Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails* Veterinary Service

Jennifer Berger, DVM
Allan Berger, DVM PhD

Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails PLC
3005 Highway 1 NE
Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 351-4256

*Bushy tails optional for reptiles and pocket pets

The euthanasia page.

This is a difficult web page for us to write, and, if you're planning to use this service, almost certainly a difficult web page for you to read.

For counseling and grief management, we suggest the following links:
The AVMA Pet Loss web site
University of California at Davis Pet Loss Hotline (They'll return your phone call collect, but individual counseling is free.)
Animal Friends Online
One of my favorite poems, which never fails to bring tears to my eyes, is The Rainbow Bridge.

If you think that the time is right for euthanasia, a housecall veterinarian may be an ideal person to help. We come to your home, where there's the least possible disturbance for your pet.

A few things you'll want to be prepared for:

  • When you make the appointment, we will want to know why you're considering euthanasia. We believe in doing what is right for the animal. We rarely hesitate to perform a euthanasia to alleviate an animal's suffering or to protect people from a dangerous animal. However, there are some people who request euthanasia in order to avoid routine pet ownership responsibilities. Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails usually declines to perform euthanasia unless there's a good reason for performing the procedure.

  • You should plan how you will bury or cremate your pet in advance. Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails can handle cremation arrangements for you. We offer both individual cremation (with return of the ashes), and group cremation (in which the ashes are buried at the crematorium).

  • When the veterinarian arrives, please be ready. Say as many of your goodbyes as possible in advance. We don't mean to be hasty or insensitive and rush through the process, but we will likely have other appointments to see. There will be some paperwork to fill out prior to performing the euthanasia.

  • Many times, it will be up to you to decide if you want to be present for the actual euthanasia, or if you would prefer to wait in the next room. However, for very anxious animals, it often helps if owners are not in the room. Many animals are more nervous when you are present, and will settle down when left with the doctor. If we ask you to step outside for a few moments, please don't be surprised.

  • We use a barbiturate (a type of anesthetic) for euthanasia. We inject the drug into the vein. The animal rapidly goes to sleep (within ten to 30 seconds), and then the heart stops beating (this can take a few minutes). We will usually want to observe the animal for a few minutes after giving the injection to make certain that the drug has taken effect and that the heart has stopped. For animals with poor circulation (which is common in older, ill animals), a second injection is sometimes needed. This isn't common, but it can happen.

    Many pets lose control of their bowels. Often, there is some bleeding from the needlestick. Rarely, pets will gasp for a last breath after they go to sleep. This is a reflex, but you should be prepared for it to happen if you choose to stay in the room.

    If you have any questions at all, or if you want advice to help decide if this is the right time for euthanasia or not, please don't hesitate to call us.

    Return to Bright Eyes & Bushy Tails home page.