Hospice & End of Life Care in North Richland Hills
When the quality of your pet’s life seems to be fading, you will face one of life’s most difficult decisions. The veterinarian and staff at Cornerstone Animal Hospital will be there with you and your pet with empathy and support, helping you find the comfort and clarity to know when the time has come.
Request an AppointmentYour pet will be treated with the dignity and honor they deserve as a member of the family. Because we form such a strong bond with our companion animals, the end of a pet’s life can be a devastating experience. Everyone on the Cornerstone staff knows firsthand the grief and hurt you may be experiencing, and we will make sure you feel as comfortable as possible during this difficult time.
How to Make the Final Decision
Certain symptoms or behavioral changes in your pet may make you wonder if it’s time to consider euthanasia. The most common signs that the final decision may need to be made imminently in an older or seriously ill pet include:
- Considerable weight loss over a long period or at a fast pace
- Unable to stand or needing help to move around
- Chronic pain not helped by pain medication or other medical therapy
- Not interested in eating or drinking
- Losing bowel or urinary control
- Cognitive changes, such as not responding normally or showing abnormal age-related behavior
- The pet appears to be suffering for other reasons
If you’re noticing several of these signs, our team can also help evaluate your pet through hospitalization and patient care or diagnostic testing to better understand what’s happening.
We Can Help With the Decision
In certain situations, pet owners may not be able to make this judgment on their own due to emotional reasons or uncertainty about the medical picture. You may also want to be doubly sure that the decision is being made at the right time, without your pet suffering unnecessary pain or discomfort. The veterinarian at Cornerstone Animal Hospital can be trusted to help you make the right decision. Our doctor does not encourage euthanasia without valid medical reasons, and our team is known for showing genuine empathy to every pet parent, helping make this transition as smooth and comforting as possible.
Sedation
To ensure your pet has a smooth and comfortable transition, every pet receives sedation or anesthesia prior to euthanasia. Since every pet is different, we have several sedation and anesthesia protocols to choose the right one for your situation. Most of the time, sedation makes your pet very sleepy but awake, pain free and comfortable in your arms. An intravenous catheter is placed for every pet to allow for gentle administration.
Will My Pet Feel Pain?
At Cornerstone Animal Hospital, we make sure your pet will be relaxed and pain-free before and during the procedure. Pain medications may also be administered in addition to sedation.
What Happens During the Injection?
Since your pet will already be anesthetized, they will drift to sleep within a few seconds of starting the IV injection. We use a heavy overdose of the anesthetic agent, which causes the heart to stop, and your pet will pass away within seconds after the injection is given. The veterinarian will check on your pet after the injection and let you know when they have passed away.
Grieving Time
Losing a pet is similar to losing a family member. We understand that it is not an easy experience and that grieving is necessary. Everyone processes grief differently, and we encourage families to allow each member to grieve in their own way and in their own time.
After Care
At Cornerstone Animal Hospital, we understand that the life you shared with your companion is special, and we take care of their remains in an honorable manner. After-care options range from communal cremation, to private cremation with ashes returned in an urn or box of your choice, or you may choose to handle arrangements yourself. We also offer several pet memorial options, including paw prints on a clay or metal necklace with glass beads that contain the ashes, so your pet’s memory can live on.
For more information on pet hospice care, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (817) 514-8387.
How do I know if it’s time to consider euthanasia for my pet?
Signs like significant weight loss, difficulty standing, chronic pain, loss of appetite, or loss of bowel control are common indicators. Our veterinarian can help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life.
Will my pet feel any pain during the procedure?
No, your pet will be sedated or anesthetized beforehand and will be relaxed and pain-free throughout the process.
Can the veterinarian help me decide if it’s the right time?
Yes, our veterinarian can help guide this decision based on your pet’s medical condition and quality of life, without pressure toward a particular outcome.
What after-care options are available for my pet’s remains?
We offer communal cremation, private cremation with ashes returned to you, and pet memorial options like paw print necklaces containing ashes.
Is sedation always used before euthanasia?
Yes, every pet receives sedation or anesthesia first to ensure a smooth, pain-free, and comfortable transition.
How long does the process take?
Your pet will typically drift to sleep within seconds of the injection, and the veterinarian will confirm when your pet has passed.
Can I stay with my pet during the process?
Yes, we encourage you to be present with your pet, and most pets remain comfortable in your arms throughout.