The end - how is it done?

[BigBlock]

I got back from the vet a little while ago...my 12 year old basset hound has heart and liver failure. I'm hoping he'll make it through christmas, and then go naturally, but I may have to take him back for...well, you know what.

I would just like to know how that's done? Just a simple shot? He really hates strangers including the vet, and I don't want the vet to be the last person he sees. Can he be put to sleep (the kind with dreams, not the final kind) first with me, and then whatever else needs to be done?

 

[LionRun]

Hi BigBlock. I am sad to hear about your dog. Generally, an IV is put into one of the forearms and powerful drugs are released into the bloodstream.

You can request to be there with your dog, holding and comforting him/her (I'm sorry, I don't know if your dog is a male or female). To further ease his passing you can ask if your Vet will make a house call so your dog doesn't need to go to the clinic. Ask if they can give you an oral sedative to pick up, bring home, and give to him. Plan things so that your dog is sedated by the time the Vet arrives. And, of course hold your dear dog.

 

[bubbatd]

My heart aches for you , but not for your dear dog. It's a very quick , painless injection. How does he react to taking blood for heart worm check ?? It takes about that length of time . You can be holding him/her in any position that makes him happy . I've had mine standing , sitting, laying down and on my lap . A helper is there to ease the dog down as it first takes affect. There's no pain or struggle . I wish I could be put down that way !! Bless you , it's never easy . I personally have found it easier for me at the vets .... I've had all cremated and to me it's easier to leave them when it's over , rather than have to move once again at home . So sorry ! It's an end where we all must reach strength . Their time on earth sure does equal what they have given us . Please keep in touch here .

 

[silverpawz]

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Yes, you can request that he be given a sedative first. I always have. If your vet won't do this, find another vet that will.

 

[shadowfacedanes]

Something you may need to know, because it freaked me out the first time I saw it happen, is that after the injection has taken effect, sometimes the body will have involuntary responses such as a twitch or even the bowels releasing themselves. This in no way indicates that the animal is in pain or anything like that, it's just kind of a reflex. Not all pets do it, but if it happens, try not to let it bother you. When I had to release one of my danes, he had an involuntary response, but it was peaceful, as if he sighed a sigh of relief.

I'm so sorry you have to go through this, but I'm glad that your doggy has you to be with him through the final stages of his life.

My deepest sympathies

 

[juliefurry]

When our husky was put down, at the vets, she was already hooked up to IV's but they gave her an injection through where her IV's were. I was able to be with her and since she couldn't stand I held her in my lap and they did everything with her laying in my lap. It was really quick for her I would say in a minute she was gone. It wasn't long enough for me to say everything I needed to say to her before she was gone. I'm so sorry you have to go through this but your dog will be in a better place and it has give you so many years of happyness and loyalty this is the best thing you can do for your dog.

 

[moe]

When Jasper our Samoyed had to go to the bridge, I was at the vets, my vet allowed me to spend as much time as I needed to say goodbye, eventually he was given a sedative and then the injection, Jasper passed with his head in my lap looking into my eyes, it was the hardest but kindest thing I could have done, he had throat cancer that came back a month after surgery to remove it. it was all very peaceful for him. he had no reflex actions thankfully, but my sisters dog Zara did when she went, and although Zara had no knowledge, it did distress my sister when it happened. I am sorry you have to go through this but its the final act of kindness a loving owner can do for their loving companion.

Mo

 

[wookie130]

Yes, my heart goes out to you as well. What a difficult thing to do, especially over the holidays. I'm very sorry for your loss...

Rest assured, it will be quick, and painless. And you will be allowed to stay with him while it happens...sometimes that can be a great comfort to you, and to your dog.

Again, I am very sorry. Sometimes it is the most loving thing you can do...

 

[dr2little]

I'm so sorry...this is never easy.

Like Silver said, you can reguest an oral sedative so that he is feeling very dreamy and relaxed before the final injection is administered. This is a pill that you can give at home or during a car ride (if he enjoys that). That way he suffers non of the stress associated with the Vets office.

I have already planned this for one of my dogs so that IF I ever have to make THE dicision, I can sedate her at home before anyone else enters the picture (my Vets will come to my home).

I would phone and talk to your Vet and tell him/her of your concerns and that you do not want your old guy stressed at all....it is possible.

((((((((hugs))))))))) to you and your senior pal...

 

[elegy]

i'm very sorry you're having to go through this, especially with the holidays. it really sucks.

 

[showpug]

Others have given good info...

Just wanted to say that I am so sorry about your dog. Such a hard time.

 

[Whisper]

Agreed. . .^^^
I am soooo sorry you have to go through this.

Just so you know one thing that surprised me a little was seeing that my girl's eyes were still open. Otherwise everyone has said what I would have. Again, I'm sorry.

 

[Bobsk8]

I didn't even know about the oral sedative, but I will be sure to get that if I ever have to put a dog down. It's a very sad thing and I feel sorry for the owner as well as the dog, but at least the dog doesn't have to suffer at all. I wish they would show the same respect for people with terminal illnesses instead of hooking them up to machines and making the suffer for months and months, despite the persons wishes. That really ticks me off......

 

[silverpawz]

This is a pill that you can give at home or during a car ride

Actually it has always been an injection at the vets office for us. But I'm sure you can get a pill too. The injection litterally knocked the dog out cold, so they didn't feel a thing.

I would think a pill would be better for dogs that are afraid of the vet, but I doubt it would really sedate them to the point of not feeling anything. Not that there is much to feel, it only takes a few seconds to work, but I felt better knowing the dog is already in dreamland before it happens.

 

[bubbatd]

My dogs have always loved their vets , so I've never needed a pre-pill.

 

[dr2little]

He really hates strangers including the vet, and I don't want the vet to be the last person he sees.

This is why I suggested the oral pre-med. It's fairly common here and it's much like the oral sedative given before surgery for humans. If anyone has ever had one (I have twice in the past 6 months), I call it the "who cares" drug. Once it kicks in, you pretty much feel so good that nothing bothers you.

I know that my old gal gets pretty stressed with any new situation now so this is the option that I will use if I'm ever faced with that decision. A needle would be totally out of the question for her, she would be so affraid...

Whatever makes the experience as pleasant as possible....

This is just so sad, please let us know how you're doing. I hope that you can share this Christmas together pain free and happy..

 

[bubbatd]

I understand ..... this is such a downer ...... let's think of THEIR joy to be free and be waiting for us !

 

[Barb04]

I'm so sorry.

We had to put CJ to sleep almost 2 months ago. She was very restless. We asked the vet to give her a sedative to calm her down. She then received 2 injections while she laid they calmly and was gone to doggie heaven in less than 5 seconds. It's my first experience but I wanted to be there for her. My heart goes out to you.

 

[Miakoda]

My condolences. Everyone seemed to answer your questions very well.

Here's a quick explanation from myself as well: Most vets use a product call Euthasol (phenobarbital sodium & phenytoin sodium) that is injected into the vein (usually 1 of the front legs) just as a vet would take a blood sample for a heartworm test. When administered intravenously, pentobarbital sodium produces rapid anesthetic action. There is a smooth and rapid onset of unconsciousness. When administered intravenously, phenytoin sodium produces toxic signs of cardiovascular collapse and/or central nervous system depression.

It is also perfectly ok for you to ask your vet for a sedative to give beforehand for your dog's comfort & your peace of mind. Usually acepromazine is given in a small pill form.

And others brought up some points that are good to know beforehand & the following actions can be scary if you're not sure what's going on. Once respirations (breathing) have stopped, the heart is still beating albeit very slowly as it begins to cease altogether. It's not uncommon at this point for the dog to exhibit expiratory breaths (it seems that the dog is gasping though he's not really struggling for oxygen) as it is just a basic reaction of the lungs in the dying process. Muscle twitches can/will also occur but again these are just involuntary & the dog has no conscious control over this. And most animals with a full bladder/intestines will loose control & may urinate/defacate on themselves. This is the reason why many vets will wrap the body in a plastic bag before then wrapping it up in a sheet/blanket to send home. We've had many people freak out when they realized their beloved pet was in a plastic bag, but we explain that it's necessary for sanitary reasons until you get home.

I hope you didn't find my explanations too brash, I just like for people to know what to expect so there aren't any surprises that could be mistaken for their beloved animal struggling when in fact the body is just letting go. I've found that when people know what to expect, they can focus all of their attention on saying good-bye & comforting & loving on their pet vs. being too nervous about what the procedure entails. Sometimes it's too much information for people, & if it upset you then I am truly sorry. It's a horrible & devastating thing to go through & I only wish to make it easier somehow.

Take care of your 'lil man' & you'll know when the time is right. Dogs in cardiac failure become very unfomfortable at the end, so euthanasia is truly a humane release for them. I had to put down my 19 yr old Cairn (that I had since I was 6 yrs old) a couple of years ago & it was the hardest thing I've ever done. But being there & making sure she wasn't forced to suffer was the final gift I could give her.....& I don't regret my decision for one minute.

Take care of yourself in this time & enjoy your remaining time with him. As my favorite line says "Twill all come right, some day..or night".

 

[krisykris]

I'm bawling my eyes out right now reading all of this. I'm so sorry for you and for your dog. I have a very very strong anxiety to any sort of death, that hinders my life in a lot of ways and it was hard for me to read this thread. I actually almost didn't bring any animals into my life because of the fear of losing them at one point.

I just wanted to respond though, and to say that I'm so sorry and wish you lots of strength going into this difficult, heart breaking decision.