A vet has shared a heartbreaking plea for anyone bringing their dog in to be put to sleep.
Having to say goodbye to a pet you love is one of the most painful decisions an owner can face.
After years of loyalty and companionship, that final trip to the vet can feel unbearable.
But one vet has explained there’s something that can make those last moments even harder for a dog: when their owner leaves the room before euthanasia takes place.
As distressing as it is to stay, the vet said your presence can be the last source of calm and reassurance your pet has.
Without that comfort, they explained, some dogs can spend their final seconds frightened, searching, and unsure why their person has disappeared.
Posting on social media, the vet said they always try to approach owners with understanding and avoid judging anyone’s choices.
Even so, they admitted it’s devastating to witness a dog desperately looking for their owner at the end.
“I feel like it’s the very last comfort you can give your friend, just being there by their side to comfort them,” they wrote.
“Uggh. We had one recently that hit me hard, I just wish it could have ended differently.”
The vet also addressed the idea that some owners may only be stepping out briefly, noting that dogs are often already anxious the moment they arrive at a clinic.
“Even if that was the case, they still stress out,” they wrote.
“Y’all, this dog we euthanised literally tried so hard to walk himself out the front door with his leash after his owners left and continued to cry and stress out until the propofol got him. “We did our jobs and gave all the treats and love, but the focus was always, ‘where did they go?'”
They added: “Say what you want, I just think it’s a bummer that those were his final moments. He was a really good boy and I wish he could have been more relaxed because I think he deserved it.”
Another vet echoed the sentiment, stressing that while staying to the end can be agonising for people, it can be far worse for the animal if their owner isn’t there.
A second vet agreed, pointing out: “It might be hard to say goodbye but it’s hell for them.”
She added: “They already don’t like the vet, they’re confused, they’re scared, they’re sad and they’re looking for you when they take their last breath.
“I can try to provide them as much love and comfort as I humanly can but at the end of the day, I’m a stranger to them.”
As difficult as it is, the vets’ message is clear: if you can, stay with your dog, because your presence may be the greatest comfort they have in their final moments.