Home Pet Euthanasia
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What to expect
Heaven from Home
Pet Euthanasia Service
Dr. Vanessa Wensing
925-218-8282
drwensing@heavenfromhome.com
First and foremost, if you have any specific desires Dr. Wensing will do everything she can to honor your wishes.
Euthanasia Process
"No one loves you unconditionally as your beloved pet."
-Cynthia S. Dobesh
4.Confirmation of death - Dr. Wensing will confirm that your pets heart has stopped and notify you that your pet has passed away.
5.Post death movement - Your pet may have postmortem movements such as muscles twitching or even a big open mouth breath. Urine or feces may be lost as muscles relax. Eyes will not shut.
6.Keepsakes - Dr. Wensing will create keepsakes such as hair clippings and paw prints (see photos on this page). Please feel free to make any requests.
7.Body care - Dr. Wensing can provide transport for your pet. Body care services are provided by Monterey Bay Loved Pet.
Pets are Individuals in Their Reactions to Euthanasia
Please remember that every pet is an individual. Each pet will
react differently to the euthanasia process. Dr. Wensing does her very best to anticipate any discomfort or fear that your pet may feel during this process.
1.Body care decisions - Your decision for body care should be made either prior to or on the day of your pets euthanasia. You can review some of your body care options on this website on the “Private Cremation/Urns” and “Keeping Your Pet’s Body” pages.
Dogs
2.Sedation injection (dogs)- A sedative or progression of sedation medications are given by injection in order to calm and relax your dog. Sedation allows for a comfortable transition to euthanasia. Sedation takes approximately 5 minutes.
3.Injection of euthanasia solution (dogs) - Once your dog is comfortably sedate and you are ready, an injection of euthanasia solution is given. Your dog may feel a pinprick. Your dog will become unconscious, their eyes will not shut, breathing will stop, and their heart will stop. This process is relatively fast and takes approximately 1 to 3 minutes.
Cats
Cats are not little dogs. Cats prefer less injections and as little restraint as possible. As a result, steps 2 and 3 have been combined. This method of euthanasia for cats results in a comfortable transition with very little stress to your cat.
2 & 3. Sedation/euthanasia (cats) - An injection of euthanasia solution is injected into the abdominal cavity of your cat. These injections are tolerated very well with no to very minimal complaint. As this injection is absorbed by the body your cat will become very sedate in about 5 minutes. In about 10 minutes your cat will become unconscious and your cats breathing and heart will stop all while being held in your arms. Occasionally, if after 10 minutes the heart has not stopped, a second intravenous injection of euthanasia solution may be necessary depending upon your cats variable absorption rate. Your cat will be unconscious and unaware of the second injection.
