selfishness behind it. It is much easier to decide that we want to keep them by our side at all costs, without thinking about what is really good for them. And do not worry if you do not know if the time has come or not, because that is what veterinarians are here for, to advise you. It is very important that I emphasize this, because it is unacceptable that there are still people who come to the clinic asking us to euthanize their pet simply because it no longer fits into their lifestyle. There are people who have come to ask me to euthanize a dog because it is a bit aggressive, or to euthanize a cat because it is allergic to a member of the family. And in those cases, euthanasia is not justified. And as a veterinarian, I have refused to do so because in my professional and ethical judgment it was not justified. And at least in my conscience, it will not remain. Although, as we have been discussing in this video, there are times when, unfortunately, we have no other choice. Once you have decided that the time has come to say goodbye to your animal companion, your dog or your cat, it is very important that you know that you can be by their side throughout the process. But there are also, also families who decide not to do so, who decide, because the situation is very painful, to walk away and leave everything in our hands. I want you to know that if you decide to leave the animal in the hands of the vet, they will do so in the most delicate and respectful way possible. But if you accept my recommendation, I ask that you stay with your animal companion until the sedation has taken effect, because until then they will be conscious and will always feel you by their side and will not feel abandoned. Once the sedation has taken effect, you can decide to leave. If it is too painful for you, don't worry, because at that moment they will not know whether you are there or not. I understand that it is not easy for you as a family to have to make the decision of whether or not to stay. That is why I cannot judge you, because it is not easy for us either. And although all of us who are dedicated to a health profession have been told that we do not have to get involved with our patients, that we do not have to create emotional bonds to avoid suffering in these circumstances, well, that is clearly not possible. We create a very, very close relationship, but especially with all those patients who have had a chronic illness and who have been coming to our clinic for a long time. In fact, I have many colleagues who prefer not to perform euthanasia on the patients they have treated when the time comes. I personally do not. I specifically want to be there for the families at this difficult time, so that they also feel like there is someone they can trust who will help, even if it is small, but at least somewhat. I know it will be a difficult decision. But if it is any consolation, what I usually tell families is to think about the good life they have had by your side. You have been their family and you have always given them everything they have needed. You may never feel ready to make this decision, but I hope this video has helped you, even if only a little, during these difficult times. And for these days, I send you lots of encouragement for you and your entire family. And that's it for today's video. If you liked it, give it a like and share it with everyone. Remember to subscribe to our channel if you have, if you haven't already. And well, if you're currently finding yourself in a situation similar to the one I described in the video, know that it's normal to feel down for a few days and to miss our animal companion in our home. That's why we have to go through it. And it's part of the grieving process today. Specifically, we have Canela, AKA Boyo da Crema, and the dog Coca de Hoja, AKA Nigrita Canberra. Valentina introduced them to us and hey, they seem to get along quite well. An Angie, Mia, who is the cat, and Frieda, who is the dog. She says that they're only three days apart in age and that Frieda is Mia's superhero. She follows her everywhere. And Lydia introduces us to Grand Diona. Well, when I saw him, I said, where is he? Of course, he's not a dog or a cat, he's a snake. I don't know much about snakes, but hey, I'm glad you introduced her. Because here we don't just want to restrict ourselves to dogs and cats. Thank you very much for following the Happy Pets and Families Channel, and I'll see you in the next video. Video. Okay, now, wait. This is something for those who. This is something for those who.

Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello?

Can you hear me?

Hello? But.

Hey, hey, don't get carried away because you're being rude, Jose. But you didn't say she wasn't going to be here. It's because she could be the best. The best they have. Well, because.

Well, they.

Not only. Only when we've made sure that I don't. When you. When you. And don't worry. And don't worry if you think. Okay. Or that she sacrifices a. Oh, that we, the veterinarians are going to do it in a respectful way. Respectfully. Once you've decided that. But fortunately, more and more people like this stay.

But. But.

Well, I'm glad you introduced her to us, but. Well, I'm glad you introduced her to us, but it's still a step. I'm not saying that. Period.