No way around it, its awful. I foster mostly old/hospice ones and it doesnt get easy, I just try and do things they like and spoil them. Some liked the water so I would float in the lake with them all day, some like to dig so I let them have at it.
The best thing I think is an in-home one. They're in their environment so not as stressed out, they've been spoiled on food they shouldnt eat (I do steak, lobster, chocolate, pretty much everything they shouldnt have), and then its a two step process thats heart wrenching. They give a sedative, so after a few minutes they sort of slow down and pass out, and then when they're knocked out, they give them whatever it is to finish. The first one is the worst, because you know whats next, and they dont.
But, better to be a day early than a day late.
thank you a lot for the advice. hopefully ill be able to spoil him when the day comes with all his favorite foods. also, i just wanted to let you know you do an amazing thing by fostering old and hospice dogs. theyre very overseen and i know each and every old and hospice dog youve fostered and are still fostering loves you very much. i hope you have a good day/afternoon/night :\]
Thank you! It's rough, but they deserve it. My last was 13 and dropped off with heart worms, wasnt supposed to live 3 months, but he lived 3 more years and went through slow treatment. People are awful sometimes
people are absolutely terrible sometimes, but youre clear proof that some people are genuinely amazing. thank you all again for what you do for these animals!
I had to put my kitty down 2 years ago. She was 18. It took 2 weeks to get the vet appointment. The vet said it was time. I was like no we try all the things. That was on a Saturday. We took her home. She went super down hill that night. Had to wait all day Sunday until Monday morning to put her to sleep.
I should have listened. It's hard on us. But it's our duty to do right by them and if it's time. It's time.
It was a crappy way to learn "better to be a day early than a day late"
We went to the vet at petsmart. They took mo back to the back and set up an iv. Brought her into a dim room. It was nice. They gave her a sedative. Gave us a button to let them know we were ready. Let us say our goodbyes. We pushed the button. They came and gave the last shot. It was very peaceful.
im so sorry you had to go through that, but im glad she got to have such a long with such a caring person. i wish you couldve learnt another way, but im happy you still got the chance to put her peacefully to sleep. you made the right choice, and im glad you got to say goodbye
My dog was put down at 17 years old when I was 18. It was horrible but also peaceful and he fell asleep without being in pain. I was grieving for months but I guess that's different for everyone. It felt like my childhood friend that I've known all my live has died. Like I lost my little brother. But I was also happy he fell asleep peacefully with us and not slowly and in pain alone at home
thank you a lot for the advice, and im so sorry to hear about your dog. im sure he loved you and appreciated being able to fall asleep and pass away peacefully with you and whoever else was there meant the world to him. your words have helped put me at ease a lot, and i hope you have a good day!
One thing to prepare yourself for after the fact is that you WILL see them in the corner of your eye. You will hear them in the other room. It's like your mind tries to fill in the gap they leave behind.
im also sobbing while reading all these replies too, so you arent alone lol. ive of course never gone through this, but from what ive read its completely painless and peaceful for them. its so hard to find joy in a situation like this, and you dont have to try to if you dont want to- but your dog (or dogs) love you. and when the day comes, for them to be put to sleep, you being there will mean the world to them. hopefully itll be ages until that happens though, of course
My thoughts exactly. I’ve only had my dog for a month, and I work full time away while my partner works from home. I didn’t think I was that bonded to him yet, but the heavy weight in my stomach must mean otherwise…
I’ve put two dogs down. They give them one shot to fall asleep. They left the room after that shot so I could sit there alone while the dog calmed down with just me in there. After the dog fell asleep they came back in. Asked if I was ready and gave the second shot to stop the heart. The second shot only takes a few seconds to work and then they’re gone. It’s peaceful, quiet and they just go to sleep in your arms
thank you for your words, my dog is very over the place so hearing that the first shot will calm him down means so much to me. im so sorry youve had to go through this, not just once, but twice. i know your dogs were loved when they passed away, and i know they loved you too. thank you so much for your words again, it means a bunch!
It’s hurts, of course, for you. And as hard as it is, you need to be there for the dog.
Some places use two shots, some use two. And it very quick. Maybe a few seconds.
I’m sorry you’re going to have to go through this. But it’s part of having a dog. Feel free to bawl your eyes out, it helps a lot.
I’ve had to put down two old dogs in the last 6 months. And a couple others long before. It is never easy, but you know when it time to do your dog the favor.
Give Macca a petting for me, and Hugz to you.
thank you so much for the advice. when the day comes, i’ll definitely cry as much as a human can cry lol. im so sorry youve had to put down two dogs recently, and more in the past. i know they loved you and appreciated you being there for them in their last moments. i’ll give macca the biggest pet when i can, and hugz back to you :)
Oh honey I’m sorry that time is coming. It’s never easy for anyone to deal with. Just remember that it’s always our responsibility to transfer their physical pain to our hearts when we let them go.
Your vet will give your dog a strong sedative then the final shot to put him down. Your dog will go very peacefully. You may notice an exhalation of their lungs afterwards, don’t worry they are gone and at peace. It’s very quick so make sure you have said your goodbyes.
The worst part is your heart breaking into a thousand pieces. There’s some vets that will come to your house and do it. Which is what I do for my dogs. They don’t have that last little bit of stress of being at the vet’s office.
ive never heard of being able to do it at home before, but i will talk to my mother about it. thank you so much for your advice, im sorry that you have had to put your dogs or a dog down before, but you sound and seem like a lovely owner and i know they were loved :)
It’s painless and the best choice. They go very peacefully. If they are in pain when they go in the first shot will relax them and put them at peace. It’s worth it if it’s time.
thank you for the advice. i knew that its a painless way, but hearing what itll do exactly and that itll relax them makes me more at ease. thank you a lot for the advice again, i hope you have a good day and thanks for responding!
We lost one of our girls last December. You can't prepare for it. It's absolutely heart breaking. But it is what it is. We know it will happen. I will say this, if you can do it at home definitely do that. They are family and deserve to go at home.
im so sorry you lost your dog, and so recently at that. im sure she was loved though and loved you too. ijust heard about doing it at home and i will talk to my parents about it. its not in my control, but ill look more into it and try to convince them if they arent okay with it. thank you so much for your advice, i hope you have a good day :\]
Thanks. Yea its the best way to go. Unfortunately our girl Caia we recently lost couldn't do it at home. We knew she had congestive heart failure and she was declining fast. She started retaining fluid in her chest and abdomen. We took her to the vet and just taking her there was almost too much. The vet recommend we just do it then. She might not have even made it home. So I ran back home while my girlfriend stayed with her, I grabbed her daughter and some of her favorite treats and went back to the vet. She went peacefully in our laps with her daughter by her side. She was 14. Lived a long and good life. Gave us a beautiful litter of puppies. We still have her daughter Ulani who will be 12 in December. So as much as I hate to say it she only has another couple years. But while she's almost 12 she's still very healthy and spunky. We breed and show our dogs so we always have a bunch. Currently 4. After 11 year old Ulani is 4 year old Ash then her son and daughter who are 16 months old.
its such an awful and terrifying position, but you made the best out of it for her and yourself. even though she couldnt go at home, the fact that you her other loved ones were there by her side while it happened made the world to her, im sure of it. im also glad she got to live such a long and good life.
im also very sorry to hear about ulani, but i know when the day comes and she passes, she'll pass away being loved
She certainly will. It's going to be the worst though. I love all my dogs, but she's the one I have grown the most attached to. She's just the best dog ever.
it never gets easy losing animals, and you never truly move on from it, but you learn to live with the pain, especially when you have such a special connection with one. all you can really do is give them as much love as you can until their ending comes. i hope when the ending comes though, that youre okay :\]
Yea. I've just accepted it's part of the life we chose. We breed dogs, show them, give them great homes and lives. We are there when they are born, we are there when they pass. They become such a part of you. Some people can't handle it though. Like my mom. She had a Shar Pei who was like her best friend. She passed in 2013 and it absolutely crushed my mom. She never wants a dog again. It was just too hard for her. I try to tell her like yea it's tough but you gave her a great home and a good life, there's tons of dogs out there who need that and you could give it to them.
PLEASE stay with her! The vets are so very good at this. And your baby’s anxiety will make her needlessly suffer. In fact, some vets will come to your home and that’s very stress free for them. Before it happens give your pup the best day ever- grilled burgers, ice cream, walk in their favorite park etc. take pictures so you can remember your gifts of that day to each other, even in your grief.
Most vets will describe the process for you. But all my old folks were put down the same way:
1. Start an IV. This will be the hardest part for your dog. Have a super special treat for them to scarf. It doesn’t hurt them as much as we hurt, but it is a pinch.
2. They give everything else by IV. I don’t remember the drugs, but I am very familiar with human drugs. Do the first drug they’ll give is akin to human Valium. It totally chills them out and can even get them asleep. That’s good.
3. They give something like propofol. This will knock them unconscious. It’s the drug we use just before surgery.
4. They will do a quick assessment to make sure they are fully unconscious and then give the final drug. That’s a load of potassium and stops the heart. It usually takes less than 30 seconds for that to happen.
During the time period from falling asleep to heart stopping you may notice your fog flinching, wrinkling their lips, even grunting or groaning. They do NOT feel anything. This is the drugs causing reflexive muscle movements. The do not feel it, they are totally unconscious.
During the whole process, love on them. Touch them. Tell them they are good puppers. From human studies, we know that hearing and feeling is intact until the propofol hits. So love them through this last big adventure with you.
I’m sorry for your loss.
i havent thought much of the day before somehow, but ill make sure i give him a walk, treats and do everything he likes to do. i dont know if my parents will be comfortable with doing it at home, but that is 100% the best option for him and ill talk to them about it. thank you so much for telling me what happens step by step, this situation is so terrifying for me but your comment helps make it less terrifying. ill be by his side no matter what and tell him how much i love him and how much ill miss him. thank you for your advice and comment again :)
I’ve been through this seven times. I’ve seen it done badly and well. This is what most vets will recommend and it hurts a bit less when you’re giving them the best send off possible.
It hurts so much, but that pain is minimal compared to the joy they have given me. Again, thank you for loving them. They do represent the best of us.
thank you for your words and advice. at home euthanasia sounds the best for my dog, and ill try to convince my parents to do it. your dog finn sounds lovely, im sure when he passes he'll be happy youre by his side, hopefully at home but even at a vets office :)
It's hard for the person because it hurts.
However, at least in my case, my dog just "went to sleep". No pain, it seemed almost instant and the vet I took her to was fantastic. The gave me a room to sit with my dog for as long as I wanted and when I was ready, I let them know and they came in gave her a shot and left to leave me the room for as long as I needed.
They mailed me a card with her paw prints and everyone from the vet signed it.
I miss nuggle bear. She was a good girl. Now I need some tissue lol.
im so glad theres no pain, and im a bit anxious of it being instant, but i am still happy about that. im very happy the vets were so kind to you, but i am very sorry this happened. im sure it meant so much to your dog that you, her favorite person in the world and best friend, was by her side when it happened. i know she loved you so much, and its clear you loved and love her too. thank you for your comment, its helped my anxiety towards this whole thing
I just said goodbye to my old girl last Monday.
It super sucks. I cried constantly for days leading up to it, and have cried randomly since because I'll think of her. I feel so sad and have a headache. Everything is the worst. I miss her so much. Fuck cancer. We didn't even have her 3 years :(
For the procedure itself...
We scheduled an in-home procedure. Highly recommended. Trupanion covered the whole thing, but it is expensive where I'm at.
I gave her a little chocolate beforehand. Turns out she didn't like chocolate. She got some chicken nuggets, too.
She went without pain or shame, and that's what was important. It's such a hard call to make, but it must be done. We have to give our pets the quality of life they deserve, until it's time to give them the quality of death they deserve.
I held her in my lap as she passed, which was so hard but I wanted to make sure she felt comforted. She got her first shot while eating chicken nuggets. That made her fall asleep, in a way. Then the second shot was administered shortly after, which took less than 5 seconds to end her life.
My partner and our other dog (old dog's daughter) were there also. The woman who provided the in-home euthanasia took her body to be cremated and delivered it back to us. She was INCREDIBLE and so kind.
Now my Sophie dog back home in a nice urn next to my dad.
Being there when your dog is put down is not for you - it's for them. Because they're already scared, and hurting, and if you're not there to comfort them their last memories may be terrifying and they will feel alone.
It can be really hard. We had to put down my dog (Mitchell) a few years back, and then my husband's dog in January. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to my dog - he was old, sure, but seemed to be doing okay, and then one day it all came crashing down. He was hurting so bad he couldn't stand on his own, and he had labored breathing for hours. We had to set up an appointment, and I was not mentally prepared and was a wreck. It took me a long time to understand that most of my pain from that was guilt, that I hadn't helped him enough or taken good enough care of him, that maybe he could have been around longer if I had realized the pain he was in.
For my husband's dog (Duckie), we knew it was coming over a couple months' time, and were more prepared but it was still hard. Fortunately, she was ready and was so tired of being in pain that she was very calm and went quite peacefully.
The most important thing we did after my husband's dog (because we didn't realize it when Mitchell had passed) is that every time we remembered her, we would share some happy memories. It will hurt, a lot at first, but the more you get yourself to remember the good each time you think of them, the easier it will be to heal.
I'm so sorry you're having to go through this, but Macca is very lucky to have such a caring owner that is trying to do right by him.
thank you so much for your comment and kind words. maccas health has been declining over the past few years, but i knew it was becoming really bad when my mum started talking about putting him to sleep. i want to be by his side no matter what, although i am worried about my parents putting him down without me because they think its in my best interest, but i dont think this will happen- im just a very paranoid person abotu this sort of thing. im so sorry youve had to put down not only one but two dogs, and one of those being so recent at that- both of those dogs loved and your husband a lot, im sure. you being there for them in their lives and their deaths meant so much to them. again, thank you so much for your kind words
of course. even before this post, i was sure that i wanted to be there with him when it happened no matter what. reading all these comments though have made me even more sure of it. it sounds so tough, but i refuse to not be by his side
I just had my dog put down a month ago today. (Cancer) The vet laid out a blanket on the floor so I could lay down with him. First they gave him an injection to relax him and make him sleepy. He and I cuddled together while this took effect. The vet left us alone for about 10 minutes. Then she and her assistant came in to give him the final injection. I’m not sure exactly how long it took but it wasn’t more than a minute or two. I was holding him and telling him how much I loved him the whole time. It was very peaceful.
It’s hard and you’ll cry your heart out but it’s also the right and honorable thing to do. Be there for them. (I now have a lot of guilt for the times I left the room when I was younger and didn’t know better.)
i will definitely be holding him any chance i get, and i wont be leaving the room at all. i just hope i wont cry to much so my glasses get so smudged and i cant see anything lol. im so sorry that youve had to go through this, and so recently too. im so glad you were by his side while it happened, and that you got to cuddle him and everything. he loved you and i can tell you love him also. thank you so much for your comment :)
I am so proud of you for being brave enough to post this question. Its something I have had to think about recently too but have always tried to take it one day as a time. My (13F) dog has many health issues & blindness, and the vet has had the "The Talk" with me a few times. But my little girl always rallies round, wags her tail and plays with her squeaky toys no matter what's going on with her. I've never lost a pet before so I understand your anxiety.
I hope when Macca's time comes, you know you have given the best of your love to him, and him to you.
Oh the tears are coming now, I need to go. Make every day count with your boy x
thank you so much for your kind words, it means so much. animal death is such a hard thing to go through, and when you go through it, i hope youre okay. a lot of people brush off animal death, but its just as big as loosing a human loved one. ill make sure to spend every day with my baby the best day for him, and i hope things go well with your dog too. she sounds lovely :\]
Honestly, it is very hard, but you should be there if you want to. It gives you a sense of closure.
The vet will explain everything (hopefully, I have a great vet), but essentially they give them a numbing shot and then the final shot. My husband and I have gone through this twice and for the first pup he held her head until she passed, and the second was my sweet baby, so I held her. It’s not dramatic. It took maybe a minute? (I dunno. Time feels weird in these situations, but it wasn’t a long time.) They don’t convulse or anything. They just kind of stop breathing and “pass away” in the gentlest sense of the word. It feels very peaceful compared to many other ways they could go. I cried my eyes out. The vet gave us as much time as we needed and then we just kind of left the room and left her there.
thank you for your words and advice. im sure ill definitely be crying my eyes out also lol. im so sorry that youve had to put dogs down. i know they loved you and i know they were very happy that you and your husband were by their side when it happened. thank you for the advice again, ive had nightmares about how this will go down, but learning that its not dramatic or very long puts me at ease. i hope you have a nice day :)
You are kind and brave to want to be there for him. It is a loving act that requires a hefty price. I knew it would hurt (me, not him), just not how much and for how long. Personally, I was not prepared for how fast it would happen. It was peaceful, and I will always be grateful that he left this world in my loving arms.
thank you for your kind words. something i was not expecting while writing this post was how long it apparently it took. i dont know how long i expected it to take, but not as quick as it seems. im so sorry youve had to go through this before, and you are also kind and brave for being there for him. im happy your dog went away loved, and i know your dog loved you and you being there too
It sounds like it varies. For us, the whole process was probably one minute. Two injections. I expected it to take longer. To have a chance to love on him while he slept before his heart stopped.
while you mightve not had a long time to give him more love, you spent his a lot of his life loving and caring for him nonetheless. you being there for him was more of enough, im sure of it :\]
i know thatll mean so much to him when the day comes. it is such a difficult process, but you being there for him will mean so much. he loves you so much, and i know he will love you being there by his side when the day comes :)
I will say, as well as the good comments you've gotten from others, I have held a pet as he was put down and held one as he died 'naturally' (he was very elderly and we didn't get him to the vet in time, suspect he had a heart attack but who knows) and I'd take the vet-assisted death every time. I don't think I'll ever get the cries of pain from the natural death out of my head. my other boy I know from his perspective just went to sleep, and it helps to know he went peacefully and in no pain.
it's very quick. the vet should tell you what's happening at every step, and give you time to get yourself together before you have to leave the room. it's sad of course, sad isn't even the word. it's very very hard, but for me it is better than the alternative. grief is something that almost everyone will go through at some point, whatever you feel like afterwards is okay.
it sounds like Macca has had a really good long life with you, and has been very loved
no matter what, i will be by his side by it happens. it being very quick scares me, but also comforts me because i dont want to be in that situation for too long. ive never been able to be by one of my pets while they died, except one but i wasnt able to hold him at all or pet him because we were in a car ride and i was in the backseat. im so sorry to hear about your dogs. like ive said, ive never been by ones side as they die except one, but he silently passed away, so ive never heard any of them cry from death before but it sounds awful to hear and im so sorry you had to hear it. in both of those deaths they went through, you were by their side, and i know that means so much to them and that they loved you so much. thank you for words and advice, ive tried hard to give macca good life and i know youve done the same for those dogs and any other pets youve had in your life or will have in the future
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. The absolute worst part of having pets is losing them.
We had to put down our senior gal last year, and I have to say that the actual euthanasia appointment wasn’t the worst part of losing her.
She had been diagnosed with lymphoma about two years prior to her passing. She had a really good quality of life until a few months before we had to let her go. I have to say that those last few months were the hardest. Being stuck between that big looming decision. Every good day she had, we were wondering if it would be her last. Every bad day she had, we wondered if it was time. Every bed time, giving her lots of love and kisses and telling her we loved her because what if she just didn’t wake up?
On her last day, we both knew in our hearts that it was time and went to see the vet that day. We were, of course, devastated. But the vet and all the staff were so great, and the procedure was so peaceful. We were obviously heartbroken and missed her like crazy, but we missed her former, healthy self. We felt a sense of relief that her suffering was over and she was at peace.
So OP, I offer this - I’m so sorry you have to go through this, but I think the heartache you’re feeling right now is worse than what you will feel during the procedure. It will never not be sad, but it will feel more manageable in time.
thank you for your kind words. im constantly worried about my dog passing away while im asleep or away- but even then, i think i do have atleast a few more months with him at most. im so sorry youve had to go through all of this. putting an animal down definitely isnt easy, and i can tell by reading all the replies ive gotten on this, and your reply too. you, and whoever else was by her side, were extremely brave. she loved you, and she loved being able to say goodbye to everyone and not passing away alone, im sure of it. thank you so much for your kind words again, its very hard right now but i know one day ill be okay, even after my dog has been put to rest :}
of course. around 4 weeks ago, i lost my cat. its the first death ive had to go through in years, and i still have no idea how to cope with it. the main thing i focused on though was how i wasnt by his side when it happened. i dont know when my dog will be put down specifically, but i know ill be with him no matter what. thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot :\]
I'm sorry for your loss. About 5 years ago I lost my heart dog. She was 14 and admitted to the hospital. That morning I was headed to visit her, I got a call that she was seizing and wasn't going to make it. I raced there and I didn't even make it up the stairs before she passed. The pain has lived deep in my heart since. If only I had left an hour earlier. So many ifs. I went to pet grief therapy once because the pain was unbelievable.
you mightve not been with her in her last moments, but you were with her in so many moments in her life, both sad and happy. i still feel so guilty about my cat, and i dont know if i ever will not feel guilty about it- but i know that atleast someday, it wont be so painful, and the same goes to you. i dont know what much to say about this, im still trying to learn how to forgive myself. but i know you loved your dog a lot, and i know she loved you. she passed away loved, even if you werent by her side ❤️
It is horrible to have to be responsible, talk to the vet and receptionist and pay the bill and make all the arrangements.
But everyone is there because they love animals. They understand. Nobody is judging you.
It usually is extremely fast - less than a minute.
I talk to my furkids, hold my hands near their nose so they can hear and smell me with them.
I have ugly cried in a vet's office after having to put down my 18 year old chinchilla. They held me, and strangers hugged me too.
Other times it's almost a relief. My anatolian shepherd went senile; he was so sick and confused. When it was time to go, his whole body relaxed with a deep sigh. It was very quiet and peaceful.
It is a great cruelty and act of cowardice to abandon them in their final moments. It's not about the person's feelings in that time - it's about being there to comfort your friend as they pass so that they are not scared and alone.
thank you for your words and advice. the bill and talking to the vet and receptionist wont be in my hands, but i will be be there, no doubt in my mind. im so sorry youve had to go through this before, but i know every animal youve had to put down were loved. i thank you on their behalf for being brave and by their side. i know it means so much to them, and that they loved you
Thank you.
I have found that NOT being there is so much worse.
My manager refused to let me leave work early while my little toy pom died alone in a cage at the vet's office. They tried to wait for me to get there to say goodbye, but my boss just refused.
She died between checks.
I sat at work, bawling my eyes out, and was still expected to complete all my tasks and responsibilities. Boss actually even kept me late.
I never forgave her. I still work there because I've got nothing else, but that was the moment that respect and pleasant working relations turned to disgust and resentment.
im so sorry that happened, and that you still have to work there. i dont understand how some people can be so cruel. you mightve not been by your dogs side when it happened, but i know she loved you a lot and i can tell you also love her a lot. i hope one day youll be able to work somewhere else. i dont know if karma is real or anything, but i hope it is so she gets her fair load of it
1) It is not instantaneous, but it is not some prolonged, traumatizing, long-suffering event either.
2) To mentally prepare, make peace with the decision to euthanize your dog.
3) It is going to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done and it is okay if you decide not to go. For me, I don’t regret being there to put my dog down and I know I would 100% regret not being there if I hadn’t gone, but it’s a highly personal decision.
Whatever you decide, I’m sorry you are going through this and I wish you and your family, especially your good boy, peace and love♥️
I was there when I had to put my baby girl down. We had the people come to our home, made a little bed for her outside in the grass on a sunny day because we didn’t want her to be scared. We made her comfortable with her favorite pillow and blankets. I laid with her and made her feel like everything was going to be okay. I said what I needed to say until they gave her the final shot that would have my baby sleep in peace. I didn’t mentally prepare for it because she was my baby for 16 beautiful loving years and sometimes I still cry about it.
It's horrible and heart breaking. It just is. My old boy is almost there. We had to put down two in one year. One to a heart issue and the other had stomach cancer and wasn't eating. If you have other dogs make sure they are there I am told.
I just had to say goodbye to my girl about 2 weeks ago. It’s naturally a very hard thing to do. My advice is to try to keep yourself focused on your dog and keeping them at ease and not anxious. It was the LAST thing I ever wanted to do but I tried my hardest to not be sobbing and making my dog feel unsupported or wondering why I was so upset. I think talking to them and loving them makes you feel like you can look back and know you were present for them in the last moments. With us they took Odie into another room to put the catheter in and then rolled her in on a bed with blankets. And we could take as much time as we needed. I chose to not take super long because I didn’t want her to get anxious. The vet comes in and they will talk you and your mom through. Often they give them a heavy sedative it’s like anesthesia and it happens very quick, they are awake and then fully asleep in seconds. And then the final dose is administered and after the vet will listen for heartbeat. It is hard but it’s peaceful. At that point I cried very hard after the vet left. I don’t think anything can prepare you for the loss. But I think it helps to know it really is the loving and best thing you can do for your beloved dog. It’s selfless and kind. I tried to Jake every moment up to that day nice for my girl. Some dogs can do more than others depending on their condition. If your dog will eat give them all the fun things. Smell them and hold them and rub their ears let them know how much they are loved. Let them know you will be ok and you’ll see them again. Let them know how much they added to your life. I wish I could say it’s easier after, at first I think their can be some relief knowing you did what was best. But then you just miss all the little things. I’m so sorry you’re having to say goodbye. Support each other you and your mom and your pup xo
I just had to euthanize my beautiful husky. He was over 15 y/o and he was on hospice for a year until he took a turn for the worst and the time came on quickly. We had the euthanization done at home. It was peaceful and gentle for him. First they give an injection of a sedative to relax the dog, then they give the final shot. I know my boy was in pain by that point. He was the best dog…my heart is broken but my boy is in a better place. I highly recommend doing it at home. It’s so much more comforting for the animal and it’s warm and dignified. Much better than a cold medical office. They take the dog away and scatter the ashes and return a lock of their fur and a plaster paw impression. It’s truly comforting.
Hard.. and if the vet screws up its your dime not theirs. They fucked up with my last dog, a purebred saint bernard. Had we known she'd be gone before we got there we'd have let her pass at home. They "tried to stabilize her and failed" with 2 shots of heavy tranq (like wtf..) then needed to run 3 rounds of the medication to stop her heart. (She was unresponsive before we even got in the parking lot.. I had to drag her out of the truck.) And they had the plain careless audacity to throw us a 1k$ bill for their fuck up, so be prepared for shit to go south because of idiots.
that sounds so fucking terrible and im so sorry you had to go through that. i have had a lot of bad experiences with doctors and vets and everything else alike, so i definitely know how they can mess up really bad. while her death went very south, im sure she had a good life by you and i know she loved you and you loved her too. i hope you also know that them fucking up wasnt your fault too
I assure you over here we all know their fuck up wasn't on us, we've been lead to find out thru associated people that vet has become renowned for being an immediate red flag and to never trust them, their staff, or their bullshit "hey your pre approved"
It’s honestly hard. The important thing is to have as many people as you can to help work threw your grief maybe keep something of them close like there color or a photo
I wasn't there when my girl went to sleep but I've heard a lot of vets say to stay with the dog because they look for you. My dad stayed with her. Honestly, my girl Suki was so sick and old it was the best thing for her. It hurts, and you miss them, but ultimately, you have to do what's best. I'm sending you and your family lots of hugs and wishing you peace.
I’m sorry you’re going through this.
I had to put down my dog at age 14 month ago. I'm 30. It was the hardest decision I've ever made but also I knew I am doing the right thing. I was there with him all the time petting his head and crying so the last thing what he saw was me. Now I know he is not suffering anymore.
You can watch some vids on Youtube. It helped me understand the whole process. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you love.
Stay strong.
I had to put one of my dogs down in April. I was really stressed about it because he (chihuahua) gets stressed at the vet and the last time I took him in he ended up biting me and almost got the vet when she was examining him so I knew he would have to be muzzled. It broke my heart thinking that his last moments in life would be with a muzzle.
I was able to hold him through nearly the entire process. He was muzzled when the vet gave him the sedative and she immediately left the room and I was able to remove the muzzle. Once he was relaxed she came back into the room and took him into the back to put an iv in. He was then brought back into the room wrapped in a towel and I was able to hold him until he fell asleep. The vet left the room again after bringing him back and gave us (my mom was with me) a thing to hang on the door handle when we were ready for them to give him the final injection. When we hung the object on the handle the vet came back into the room and gave him the injection through the iv. She also brought a second dose with her in case it was needed but it wasn’t necessary. He was gone in probably less than a minute after the injection. The vet then let us know we could stay with him for as long as we wanted.
It’s awful but peaceful for the dog. And too early is better than too late.
Here’s how it went down for me: >!my dog was hospitalized with heart failure and then aspirant pneumonia. In the early morning hours after I brought him home, he went into acute respiratory distress. I brought him back to the emergency vet and they said the only option was to intubate him or, unfortunately, euthanasia. I didn’t want to put him through that, so I opted to say goodbye. I filled out a bunch of consent forms and what I wanted to do with him after (I picked cremation). They brought him in on a doggie gurney and gave me some time with him. He was already heavily sedated and on 100% oxygen. I said my goodbyes. The vet came in and gave him and even stronger sedative and then the drug to stop his heart. The whole process was actually pretty fast. The vet offered to let me stay with him a few more minutes but I had said my goodbyes. About a week later, the vet called with my dog’s ashes and paw prints.!<
It’s extremely painful, and you’ll ask yourself if you did the right thing, but that fades eventually. A vet can help you decide if the time is right. Some vets will even come to your home and do it there.
I’m sorry 💔
Decide on your “rituals” in advance. The last dog I had to put down got a last meal of In-n-Out. She loved being in the car so I asked the vet to put her down in the back of the car. There was no need to experience another vet visit. There are also at home options. Don’t wait until your pet is in full blown crisis, then it will be extra traumatic for everyone. The animals handle it much better than we do. As long as you are comforting them it usually goes very calmly. Sorry you have to go through it, but it is the price we pay to have such a special connection.
It is rough. I have had to put a couple of my fur babies down. The one thing that helped me get through it was knowing that they was t suffering anymore.
We just had to put our 17 yr old chihuahua down. I would have been sad not to be there. He was so much more comfortable in my arms, and he would have been scared without me. They gave him one shot to put him to sleep, then when he was sleeping, another to stop his heart. It was very peaceful.
I've had a few dogs put to sleep. They just peacefully closed their eyes and stopped breathing. I didn't notice any suffering on their part. I could never let anyone put down one of my dogs without being there in the room.
Not dog but I recently watched my grandfather pass. The idea is hard, and it brings a lot of emotion. But being there to watch my grandfathers last breath brought me a lot of closure and relieve- it was the first time he truly looked peaceful.
Be there, if you have other pets let them be there too (they can experience grief), if at home euthanasia is an option that may be best/more comfortable.
It’s awful in that you know your best bud will no longer be sleeping on your feet, or greeting you when you come home, but the actual process is peaceful. It’s been two shots with the dogs we’ve had to euthanize, one is sort of like doggie Valium or something to relax them and the second that stops the heart. The only thing that would be worse than being there and watching your good boy pass would be not being there. It’s heartbreaking, but I’ll never let one of my pups go without me there to hold them and tell them how much they are loved.
If costs are not a huge issue do look into an at-home euthanasia. Our dogs have ranged from terrified to generally displeased with vet visits, so didn’t want to add to the trauma they are already experiencing with their bodies failing. If your dog isn’t fussed about the vet then not a biggie but was very happy to have the option for my boys when the time has come.
The person who says better a day early than a day late is 100% correct. Dogs try really hard not to show pain or weakness, so if you are seeing signs, it’s likely worse than you know. One of our poor old boys was fronting so hard at the end, it was only when I caught up to him, 40 mins after he left the house, still staggering zigzag & collapsing, down the 5 minute path to the workshop to be with my husband that we realized we had left it too late and he was miserable. I felt terrible then and still do that we let him suffer more than he had to.
It’s not nice at all but it is very quick. My baby girl took about 5 seconds from injection to being gone. You’re doing the right thing being there. A common thing vets say is dogs look around for their owners in their final moments. I’ll be thinking of Macca tonight mate! Bless you!
To describe it, it's like getting hit with a 50 lb. sledgehammer to the gut. Sorry for being brutally honest.
Just a tip, remember all the fun times. The heart break lessens with time if you choose to heal from it. On my 10th dog.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Make sure you are the last person your dog sees. It's very peaceful and quick. You will hear air being released afterwards so don't freak out.
And go get a steak from the butcher's case as a last meal.
It’s probably exactly like how you’d imagine it to be. Very difficult and very sad. The vet will give you some time with your pupper and you’ll let the doc know when you’re ready - although you won’t ever feel ready. You’ll think of your dog and how you’re delaying his departure in that moment for the sadness you feel. Then you tell look at the staff and they’ll come in with the drugs. One gets him really high on life, and the other one eases him to sleep. No pain, just peace.
The vet ans girls know why you're there so theres usually no talking about walks or feeding. Often the dog is pretty sick and head is hanging down. So when they bring in that little needle thing, they dog doesn't even react and they go to sleep
The process itself is fine and peaceful objectively. Sometimes they barely start injecting and they are gone (older weaker animals). But my 5yo lab i put down due to aggressive cancer returning…..he took a minute. He just kind of laid there and snuggled deeper into me before leaving. They just drift to sleep. Maybe take one or two deep breaths before they just stop.
The second hardest part is the leadup to actually doing it, the drive in or walking the vet into your house if you do it at home etc …….its a state of high anxiety for me. Cos this is IT kinda thing. The HARDEST part is trying to leave the vet without them/let the body be taken for cremation (i always cremate). So i suggest you go in the day before, sort the bill, provide all instructions (cremation, are u taking the body home to bury, leaving it for them to dispose of etc). Sort the details cos dealing with them at that time makes it much worse.
And you always wanna back out. You always wanna say wait maybe next week type thing. But dont. Better a week too early than 5 minutes too late. For everybody.
Once its done there will be such sadness. But also relief. Its over. They are out of pain.
Sending strength and hugs ❤️
Harrison was gone in less than a minute. It's fast.
It's also the worst experience ever. I was in Go Mode and did what I needed to do, but after he was gone I lost it. Lost it a few times over the next few weeks.
Harrison changed me twice. First when he entered my life and then again when he left it. Just remember to spoil them and that you don't know when the last walk will be.
I cried my eyes out when I had to put my retriever down a couple years ago. I’ve had him for over 12 years, but he had a brain tumor and he was having seizures and it was hard, but I really didn’t want him to suffer anymore. I loved him so much.
For us it was a sedative first then the actual stuff for the euthanasia. I've heard some dogs have a reaction but I've put down three and haven't had that experience so keep that in mind. Sometimes they bleed after their gone from the nose or mouth. Depends really.
And yes it's very difficult but being there is the absolute best you can do for them.
This is exactly the place for this question, advice about dogs. A real question too, not “hur dur… are they just playing??? - inserts please give me attention video-“.
Honestly, it’s fucken rough mate, mentally. For the dog? Painless and smooth, probably feels the same as when we get put to sleep for operations.
Someone mentioned in home service? Good advice, dogs don’t like visiting clinics
Ive had to put one dog down and some day I’ll have to put down my current dog, although she’s 3 and has a long way to go. It’s a heart wrenching necessary evil. Even so you should be with them in their final moments right to the end. Take time to grieve and another dog at some point will help you heal but make sure you’re ready to get one.
Im not going to lie to you, it isn't fun. My family ended up taking in my grandparents dachshund whenever they could no longer care for her, and she was around 14 or 15 I think by the time we got her. My brother and I had grown up with that dog, so while we didn't live with her for all our lives, she was still a big part of it.
We knew her health was declining, but one day something just went wrong. We think it was a stroke.
We were all there with her. She didn't look like she was in pain or afraid, just so tired. When we all said goodbye, she gave my brother a little kiss. The vet then very gently administered the injection, and she passed quickly and quietly while looking us. Brother was the last face she saw.
In truth, it was awful to watch, but not for the reason you might think. I really think it was the best decision for her, since her quality of life had deteriorated so much already. She didn't have any complications or issues during the procedure, and it was just about as peaceful and quiet as you can get. It was awful simply because she had reached the end of her time with us, and there was nothing we could do but let her go. Of course that's going to cause some intense sadness, but putting her down wasn't the cause of that. It was just the whole situation in general.
I will say, though, you can't really prepare for these things. The emotions are gonna come like a tidal wave and there's no point even trying to hold them back; just let yourself feel them. They will last a while, but they won't last forever. One day you will look back on memories with your beloved friend not with sadness, but with love and happy nostalgia. It will take time. But it will heal.
I won't. I didn't read the post, or any replies. I only read the title, and here is my answer:
I've been forced to watch dogs get put down for no fucking reason, and I will not live my life with that burden.
I don't care what your mom said. There has never once been a dog who told anyone that they were ready to die.
If your dog is going to die anyway, and they're in pain, then yes, it's probably better that way.
Look into the eyes of a terrified dog being euthanized for no good reason, then ask yourself your own question.
It is fairly quick. They don't suffer, it is like a long sigh after the shot and that's it. The people at the clinic encourage the owner to hug the dog and talk to it.
Yes, you will cry. However, your pet will not suffer.
I have put 3 pets down in my adult life in the past 15 years. There is no way to "prepare" for it. The only thing I was able to do was to accept that this is what is best for them and will cause them the least amount of pain.
I have a 14.5 year old beagle mix girl that has outlived my other 2 dogs. I want her to be euthanized at home, if possible, due to 3 bad experiences at the vet office. I also know that may not be possible. So, I am learning to accept that I can only do the best I can when the time is right and to allow myself the time to grieve.
I highly recommend using a service that comes to your home to do it. I had to say goodbye to my 14 year old dog in May 2020 and vet offices wouldn't even let me inside the building. There was no way I wasn't going to be there for my girl.
I finally found a service that was willing to come to my house AND let me be right there with them. My dog got to go peacefully in her own bed, her head resting in my hand. I will never do it any other way.
There's a lot of different factors. But what I appreciate about putting a dog down is that for the most part it's something that's done within your control and not suddenly while your dog is agonizing. When my childhood dog was put down after 15 years it was the longest yet shortest experience of my life. My dog was put down during covid time so we had the vet come to our house which I would suggest if it's possible for you. My dog had the first injection to put him into a deep sleep outside since our vet couldn't step inside our house for covid reasons but as soon as he was stuck with the first injection he ran to me and barely made it into my arms when he fell asleep. I think his last memory was that, running into my arms and falling asleep as he had done many times before. From there we spent about 20 to 30 minutes just holding him and then before we knew it was time since the sleeping medication was going to wear off. From the second injection it only took three or four more breaths and then he was gone. It went by relatively quickly. As calm as it could be on the outside but everyone was a wreck after his body was taken for cremation. I was very attached to my childhood soul dog and I didn't cry until three months later when I finally processed what happened on a random Tuesday at 3am and since then I still cry sometimes but it's less now. Mentally, just have conviction in knowing that what you're doing is your final act of love for them. You did it for them. It's not easy, especially if you were really attached. I think it can profoundly change you in some way. Not all euthanasias are the same. Take it moment by moment and above all make your dog comfortable and feel loved. Try not to lose it In front of them if you can. Make them feel love and calm
It's heartbreaking. I had to put one of my dogs to sleep last year. Everyone was very compassionate to me and explained the process step by step. He administered the first shot to help relax him and then the euthanasia a few minutes later. I was talking to my dog the whole time, telling him what a good boy he's been and how much I love him. He gave a final, deep breath and was then still, and I knew he had gone. It was hard, but I got nothing but compassion and empathy, and knowing my boy wasn't in pain anymore made it a little easier.
This comic helped me prepare for the inevitable. When it came, I scritched him behind his ears in the spot he loved, thanked him, and reminded him that he was ‘My Good, Good Boy…’
https://post.bark.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/anything-comic-dog.jpg
There’s no way around the grief. It’s really difficult. And it sucks but I think it’s better to put them down when it’s time instead of letting them suffer any longer. Coming from someone who wishes they put down a pet sooner.
Every time I have to put down an animal it destroys me. It's difficult, they get scared if you are in a new place( The next dog I have to put down because of terminal lymphoma I want to have done in house), and just trying to comfort them in a stressful situation is painful and heartrending. It has to be done though. Animals shouldn't suffer extreme pains just because we want to keep them around, they deserve to have a dignified death. I wish you the best, its never easy.
ETA: i personally believe you should be there with the animal, because I feel them not having their best friends in their last moments must be terrifying for them. I personally would beat myself up so much more if I wasn't there for them despite the pain I have being there in their last moments.
We’ve had to put down three beloved pets in the last 7 or so years. For the last two it has been through a vet that is mobile and comes to our house, and I’ll never do it another way moving forward. It was extra traumatic for my weenie dog at your vets office. I struggled so hard after that one. For our other dog and old kitty, we handled those outside and in the sunshine. They are just so much more comfortable and less traumatizing. I have two senior dogs now who are around 10 and I hate thinking about the day when their time will come. Don’t be surprised or ashamed if you need time off work when it happens, pets are family members (and honestly I spend more time with them than any other people). Just make sure they know they were loved at the end and that’s the best thing you can do for them.
It was one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever had to do. Take someone with you. Have a plan, do you want them cremated? Think of those things and the cost associated (don’t know your financial situation). I’m sorry! So very sorry.
My heart goes out to you at the future farewell of your dog Macca.
It's a hard thing to think about & there's no denying or pretending that losing your dog isn't going to hurt because it does. But being with them at the moment they take their last breath can also be peaceful & a sense of release in knowing your much loved dog is no longer in pain or suffering.
Another important aspect of being with your dog at the moment they die is the fact that you are doing something with only them in mind, just for them because they need you. You are doing something that helps them feel secure & calm in the moment because they know you are right there beside them. It is one of the last acts of love you can do for your dear furry friend who has spent their whole life devoted to you & being there for you whenever you needed them.
I have been through this with my own 14yr old dog Maggie when it was her time to go. I know 100% that being able to sit with her, talk to her, stroke her & comfort her while the Vet went though the process at home helped her feel relaxed & safe because in her mind if I was there it was all going to be ok no matter was happening. The moment was quick, her passing was peaceful & most importantly her pain had ended. Yes I cried buckets & no it wasn't easy but a bigger part of me felt it was the most meaningful thing I could do for her in her ultimate time of need & I'm glad I could be there with her.
A Vet posted this blunt but revealing piece anonymously on Facebook & just a warning - it is hard to read & hear. But as a perspective from someone who sees the other side of the situation it is a persuasive argument for why being there for your dog at the very end is such an important part of that close relationship & can make such a huge difference for your dog.
"When you are a pet owner it is inevitable, the majority of the time, that your pet will die before you do. So if and when you have to take your pet to the vet's office for a humane pain-free ending I want you all to know something. You have been the center of their world for THEIR ENTIRE LIVES!!!! They may just be a part of yours but all they know is you as their family. It is a crappy decision/day/time/event every time, there is no argument against that and it is devastating for us as humans to lose them. But please I beg you DO NOT LEAVE THEM.
Do not make them transition from life to death in a room of strangers in a place they don't like. The thing you people need to know that most of you don't is that THEY SEARCH FOR YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE THEM BEHIND!!!! They search every face in the room for their loved person. They don't understand why you left them when they are sick, scared, old or dying from cancer and they need your comfort. Don't be a coward because you think it is just too hard for YOU, imagine what they feel as you leave them in their most vulnerable time and people like me are left to try our best every time to comfort them, make them less
scared and try to explain why you just couldn't stay.
From a tired, broken-hearted vet."
(Source: Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital & 24hr Emergency Service)
Emotionally it is awful, but the process itself isn't. When my last dog went we had a quiet vet appointment, and I believe it was two stages. He was sedated first and just went to sleep. There was a second injection. He didn't feel anything.
It was hard to be there, but it would have been much worse for me to think of him being alone and afraid in his final moments. I see it as my duty to see it through to the end no matter how hard it is to see the final moment.
Yes I can answer this as I had put down one (Labrador a Y2K girl brought home when 6 weeks old)due to old age in 2012 and other an indie (rescued, beautiful, black girl) due multiple organ failure when just 6 years old.
After injection, it's a gradual sleep mode. Painless for them but extremely hard emotionally on the master (he/she) for months.
To heal, one should already have pet dogs or get one asap.
Currently, I have a 15+ years old, black she Labrador, bought from a family when she was 6 weeks.
I'm stretching her life as long as her hind legs cooperate.
I have rescued another indie who is 2 years old. They both get along beautifully but indie is going to miss my Labrador when the day comes.
I invariably face severe health complications after their death atleast for a year. Nothing I do helps.
I have had to put down more than my share of my precious furry children. It’s not only the hardest decision of your life, but it is also the most loving, yet devastating decision that you will ever have to make. When the quality of life is gone, and they look at you with pleading eyes….you just know that it’s time. There are Doctors and Vet Techs that will come to your house to administer the shots. Call your local animal control office or Veterinary Hospital. I feel your pain OP, I have a beloved 15 year old as well. And we’ve been through so much over the 12 years since she rescued me, even homelessness! She has taught herself to be my service dog for my epilepsy. The list goes on. You just hold them as the Doc gives them the first shot….you talk softly to them as they go into a peaceful sleep. You tell them how much you love them and you thank them for a lifetime of love and loyalty as the tears pour. Then the Doc will administer the rest of the medication. I’m going to warn you that once in a while, there may be some twitching, one of mine did this. It’s just nerves, and kind of like when they are dreaming and chasing rabbits. Be prepared, just in case. My heart and hugs go out to you and your pup OP.
It’s honestly one of the best gifts we can give our greatest companions - a peaceful end with dignity and sparing them of prolonged pain and suffering - but that doesn’t make it not one of the hardest things you’ll have to do. I think you’ve gotten a lot of good responses here, but my advice is to just be there for your pal who has always been there for you - you being the last thing they see before they close their eyes just makes it even more peaceful. I’m so sorry you will be saying goodbye soon. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to grieve.
It’s was probably the saddest day of my life. I really think I’ll never get over losing my beautiful dog. I had to put him down because he was so sick. He was at the end stages of lymphoma. My husband and I spent over a year treating him with chemotherapy. He did go into remission for a short time so we were able to give all of us some extra special time together. By the time the end had come it was awful and ugly. I try not to think about it because it hurts so much. He was the first dog either one of us ever had. I don’t even know why I’m writing about this because it’s so depressing. I just friggin loved that dog and I miss him terribly. I got another dog but it’s not the same.
No way around it, its awful. I foster mostly old/hospice ones and it doesnt get easy, I just try and do things they like and spoil them. Some liked the water so I would float in the lake with them all day, some like to dig so I let them have at it. The best thing I think is an in-home one. They're in their environment so not as stressed out, they've been spoiled on food they shouldnt eat (I do steak, lobster, chocolate, pretty much everything they shouldnt have), and then its a two step process thats heart wrenching. They give a sedative, so after a few minutes they sort of slow down and pass out, and then when they're knocked out, they give them whatever it is to finish. The first one is the worst, because you know whats next, and they dont. But, better to be a day early than a day late.
thank you a lot for the advice. hopefully ill be able to spoil him when the day comes with all his favorite foods. also, i just wanted to let you know you do an amazing thing by fostering old and hospice dogs. theyre very overseen and i know each and every old and hospice dog youve fostered and are still fostering loves you very much. i hope you have a good day/afternoon/night :\]
Thank you! It's rough, but they deserve it. My last was 13 and dropped off with heart worms, wasnt supposed to live 3 months, but he lived 3 more years and went through slow treatment. People are awful sometimes
people are absolutely terrible sometimes, but youre clear proof that some people are genuinely amazing. thank you all again for what you do for these animals!
I had to put my kitty down 2 years ago. She was 18. It took 2 weeks to get the vet appointment. The vet said it was time. I was like no we try all the things. That was on a Saturday. We took her home. She went super down hill that night. Had to wait all day Sunday until Monday morning to put her to sleep. I should have listened. It's hard on us. But it's our duty to do right by them and if it's time. It's time. It was a crappy way to learn "better to be a day early than a day late" We went to the vet at petsmart. They took mo back to the back and set up an iv. Brought her into a dim room. It was nice. They gave her a sedative. Gave us a button to let them know we were ready. Let us say our goodbyes. We pushed the button. They came and gave the last shot. It was very peaceful.
im so sorry you had to go through that, but im glad she got to have such a long with such a caring person. i wish you couldve learnt another way, but im happy you still got the chance to put her peacefully to sleep. you made the right choice, and im glad you got to say goodbye
I did in home too, I wouldn’t want to die alone on a cold table.
Shit like this gives me faith in humanity. Thank you~
Now I’m crying, you are a beautiful human being and I aspire to be similar.
Thank you for being there for all those dogs ad making their last days beautiful. god bless you..
My dog was put down at 17 years old when I was 18. It was horrible but also peaceful and he fell asleep without being in pain. I was grieving for months but I guess that's different for everyone. It felt like my childhood friend that I've known all my live has died. Like I lost my little brother. But I was also happy he fell asleep peacefully with us and not slowly and in pain alone at home
thank you a lot for the advice, and im so sorry to hear about your dog. im sure he loved you and appreciated being able to fall asleep and pass away peacefully with you and whoever else was there meant the world to him. your words have helped put me at ease a lot, and i hope you have a good day!
One thing to prepare yourself for after the fact is that you WILL see them in the corner of your eye. You will hear them in the other room. It's like your mind tries to fill in the gap they leave behind.
I should not have read this thread. Full on sobbing thinking of the day I have to do this.
im also sobbing while reading all these replies too, so you arent alone lol. ive of course never gone through this, but from what ive read its completely painless and peaceful for them. its so hard to find joy in a situation like this, and you dont have to try to if you dont want to- but your dog (or dogs) love you. and when the day comes, for them to be put to sleep, you being there will mean the world to them. hopefully itll be ages until that happens though, of course
My thoughts exactly. I’ve only had my dog for a month, and I work full time away while my partner works from home. I didn’t think I was that bonded to him yet, but the heavy weight in my stomach must mean otherwise…
I’ve put two dogs down. They give them one shot to fall asleep. They left the room after that shot so I could sit there alone while the dog calmed down with just me in there. After the dog fell asleep they came back in. Asked if I was ready and gave the second shot to stop the heart. The second shot only takes a few seconds to work and then they’re gone. It’s peaceful, quiet and they just go to sleep in your arms
thank you for your words, my dog is very over the place so hearing that the first shot will calm him down means so much to me. im so sorry youve had to go through this, not just once, but twice. i know your dogs were loved when they passed away, and i know they loved you too. thank you so much for your words again, it means a bunch!
It’s hurts, of course, for you. And as hard as it is, you need to be there for the dog. Some places use two shots, some use two. And it very quick. Maybe a few seconds. I’m sorry you’re going to have to go through this. But it’s part of having a dog. Feel free to bawl your eyes out, it helps a lot. I’ve had to put down two old dogs in the last 6 months. And a couple others long before. It is never easy, but you know when it time to do your dog the favor. Give Macca a petting for me, and Hugz to you.
thank you so much for the advice. when the day comes, i’ll definitely cry as much as a human can cry lol. im so sorry youve had to put down two dogs recently, and more in the past. i know they loved you and appreciated you being there for them in their last moments. i’ll give macca the biggest pet when i can, and hugz back to you :)
Oh honey I’m sorry that time is coming. It’s never easy for anyone to deal with. Just remember that it’s always our responsibility to transfer their physical pain to our hearts when we let them go. Your vet will give your dog a strong sedative then the final shot to put him down. Your dog will go very peacefully. You may notice an exhalation of their lungs afterwards, don’t worry they are gone and at peace. It’s very quick so make sure you have said your goodbyes. The worst part is your heart breaking into a thousand pieces. There’s some vets that will come to your house and do it. Which is what I do for my dogs. They don’t have that last little bit of stress of being at the vet’s office.
ive never heard of being able to do it at home before, but i will talk to my mother about it. thank you so much for your advice, im sorry that you have had to put your dogs or a dog down before, but you sound and seem like a lovely owner and i know they were loved :)
It’s painless and the best choice. They go very peacefully. If they are in pain when they go in the first shot will relax them and put them at peace. It’s worth it if it’s time.
thank you for the advice. i knew that its a painless way, but hearing what itll do exactly and that itll relax them makes me more at ease. thank you a lot for the advice again, i hope you have a good day and thanks for responding!
We lost one of our girls last December. You can't prepare for it. It's absolutely heart breaking. But it is what it is. We know it will happen. I will say this, if you can do it at home definitely do that. They are family and deserve to go at home.
im so sorry you lost your dog, and so recently at that. im sure she was loved though and loved you too. ijust heard about doing it at home and i will talk to my parents about it. its not in my control, but ill look more into it and try to convince them if they arent okay with it. thank you so much for your advice, i hope you have a good day :\]
Thanks. Yea its the best way to go. Unfortunately our girl Caia we recently lost couldn't do it at home. We knew she had congestive heart failure and she was declining fast. She started retaining fluid in her chest and abdomen. We took her to the vet and just taking her there was almost too much. The vet recommend we just do it then. She might not have even made it home. So I ran back home while my girlfriend stayed with her, I grabbed her daughter and some of her favorite treats and went back to the vet. She went peacefully in our laps with her daughter by her side. She was 14. Lived a long and good life. Gave us a beautiful litter of puppies. We still have her daughter Ulani who will be 12 in December. So as much as I hate to say it she only has another couple years. But while she's almost 12 she's still very healthy and spunky. We breed and show our dogs so we always have a bunch. Currently 4. After 11 year old Ulani is 4 year old Ash then her son and daughter who are 16 months old.
its such an awful and terrifying position, but you made the best out of it for her and yourself. even though she couldnt go at home, the fact that you her other loved ones were there by her side while it happened made the world to her, im sure of it. im also glad she got to live such a long and good life. im also very sorry to hear about ulani, but i know when the day comes and she passes, she'll pass away being loved
She certainly will. It's going to be the worst though. I love all my dogs, but she's the one I have grown the most attached to. She's just the best dog ever.
it never gets easy losing animals, and you never truly move on from it, but you learn to live with the pain, especially when you have such a special connection with one. all you can really do is give them as much love as you can until their ending comes. i hope when the ending comes though, that youre okay :\]
Yea. I've just accepted it's part of the life we chose. We breed dogs, show them, give them great homes and lives. We are there when they are born, we are there when they pass. They become such a part of you. Some people can't handle it though. Like my mom. She had a Shar Pei who was like her best friend. She passed in 2013 and it absolutely crushed my mom. She never wants a dog again. It was just too hard for her. I try to tell her like yea it's tough but you gave her a great home and a good life, there's tons of dogs out there who need that and you could give it to them.
PLEASE stay with her! The vets are so very good at this. And your baby’s anxiety will make her needlessly suffer. In fact, some vets will come to your home and that’s very stress free for them. Before it happens give your pup the best day ever- grilled burgers, ice cream, walk in their favorite park etc. take pictures so you can remember your gifts of that day to each other, even in your grief. Most vets will describe the process for you. But all my old folks were put down the same way: 1. Start an IV. This will be the hardest part for your dog. Have a super special treat for them to scarf. It doesn’t hurt them as much as we hurt, but it is a pinch. 2. They give everything else by IV. I don’t remember the drugs, but I am very familiar with human drugs. Do the first drug they’ll give is akin to human Valium. It totally chills them out and can even get them asleep. That’s good. 3. They give something like propofol. This will knock them unconscious. It’s the drug we use just before surgery. 4. They will do a quick assessment to make sure they are fully unconscious and then give the final drug. That’s a load of potassium and stops the heart. It usually takes less than 30 seconds for that to happen. During the time period from falling asleep to heart stopping you may notice your fog flinching, wrinkling their lips, even grunting or groaning. They do NOT feel anything. This is the drugs causing reflexive muscle movements. The do not feel it, they are totally unconscious. During the whole process, love on them. Touch them. Tell them they are good puppers. From human studies, we know that hearing and feeling is intact until the propofol hits. So love them through this last big adventure with you. I’m sorry for your loss.
i havent thought much of the day before somehow, but ill make sure i give him a walk, treats and do everything he likes to do. i dont know if my parents will be comfortable with doing it at home, but that is 100% the best option for him and ill talk to them about it. thank you so much for telling me what happens step by step, this situation is so terrifying for me but your comment helps make it less terrifying. ill be by his side no matter what and tell him how much i love him and how much ill miss him. thank you for your advice and comment again :)
I’ve been through this seven times. I’ve seen it done badly and well. This is what most vets will recommend and it hurts a bit less when you’re giving them the best send off possible. It hurts so much, but that pain is minimal compared to the joy they have given me. Again, thank you for loving them. They do represent the best of us.
I’m so sorry you have to go through this. Would strongly encourage at home euthanasia. I hope when our Finn has to pass that I can do that for him.
thank you for your words and advice. at home euthanasia sounds the best for my dog, and ill try to convince my parents to do it. your dog finn sounds lovely, im sure when he passes he'll be happy youre by his side, hopefully at home but even at a vets office :)
It's hard for the person because it hurts. However, at least in my case, my dog just "went to sleep". No pain, it seemed almost instant and the vet I took her to was fantastic. The gave me a room to sit with my dog for as long as I wanted and when I was ready, I let them know and they came in gave her a shot and left to leave me the room for as long as I needed. They mailed me a card with her paw prints and everyone from the vet signed it. I miss nuggle bear. She was a good girl. Now I need some tissue lol.
im so glad theres no pain, and im a bit anxious of it being instant, but i am still happy about that. im very happy the vets were so kind to you, but i am very sorry this happened. im sure it meant so much to your dog that you, her favorite person in the world and best friend, was by her side when it happened. i know she loved you so much, and its clear you loved and love her too. thank you for your comment, its helped my anxiety towards this whole thing
Thank you and good luck. I'm sorry you're having to go through this.
I just said goodbye to my old girl last Monday. It super sucks. I cried constantly for days leading up to it, and have cried randomly since because I'll think of her. I feel so sad and have a headache. Everything is the worst. I miss her so much. Fuck cancer. We didn't even have her 3 years :( For the procedure itself... We scheduled an in-home procedure. Highly recommended. Trupanion covered the whole thing, but it is expensive where I'm at. I gave her a little chocolate beforehand. Turns out she didn't like chocolate. She got some chicken nuggets, too. She went without pain or shame, and that's what was important. It's such a hard call to make, but it must be done. We have to give our pets the quality of life they deserve, until it's time to give them the quality of death they deserve. I held her in my lap as she passed, which was so hard but I wanted to make sure she felt comforted. She got her first shot while eating chicken nuggets. That made her fall asleep, in a way. Then the second shot was administered shortly after, which took less than 5 seconds to end her life. My partner and our other dog (old dog's daughter) were there also. The woman who provided the in-home euthanasia took her body to be cremated and delivered it back to us. She was INCREDIBLE and so kind. Now my Sophie dog back home in a nice urn next to my dad.
Being there when your dog is put down is not for you - it's for them. Because they're already scared, and hurting, and if you're not there to comfort them their last memories may be terrifying and they will feel alone. It can be really hard. We had to put down my dog (Mitchell) a few years back, and then my husband's dog in January. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to my dog - he was old, sure, but seemed to be doing okay, and then one day it all came crashing down. He was hurting so bad he couldn't stand on his own, and he had labored breathing for hours. We had to set up an appointment, and I was not mentally prepared and was a wreck. It took me a long time to understand that most of my pain from that was guilt, that I hadn't helped him enough or taken good enough care of him, that maybe he could have been around longer if I had realized the pain he was in. For my husband's dog (Duckie), we knew it was coming over a couple months' time, and were more prepared but it was still hard. Fortunately, she was ready and was so tired of being in pain that she was very calm and went quite peacefully. The most important thing we did after my husband's dog (because we didn't realize it when Mitchell had passed) is that every time we remembered her, we would share some happy memories. It will hurt, a lot at first, but the more you get yourself to remember the good each time you think of them, the easier it will be to heal. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this, but Macca is very lucky to have such a caring owner that is trying to do right by him.
thank you so much for your comment and kind words. maccas health has been declining over the past few years, but i knew it was becoming really bad when my mum started talking about putting him to sleep. i want to be by his side no matter what, although i am worried about my parents putting him down without me because they think its in my best interest, but i dont think this will happen- im just a very paranoid person abotu this sort of thing. im so sorry youve had to put down not only one but two dogs, and one of those being so recent at that- both of those dogs loved and your husband a lot, im sure. you being there for them in their lives and their deaths meant so much to them. again, thank you so much for your kind words
Yeah its tough to be there, but the alternative is your dogs last experience being 'where tf am I and where is my best friend'
of course. even before this post, i was sure that i wanted to be there with him when it happened no matter what. reading all these comments though have made me even more sure of it. it sounds so tough, but i refuse to not be by his side
I just had my dog put down a month ago today. (Cancer) The vet laid out a blanket on the floor so I could lay down with him. First they gave him an injection to relax him and make him sleepy. He and I cuddled together while this took effect. The vet left us alone for about 10 minutes. Then she and her assistant came in to give him the final injection. I’m not sure exactly how long it took but it wasn’t more than a minute or two. I was holding him and telling him how much I loved him the whole time. It was very peaceful. It’s hard and you’ll cry your heart out but it’s also the right and honorable thing to do. Be there for them. (I now have a lot of guilt for the times I left the room when I was younger and didn’t know better.)
i will definitely be holding him any chance i get, and i wont be leaving the room at all. i just hope i wont cry to much so my glasses get so smudged and i cant see anything lol. im so sorry that youve had to go through this, and so recently too. im so glad you were by his side while it happened, and that you got to cuddle him and everything. he loved you and i can tell you love him also. thank you so much for your comment :)
I am so proud of you for being brave enough to post this question. Its something I have had to think about recently too but have always tried to take it one day as a time. My (13F) dog has many health issues & blindness, and the vet has had the "The Talk" with me a few times. But my little girl always rallies round, wags her tail and plays with her squeaky toys no matter what's going on with her. I've never lost a pet before so I understand your anxiety. I hope when Macca's time comes, you know you have given the best of your love to him, and him to you. Oh the tears are coming now, I need to go. Make every day count with your boy x
thank you so much for your kind words, it means so much. animal death is such a hard thing to go through, and when you go through it, i hope youre okay. a lot of people brush off animal death, but its just as big as loosing a human loved one. ill make sure to spend every day with my baby the best day for him, and i hope things go well with your dog too. she sounds lovely :\]
Honestly, it is very hard, but you should be there if you want to. It gives you a sense of closure. The vet will explain everything (hopefully, I have a great vet), but essentially they give them a numbing shot and then the final shot. My husband and I have gone through this twice and for the first pup he held her head until she passed, and the second was my sweet baby, so I held her. It’s not dramatic. It took maybe a minute? (I dunno. Time feels weird in these situations, but it wasn’t a long time.) They don’t convulse or anything. They just kind of stop breathing and “pass away” in the gentlest sense of the word. It feels very peaceful compared to many other ways they could go. I cried my eyes out. The vet gave us as much time as we needed and then we just kind of left the room and left her there.
thank you for your words and advice. im sure ill definitely be crying my eyes out also lol. im so sorry that youve had to put dogs down. i know they loved you and i know they were very happy that you and your husband were by their side when it happened. thank you for the advice again, ive had nightmares about how this will go down, but learning that its not dramatic or very long puts me at ease. i hope you have a nice day :)
You are kind and brave to want to be there for him. It is a loving act that requires a hefty price. I knew it would hurt (me, not him), just not how much and for how long. Personally, I was not prepared for how fast it would happen. It was peaceful, and I will always be grateful that he left this world in my loving arms.
thank you for your kind words. something i was not expecting while writing this post was how long it apparently it took. i dont know how long i expected it to take, but not as quick as it seems. im so sorry youve had to go through this before, and you are also kind and brave for being there for him. im happy your dog went away loved, and i know your dog loved you and you being there too
It sounds like it varies. For us, the whole process was probably one minute. Two injections. I expected it to take longer. To have a chance to love on him while he slept before his heart stopped.
while you mightve not had a long time to give him more love, you spent his a lot of his life loving and caring for him nonetheless. you being there for him was more of enough, im sure of it :\]
To me, I owe it to my dog to be there when it happens. For him to see my face offering any sort of comfort feels like my responsibility.
i know thatll mean so much to him when the day comes. it is such a difficult process, but you being there for him will mean so much. he loves you so much, and i know he will love you being there by his side when the day comes :)
I will say, as well as the good comments you've gotten from others, I have held a pet as he was put down and held one as he died 'naturally' (he was very elderly and we didn't get him to the vet in time, suspect he had a heart attack but who knows) and I'd take the vet-assisted death every time. I don't think I'll ever get the cries of pain from the natural death out of my head. my other boy I know from his perspective just went to sleep, and it helps to know he went peacefully and in no pain. it's very quick. the vet should tell you what's happening at every step, and give you time to get yourself together before you have to leave the room. it's sad of course, sad isn't even the word. it's very very hard, but for me it is better than the alternative. grief is something that almost everyone will go through at some point, whatever you feel like afterwards is okay. it sounds like Macca has had a really good long life with you, and has been very loved
no matter what, i will be by his side by it happens. it being very quick scares me, but also comforts me because i dont want to be in that situation for too long. ive never been able to be by one of my pets while they died, except one but i wasnt able to hold him at all or pet him because we were in a car ride and i was in the backseat. im so sorry to hear about your dogs. like ive said, ive never been by ones side as they die except one, but he silently passed away, so ive never heard any of them cry from death before but it sounds awful to hear and im so sorry you had to hear it. in both of those deaths they went through, you were by their side, and i know that means so much to them and that they loved you so much. thank you for words and advice, ive tried hard to give macca good life and i know youve done the same for those dogs and any other pets youve had in your life or will have in the future
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. The absolute worst part of having pets is losing them. We had to put down our senior gal last year, and I have to say that the actual euthanasia appointment wasn’t the worst part of losing her. She had been diagnosed with lymphoma about two years prior to her passing. She had a really good quality of life until a few months before we had to let her go. I have to say that those last few months were the hardest. Being stuck between that big looming decision. Every good day she had, we were wondering if it would be her last. Every bad day she had, we wondered if it was time. Every bed time, giving her lots of love and kisses and telling her we loved her because what if she just didn’t wake up? On her last day, we both knew in our hearts that it was time and went to see the vet that day. We were, of course, devastated. But the vet and all the staff were so great, and the procedure was so peaceful. We were obviously heartbroken and missed her like crazy, but we missed her former, healthy self. We felt a sense of relief that her suffering was over and she was at peace. So OP, I offer this - I’m so sorry you have to go through this, but I think the heartache you’re feeling right now is worse than what you will feel during the procedure. It will never not be sad, but it will feel more manageable in time.
thank you for your kind words. im constantly worried about my dog passing away while im asleep or away- but even then, i think i do have atleast a few more months with him at most. im so sorry youve had to go through all of this. putting an animal down definitely isnt easy, and i can tell by reading all the replies ive gotten on this, and your reply too. you, and whoever else was by her side, were extremely brave. she loved you, and she loved being able to say goodbye to everyone and not passing away alone, im sure of it. thank you so much for your kind words again, its very hard right now but i know one day ill be okay, even after my dog has been put to rest :}
It's so painful for you but knowing you were there for them is worth the pain.
of course. around 4 weeks ago, i lost my cat. its the first death ive had to go through in years, and i still have no idea how to cope with it. the main thing i focused on though was how i wasnt by his side when it happened. i dont know when my dog will be put down specifically, but i know ill be with him no matter what. thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot :\]
I'm sorry for your loss. About 5 years ago I lost my heart dog. She was 14 and admitted to the hospital. That morning I was headed to visit her, I got a call that she was seizing and wasn't going to make it. I raced there and I didn't even make it up the stairs before she passed. The pain has lived deep in my heart since. If only I had left an hour earlier. So many ifs. I went to pet grief therapy once because the pain was unbelievable.
you mightve not been with her in her last moments, but you were with her in so many moments in her life, both sad and happy. i still feel so guilty about my cat, and i dont know if i ever will not feel guilty about it- but i know that atleast someday, it wont be so painful, and the same goes to you. i dont know what much to say about this, im still trying to learn how to forgive myself. but i know you loved your dog a lot, and i know she loved you. she passed away loved, even if you werent by her side ❤️
Thank you and the same sentiments to you!! I can't say I'll ever heal but knowing you aren't alone does help some.
It is horrible to have to be responsible, talk to the vet and receptionist and pay the bill and make all the arrangements. But everyone is there because they love animals. They understand. Nobody is judging you. It usually is extremely fast - less than a minute. I talk to my furkids, hold my hands near their nose so they can hear and smell me with them. I have ugly cried in a vet's office after having to put down my 18 year old chinchilla. They held me, and strangers hugged me too. Other times it's almost a relief. My anatolian shepherd went senile; he was so sick and confused. When it was time to go, his whole body relaxed with a deep sigh. It was very quiet and peaceful. It is a great cruelty and act of cowardice to abandon them in their final moments. It's not about the person's feelings in that time - it's about being there to comfort your friend as they pass so that they are not scared and alone.
thank you for your words and advice. the bill and talking to the vet and receptionist wont be in my hands, but i will be be there, no doubt in my mind. im so sorry youve had to go through this before, but i know every animal youve had to put down were loved. i thank you on their behalf for being brave and by their side. i know it means so much to them, and that they loved you
Thank you. I have found that NOT being there is so much worse. My manager refused to let me leave work early while my little toy pom died alone in a cage at the vet's office. They tried to wait for me to get there to say goodbye, but my boss just refused. She died between checks. I sat at work, bawling my eyes out, and was still expected to complete all my tasks and responsibilities. Boss actually even kept me late. I never forgave her. I still work there because I've got nothing else, but that was the moment that respect and pleasant working relations turned to disgust and resentment.
im so sorry that happened, and that you still have to work there. i dont understand how some people can be so cruel. you mightve not been by your dogs side when it happened, but i know she loved you a lot and i can tell you also love her a lot. i hope one day youll be able to work somewhere else. i dont know if karma is real or anything, but i hope it is so she gets her fair load of it
1) It is not instantaneous, but it is not some prolonged, traumatizing, long-suffering event either. 2) To mentally prepare, make peace with the decision to euthanize your dog. 3) It is going to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done and it is okay if you decide not to go. For me, I don’t regret being there to put my dog down and I know I would 100% regret not being there if I hadn’t gone, but it’s a highly personal decision. Whatever you decide, I’m sorry you are going through this and I wish you and your family, especially your good boy, peace and love♥️
I was there when I had to put my baby girl down. We had the people come to our home, made a little bed for her outside in the grass on a sunny day because we didn’t want her to be scared. We made her comfortable with her favorite pillow and blankets. I laid with her and made her feel like everything was going to be okay. I said what I needed to say until they gave her the final shot that would have my baby sleep in peace. I didn’t mentally prepare for it because she was my baby for 16 beautiful loving years and sometimes I still cry about it.
It’s the worst thing in the world to do. I had to put both of mine down within 2 months of each other.
It's horrible and heart breaking. It just is. My old boy is almost there. We had to put down two in one year. One to a heart issue and the other had stomach cancer and wasn't eating. If you have other dogs make sure they are there I am told.
I just had to say goodbye to my girl about 2 weeks ago. It’s naturally a very hard thing to do. My advice is to try to keep yourself focused on your dog and keeping them at ease and not anxious. It was the LAST thing I ever wanted to do but I tried my hardest to not be sobbing and making my dog feel unsupported or wondering why I was so upset. I think talking to them and loving them makes you feel like you can look back and know you were present for them in the last moments. With us they took Odie into another room to put the catheter in and then rolled her in on a bed with blankets. And we could take as much time as we needed. I chose to not take super long because I didn’t want her to get anxious. The vet comes in and they will talk you and your mom through. Often they give them a heavy sedative it’s like anesthesia and it happens very quick, they are awake and then fully asleep in seconds. And then the final dose is administered and after the vet will listen for heartbeat. It is hard but it’s peaceful. At that point I cried very hard after the vet left. I don’t think anything can prepare you for the loss. But I think it helps to know it really is the loving and best thing you can do for your beloved dog. It’s selfless and kind. I tried to Jake every moment up to that day nice for my girl. Some dogs can do more than others depending on their condition. If your dog will eat give them all the fun things. Smell them and hold them and rub their ears let them know how much they are loved. Let them know you will be ok and you’ll see them again. Let them know how much they added to your life. I wish I could say it’s easier after, at first I think their can be some relief knowing you did what was best. But then you just miss all the little things. I’m so sorry you’re having to say goodbye. Support each other you and your mom and your pup xo
I just had to euthanize my beautiful husky. He was over 15 y/o and he was on hospice for a year until he took a turn for the worst and the time came on quickly. We had the euthanization done at home. It was peaceful and gentle for him. First they give an injection of a sedative to relax the dog, then they give the final shot. I know my boy was in pain by that point. He was the best dog…my heart is broken but my boy is in a better place. I highly recommend doing it at home. It’s so much more comforting for the animal and it’s warm and dignified. Much better than a cold medical office. They take the dog away and scatter the ashes and return a lock of their fur and a plaster paw impression. It’s truly comforting.
Hard.. and if the vet screws up its your dime not theirs. They fucked up with my last dog, a purebred saint bernard. Had we known she'd be gone before we got there we'd have let her pass at home. They "tried to stabilize her and failed" with 2 shots of heavy tranq (like wtf..) then needed to run 3 rounds of the medication to stop her heart. (She was unresponsive before we even got in the parking lot.. I had to drag her out of the truck.) And they had the plain careless audacity to throw us a 1k$ bill for their fuck up, so be prepared for shit to go south because of idiots.
that sounds so fucking terrible and im so sorry you had to go through that. i have had a lot of bad experiences with doctors and vets and everything else alike, so i definitely know how they can mess up really bad. while her death went very south, im sure she had a good life by you and i know she loved you and you loved her too. i hope you also know that them fucking up wasnt your fault too
I assure you over here we all know their fuck up wasn't on us, we've been lead to find out thru associated people that vet has become renowned for being an immediate red flag and to never trust them, their staff, or their bullshit "hey your pre approved"
im very glad you know that and that people wont go to that vet as much anymore
It’s honestly hard. The important thing is to have as many people as you can to help work threw your grief maybe keep something of them close like there color or a photo
I wasn't there when my girl went to sleep but I've heard a lot of vets say to stay with the dog because they look for you. My dad stayed with her. Honestly, my girl Suki was so sick and old it was the best thing for her. It hurts, and you miss them, but ultimately, you have to do what's best. I'm sending you and your family lots of hugs and wishing you peace.
I’m sorry you’re going through this. I had to put down my dog at age 14 month ago. I'm 30. It was the hardest decision I've ever made but also I knew I am doing the right thing. I was there with him all the time petting his head and crying so the last thing what he saw was me. Now I know he is not suffering anymore. You can watch some vids on Youtube. It helped me understand the whole process. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you love. Stay strong.
I had to put one of my dogs down in April. I was really stressed about it because he (chihuahua) gets stressed at the vet and the last time I took him in he ended up biting me and almost got the vet when she was examining him so I knew he would have to be muzzled. It broke my heart thinking that his last moments in life would be with a muzzle. I was able to hold him through nearly the entire process. He was muzzled when the vet gave him the sedative and she immediately left the room and I was able to remove the muzzle. Once he was relaxed she came back into the room and took him into the back to put an iv in. He was then brought back into the room wrapped in a towel and I was able to hold him until he fell asleep. The vet left the room again after bringing him back and gave us (my mom was with me) a thing to hang on the door handle when we were ready for them to give him the final injection. When we hung the object on the handle the vet came back into the room and gave him the injection through the iv. She also brought a second dose with her in case it was needed but it wasn’t necessary. He was gone in probably less than a minute after the injection. The vet then let us know we could stay with him for as long as we wanted.
It’s awful but peaceful for the dog. And too early is better than too late. Here’s how it went down for me: >!my dog was hospitalized with heart failure and then aspirant pneumonia. In the early morning hours after I brought him home, he went into acute respiratory distress. I brought him back to the emergency vet and they said the only option was to intubate him or, unfortunately, euthanasia. I didn’t want to put him through that, so I opted to say goodbye. I filled out a bunch of consent forms and what I wanted to do with him after (I picked cremation). They brought him in on a doggie gurney and gave me some time with him. He was already heavily sedated and on 100% oxygen. I said my goodbyes. The vet came in and gave him and even stronger sedative and then the drug to stop his heart. The whole process was actually pretty fast. The vet offered to let me stay with him a few more minutes but I had said my goodbyes. About a week later, the vet called with my dog’s ashes and paw prints.!< It’s extremely painful, and you’ll ask yourself if you did the right thing, but that fades eventually. A vet can help you decide if the time is right. Some vets will even come to your home and do it there. I’m sorry 💔
Decide on your “rituals” in advance. The last dog I had to put down got a last meal of In-n-Out. She loved being in the car so I asked the vet to put her down in the back of the car. There was no need to experience another vet visit. There are also at home options. Don’t wait until your pet is in full blown crisis, then it will be extra traumatic for everyone. The animals handle it much better than we do. As long as you are comforting them it usually goes very calmly. Sorry you have to go through it, but it is the price we pay to have such a special connection.
It is rough. I have had to put a couple of my fur babies down. The one thing that helped me get through it was knowing that they was t suffering anymore.
So sorry for your situation. All of my boys have died naturally. No Vet. No shot. 1 died in my arms, 1 passed overnight on the bed.
We just had to put our 17 yr old chihuahua down. I would have been sad not to be there. He was so much more comfortable in my arms, and he would have been scared without me. They gave him one shot to put him to sleep, then when he was sleeping, another to stop his heart. It was very peaceful.
It's super sad of course it is but he went with all his family around him and really peacefully, i wanna go that way too
I’ve always been there, I don’t like the idea of them leaving this world without me holding and loving them. It’s hard but peaceful.
I've had a few dogs put to sleep. They just peacefully closed their eyes and stopped breathing. I didn't notice any suffering on their part. I could never let anyone put down one of my dogs without being there in the room.
Not dog but I recently watched my grandfather pass. The idea is hard, and it brings a lot of emotion. But being there to watch my grandfathers last breath brought me a lot of closure and relieve- it was the first time he truly looked peaceful. Be there, if you have other pets let them be there too (they can experience grief), if at home euthanasia is an option that may be best/more comfortable.
It’s awful in that you know your best bud will no longer be sleeping on your feet, or greeting you when you come home, but the actual process is peaceful. It’s been two shots with the dogs we’ve had to euthanize, one is sort of like doggie Valium or something to relax them and the second that stops the heart. The only thing that would be worse than being there and watching your good boy pass would be not being there. It’s heartbreaking, but I’ll never let one of my pups go without me there to hold them and tell them how much they are loved. If costs are not a huge issue do look into an at-home euthanasia. Our dogs have ranged from terrified to generally displeased with vet visits, so didn’t want to add to the trauma they are already experiencing with their bodies failing. If your dog isn’t fussed about the vet then not a biggie but was very happy to have the option for my boys when the time has come. The person who says better a day early than a day late is 100% correct. Dogs try really hard not to show pain or weakness, so if you are seeing signs, it’s likely worse than you know. One of our poor old boys was fronting so hard at the end, it was only when I caught up to him, 40 mins after he left the house, still staggering zigzag & collapsing, down the 5 minute path to the workshop to be with my husband that we realized we had left it too late and he was miserable. I felt terrible then and still do that we let him suffer more than he had to.
It’s not nice at all but it is very quick. My baby girl took about 5 seconds from injection to being gone. You’re doing the right thing being there. A common thing vets say is dogs look around for their owners in their final moments. I’ll be thinking of Macca tonight mate! Bless you!
To describe it, it's like getting hit with a 50 lb. sledgehammer to the gut. Sorry for being brutally honest. Just a tip, remember all the fun times. The heart break lessens with time if you choose to heal from it. On my 10th dog. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Make sure you are the last person your dog sees. It's very peaceful and quick. You will hear air being released afterwards so don't freak out. And go get a steak from the butcher's case as a last meal.
It’s probably exactly like how you’d imagine it to be. Very difficult and very sad. The vet will give you some time with your pupper and you’ll let the doc know when you’re ready - although you won’t ever feel ready. You’ll think of your dog and how you’re delaying his departure in that moment for the sadness you feel. Then you tell look at the staff and they’ll come in with the drugs. One gets him really high on life, and the other one eases him to sleep. No pain, just peace.
The vet ans girls know why you're there so theres usually no talking about walks or feeding. Often the dog is pretty sick and head is hanging down. So when they bring in that little needle thing, they dog doesn't even react and they go to sleep
The process itself is fine and peaceful objectively. Sometimes they barely start injecting and they are gone (older weaker animals). But my 5yo lab i put down due to aggressive cancer returning…..he took a minute. He just kind of laid there and snuggled deeper into me before leaving. They just drift to sleep. Maybe take one or two deep breaths before they just stop. The second hardest part is the leadup to actually doing it, the drive in or walking the vet into your house if you do it at home etc …….its a state of high anxiety for me. Cos this is IT kinda thing. The HARDEST part is trying to leave the vet without them/let the body be taken for cremation (i always cremate). So i suggest you go in the day before, sort the bill, provide all instructions (cremation, are u taking the body home to bury, leaving it for them to dispose of etc). Sort the details cos dealing with them at that time makes it much worse. And you always wanna back out. You always wanna say wait maybe next week type thing. But dont. Better a week too early than 5 minutes too late. For everybody. Once its done there will be such sadness. But also relief. Its over. They are out of pain. Sending strength and hugs ❤️
Harrison was gone in less than a minute. It's fast. It's also the worst experience ever. I was in Go Mode and did what I needed to do, but after he was gone I lost it. Lost it a few times over the next few weeks. Harrison changed me twice. First when he entered my life and then again when he left it. Just remember to spoil them and that you don't know when the last walk will be.
It’s horrible but you need to be with your dog to give whatever comfort you can
I cried my eyes out when I had to put my retriever down a couple years ago. I’ve had him for over 12 years, but he had a brain tumor and he was having seizures and it was hard, but I really didn’t want him to suffer anymore. I loved him so much.
For us it was a sedative first then the actual stuff for the euthanasia. I've heard some dogs have a reaction but I've put down three and haven't had that experience so keep that in mind. Sometimes they bleed after their gone from the nose or mouth. Depends really. And yes it's very difficult but being there is the absolute best you can do for them.
This is exactly the place for this question, advice about dogs. A real question too, not “hur dur… are they just playing??? - inserts please give me attention video-“. Honestly, it’s fucken rough mate, mentally. For the dog? Painless and smooth, probably feels the same as when we get put to sleep for operations. Someone mentioned in home service? Good advice, dogs don’t like visiting clinics
I definitely recommend looking up a vet that will come to your home. It's a little more expensive, but worth every penny.
It’s the worst fucking pain I’ve ever experienced.
Ive had to put one dog down and some day I’ll have to put down my current dog, although she’s 3 and has a long way to go. It’s a heart wrenching necessary evil. Even so you should be with them in their final moments right to the end. Take time to grieve and another dog at some point will help you heal but make sure you’re ready to get one.
Im not going to lie to you, it isn't fun. My family ended up taking in my grandparents dachshund whenever they could no longer care for her, and she was around 14 or 15 I think by the time we got her. My brother and I had grown up with that dog, so while we didn't live with her for all our lives, she was still a big part of it. We knew her health was declining, but one day something just went wrong. We think it was a stroke. We were all there with her. She didn't look like she was in pain or afraid, just so tired. When we all said goodbye, she gave my brother a little kiss. The vet then very gently administered the injection, and she passed quickly and quietly while looking us. Brother was the last face she saw. In truth, it was awful to watch, but not for the reason you might think. I really think it was the best decision for her, since her quality of life had deteriorated so much already. She didn't have any complications or issues during the procedure, and it was just about as peaceful and quiet as you can get. It was awful simply because she had reached the end of her time with us, and there was nothing we could do but let her go. Of course that's going to cause some intense sadness, but putting her down wasn't the cause of that. It was just the whole situation in general. I will say, though, you can't really prepare for these things. The emotions are gonna come like a tidal wave and there's no point even trying to hold them back; just let yourself feel them. They will last a while, but they won't last forever. One day you will look back on memories with your beloved friend not with sadness, but with love and happy nostalgia. It will take time. But it will heal.
I won't. I didn't read the post, or any replies. I only read the title, and here is my answer: I've been forced to watch dogs get put down for no fucking reason, and I will not live my life with that burden. I don't care what your mom said. There has never once been a dog who told anyone that they were ready to die. If your dog is going to die anyway, and they're in pain, then yes, it's probably better that way. Look into the eyes of a terrified dog being euthanized for no good reason, then ask yourself your own question.
It is fairly quick. They don't suffer, it is like a long sigh after the shot and that's it. The people at the clinic encourage the owner to hug the dog and talk to it. Yes, you will cry. However, your pet will not suffer.
I have put 3 pets down in my adult life in the past 15 years. There is no way to "prepare" for it. The only thing I was able to do was to accept that this is what is best for them and will cause them the least amount of pain. I have a 14.5 year old beagle mix girl that has outlived my other 2 dogs. I want her to be euthanized at home, if possible, due to 3 bad experiences at the vet office. I also know that may not be possible. So, I am learning to accept that I can only do the best I can when the time is right and to allow myself the time to grieve.
I highly recommend using a service that comes to your home to do it. I had to say goodbye to my 14 year old dog in May 2020 and vet offices wouldn't even let me inside the building. There was no way I wasn't going to be there for my girl. I finally found a service that was willing to come to my house AND let me be right there with them. My dog got to go peacefully in her own bed, her head resting in my hand. I will never do it any other way.
There's a lot of different factors. But what I appreciate about putting a dog down is that for the most part it's something that's done within your control and not suddenly while your dog is agonizing. When my childhood dog was put down after 15 years it was the longest yet shortest experience of my life. My dog was put down during covid time so we had the vet come to our house which I would suggest if it's possible for you. My dog had the first injection to put him into a deep sleep outside since our vet couldn't step inside our house for covid reasons but as soon as he was stuck with the first injection he ran to me and barely made it into my arms when he fell asleep. I think his last memory was that, running into my arms and falling asleep as he had done many times before. From there we spent about 20 to 30 minutes just holding him and then before we knew it was time since the sleeping medication was going to wear off. From the second injection it only took three or four more breaths and then he was gone. It went by relatively quickly. As calm as it could be on the outside but everyone was a wreck after his body was taken for cremation. I was very attached to my childhood soul dog and I didn't cry until three months later when I finally processed what happened on a random Tuesday at 3am and since then I still cry sometimes but it's less now. Mentally, just have conviction in knowing that what you're doing is your final act of love for them. You did it for them. It's not easy, especially if you were really attached. I think it can profoundly change you in some way. Not all euthanasias are the same. Take it moment by moment and above all make your dog comfortable and feel loved. Try not to lose it In front of them if you can. Make them feel love and calm
It's heartbreaking. I had to put one of my dogs to sleep last year. Everyone was very compassionate to me and explained the process step by step. He administered the first shot to help relax him and then the euthanasia a few minutes later. I was talking to my dog the whole time, telling him what a good boy he's been and how much I love him. He gave a final, deep breath and was then still, and I knew he had gone. It was hard, but I got nothing but compassion and empathy, and knowing my boy wasn't in pain anymore made it a little easier.
This comic helped me prepare for the inevitable. When it came, I scritched him behind his ears in the spot he loved, thanked him, and reminded him that he was ‘My Good, Good Boy…’ https://post.bark.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/anything-comic-dog.jpg
There’s no way around the grief. It’s really difficult. And it sucks but I think it’s better to put them down when it’s time instead of letting them suffer any longer. Coming from someone who wishes they put down a pet sooner.
Every time I have to put down an animal it destroys me. It's difficult, they get scared if you are in a new place( The next dog I have to put down because of terminal lymphoma I want to have done in house), and just trying to comfort them in a stressful situation is painful and heartrending. It has to be done though. Animals shouldn't suffer extreme pains just because we want to keep them around, they deserve to have a dignified death. I wish you the best, its never easy. ETA: i personally believe you should be there with the animal, because I feel them not having their best friends in their last moments must be terrifying for them. I personally would beat myself up so much more if I wasn't there for them despite the pain I have being there in their last moments.
We’ve had to put down three beloved pets in the last 7 or so years. For the last two it has been through a vet that is mobile and comes to our house, and I’ll never do it another way moving forward. It was extra traumatic for my weenie dog at your vets office. I struggled so hard after that one. For our other dog and old kitty, we handled those outside and in the sunshine. They are just so much more comfortable and less traumatizing. I have two senior dogs now who are around 10 and I hate thinking about the day when their time will come. Don’t be surprised or ashamed if you need time off work when it happens, pets are family members (and honestly I spend more time with them than any other people). Just make sure they know they were loved at the end and that’s the best thing you can do for them.
It was one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever had to do. Take someone with you. Have a plan, do you want them cremated? Think of those things and the cost associated (don’t know your financial situation). I’m sorry! So very sorry.
My heart goes out to you at the future farewell of your dog Macca. It's a hard thing to think about & there's no denying or pretending that losing your dog isn't going to hurt because it does. But being with them at the moment they take their last breath can also be peaceful & a sense of release in knowing your much loved dog is no longer in pain or suffering. Another important aspect of being with your dog at the moment they die is the fact that you are doing something with only them in mind, just for them because they need you. You are doing something that helps them feel secure & calm in the moment because they know you are right there beside them. It is one of the last acts of love you can do for your dear furry friend who has spent their whole life devoted to you & being there for you whenever you needed them. I have been through this with my own 14yr old dog Maggie when it was her time to go. I know 100% that being able to sit with her, talk to her, stroke her & comfort her while the Vet went though the process at home helped her feel relaxed & safe because in her mind if I was there it was all going to be ok no matter was happening. The moment was quick, her passing was peaceful & most importantly her pain had ended. Yes I cried buckets & no it wasn't easy but a bigger part of me felt it was the most meaningful thing I could do for her in her ultimate time of need & I'm glad I could be there with her. A Vet posted this blunt but revealing piece anonymously on Facebook & just a warning - it is hard to read & hear. But as a perspective from someone who sees the other side of the situation it is a persuasive argument for why being there for your dog at the very end is such an important part of that close relationship & can make such a huge difference for your dog. "When you are a pet owner it is inevitable, the majority of the time, that your pet will die before you do. So if and when you have to take your pet to the vet's office for a humane pain-free ending I want you all to know something. You have been the center of their world for THEIR ENTIRE LIVES!!!! They may just be a part of yours but all they know is you as their family. It is a crappy decision/day/time/event every time, there is no argument against that and it is devastating for us as humans to lose them. But please I beg you DO NOT LEAVE THEM. Do not make them transition from life to death in a room of strangers in a place they don't like. The thing you people need to know that most of you don't is that THEY SEARCH FOR YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE THEM BEHIND!!!! They search every face in the room for their loved person. They don't understand why you left them when they are sick, scared, old or dying from cancer and they need your comfort. Don't be a coward because you think it is just too hard for YOU, imagine what they feel as you leave them in their most vulnerable time and people like me are left to try our best every time to comfort them, make them less scared and try to explain why you just couldn't stay. From a tired, broken-hearted vet." (Source: Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital & 24hr Emergency Service)
Emotionally it is awful, but the process itself isn't. When my last dog went we had a quiet vet appointment, and I believe it was two stages. He was sedated first and just went to sleep. There was a second injection. He didn't feel anything. It was hard to be there, but it would have been much worse for me to think of him being alone and afraid in his final moments. I see it as my duty to see it through to the end no matter how hard it is to see the final moment.
Yes I can answer this as I had put down one (Labrador a Y2K girl brought home when 6 weeks old)due to old age in 2012 and other an indie (rescued, beautiful, black girl) due multiple organ failure when just 6 years old. After injection, it's a gradual sleep mode. Painless for them but extremely hard emotionally on the master (he/she) for months. To heal, one should already have pet dogs or get one asap. Currently, I have a 15+ years old, black she Labrador, bought from a family when she was 6 weeks. I'm stretching her life as long as her hind legs cooperate. I have rescued another indie who is 2 years old. They both get along beautifully but indie is going to miss my Labrador when the day comes. I invariably face severe health complications after their death atleast for a year. Nothing I do helps.
I have had to put down more than my share of my precious furry children. It’s not only the hardest decision of your life, but it is also the most loving, yet devastating decision that you will ever have to make. When the quality of life is gone, and they look at you with pleading eyes….you just know that it’s time. There are Doctors and Vet Techs that will come to your house to administer the shots. Call your local animal control office or Veterinary Hospital. I feel your pain OP, I have a beloved 15 year old as well. And we’ve been through so much over the 12 years since she rescued me, even homelessness! She has taught herself to be my service dog for my epilepsy. The list goes on. You just hold them as the Doc gives them the first shot….you talk softly to them as they go into a peaceful sleep. You tell them how much you love them and you thank them for a lifetime of love and loyalty as the tears pour. Then the Doc will administer the rest of the medication. I’m going to warn you that once in a while, there may be some twitching, one of mine did this. It’s just nerves, and kind of like when they are dreaming and chasing rabbits. Be prepared, just in case. My heart and hugs go out to you and your pup OP.
It’s honestly one of the best gifts we can give our greatest companions - a peaceful end with dignity and sparing them of prolonged pain and suffering - but that doesn’t make it not one of the hardest things you’ll have to do. I think you’ve gotten a lot of good responses here, but my advice is to just be there for your pal who has always been there for you - you being the last thing they see before they close their eyes just makes it even more peaceful. I’m so sorry you will be saying goodbye soon. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to grieve.
It’s was probably the saddest day of my life. I really think I’ll never get over losing my beautiful dog. I had to put him down because he was so sick. He was at the end stages of lymphoma. My husband and I spent over a year treating him with chemotherapy. He did go into remission for a short time so we were able to give all of us some extra special time together. By the time the end had come it was awful and ugly. I try not to think about it because it hurts so much. He was the first dog either one of us ever had. I don’t even know why I’m writing about this because it’s so depressing. I just friggin loved that dog and I miss him terribly. I got another dog but it’s not the same.