Our Uncle Fred – 2008 - Longenbaugh Veterinary Hospital was proud to be Uncle Fred's home for over a year.

 

 

Our Little Old Man Mr. Furby G. - 9-3-11 - We love you Mr. Furby and you will always be missed. Rest In Peace old man.

 

 

 

In Loving Memory of Kadie K. - 8-9-10 - You will be missed!

 

In Memory of...

 

 

One of the hardest, but sometimes kindest, decisions you may ever have to make is if and when to euthanize your beloved pet. Many pet owners have questions concerning this decision, how euthanasia is performed, and what to expect.

 

The decision to euthanize a pet is usually due to incurable illness, age-related problems, intractable pain, or inability to get up/walk. Some thoughts that may help you are to watch for total loss of appetite, withdrawal from the family, increasing difficulty rising, and pain. If these will not respond to treatment the quality of life may decrease to the point that you decide it is time to euthanize your pet to relieve their suffering. While we cannot make the decision for you, we are here to support you and help during this difficult time.

 

Euthanasia involves an intravenous (in a blood vessel) injection of an overdose of anesthetic. This will very rapidly stop the heart. The only pain is the prick of the needle.

 

If you decide to be with your pet during euthanasia, this is what to expect. We will place an intravenous catheter for the injection, usually in a front leg. When you are ready we will inject the solution while you comfort your pet. Your pet will usually just relax and stop breathing within one minute. Some pets may vocalize during the injection just as a person might talk during anesthesia. Muscle twitching can occur after death. The eyes usually will remain open.

 

There are several options for your pet's body. We have a cremation service that will cremate your pet with other pets, cremate your pet separately and return the ashes, or cremate and scatter the ashes. There is also a pet cemetery which offers burial of pets available. If you have land in the country, you can also take your pet and bury them (where legally allowable).

 

We will try to help make this difficult time as comfortable for you as possible. We have all lost pets and know how hard it is to lose this precious member of the family.