When the veterinary community is mentioned, we often envision a team of compassionate and dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to care for our beloved furry friends.
While that is true, many people may not realize the emotional toll of the job, especially the difficult task of saying goodbye to patients we often grow very close to.
No matter how experienced we are, euthanizing a dog is never easy.
It is a decision that weighs heavily on the hearts of those involved.
Choosing to say goodbye means they must come to terms with the fact that they’re ending a life that is loved and cherished.
The bond between a dog and its parent(s) is truly special, and facilitating the end of that bond is heartbreaking.
The emotional burden of euthanizing dogs is a leading cause of compassion fatigue and burnout among veterinary teams.
Compassion fatigue is a type of emotional exhaustion that comes from caring for others suffering. When faced with the difficult task of putting down a dog, it can take a toll on even the most resilient of people.
The constant exposure to heartache and grief can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed, making it difficult to continue providing the level of care that we pride ourselves on.
Veterinary teams can face several challenges when euthanizing dogs.
They may face:
Moral stress: This can result from a veterinarian’s recommendation differing from a pet parent’s. For example, an owner may not want to euthanize their dog, but the Veterinarian believes the pet is suffering. Alternatively, an owner may request euthanasia when the Veterinarian feels there’s a viable treatment option.
Ethical challenges: Whether euthanasia is considered an ethical challenge may depend on the reasons for the request.
Emotional weight: euthanasia is emotionally taxing, and it can be hard to focus on the medical or moral reasons for the goodbye.
What’s talked about least is what comes after euthanasia…
…More often than not, we have appointments to follow. We must gather, switch gears, and move on to our next patient.
This transition can be incredibly challenging as we put aside our emotions and focus on providing the best care for the next family.
This ability to compartmentalize our emotions and remain present for each patient requires special resilience and strength.
To help with these challenges, some recommend:
Take time to prepare the owner before the procedure. Be sure to set expectations and share what is within and outside the veterinary team’s control.
Setting clear expectations from the start can help prevent unwanted surprises and improve the experience.
Schedule some “flex” time after euthanasia appointments. Give yourself and your team breathing room before seeing your next patient.
Start a tradition. Some hospitals decorate a small rock for each patient who passes in their care and leave it near the entrance or a nearby tree. This is a meaningful practice for pet parents and veterinary teams to ensure their beloved pet (or patient) is not forgotten.
Despite the emotional hardships that come with the job, we continue to show up daily, providing compassionate care for our patients.
Your dedication to your community and your unwavering commitment to the well-being of your patients is truly inspiring.
Veterinary staff are scarcely recognized or appreciated for the sacrifices they make daily to offer our support and compassion.
The heavy toll of euthanasia does not go unrecognized.
Despite the emotional challenges we face, we remain committed to the health, wellness, and needs of the patients who draw us in every day.
Take this moment to know you’re appreciated. Your tireless work to care for your patients and our community is acknowledged and valued.
