The end - how is it done?

[Love That Collie]

I'm sorry to hear this. I know what it is like to lose a pet.
I had to have Timmie PTS December 16th 2004. I was heartbroken.
And it happened that on that day Timmie was having one of his "good days".
He was saying Hello to everyone slowly making his way around the vet office with the happy face and all that which made it much worse on me. But I knew he was in a tremendous amount of pain even though he had his happy face on. I would have rather him go on his own but that wasn't in the cards and his quality of life was not good and I couldn't stand to see him suffer, he had given me too much for me to let him go on that way.

When the time came, it took less than one minute and I was there with him, he didn't do anything except pass away very easily. The vet gave him the injection in his front leg. You can ask for an injection to calm them prior to the last injection given though. And a lot of vets will come to your home.
Again, I'm so sorry.

 

[Bobsk8]

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".

I'm glad you posted this information and I think it will help alot of people going though this......

 

[bubbatd]

It's never easy .... but everyone getting a puppy has to face it some day . I feel sorry for those who don't get another dog because they can't go through it again . Remember , it's better to have loved and lost --- than never to have loved again.

 

[BigBlock]

Thanks for the replies everyone. He made it through christmas, but I think tomarrow might be the day. He still had the strength to open all his presents and he's been sitting peacefully under the tree pretty much the whole time.


I just want to throw the ball for him one more time...............

 

[blue]

Thanks for the replies everyone. He made it through christmas, but I think tomarrow might be the day. He still had the strength to open all his presents and he's been sitting peacefully under the tree pretty much the whole time.


I just want to throw the ball for him one more time...............

Roll it at him, or even near him.

Im glad you where able to have a last Christmas with him.

 

[bubbatd]

Hugs ...............................

 

[BigBlock]

Well, he's in a better place now.

Good boy, Hoover.

 

[Bobsk8]

Well, he's in a better place now.

Good boy, Hoover.

I am postive that he is up in Dog Heaven now looking down at you...

 

[Zoom]

RIP Hoover. You look like you were a very sweet boy!

 

[bubbatd]

You're at peace, dear Hoover . BigBlock ...my heart goes out to you ,

 

[Buddy'sParents]

RIP Hoover. Run free at the Bridge.

 

[dr2little]

I'm so glad that you were able to spend Christmas with your dear friend. RIP sweet Hoover, you obviously left a big paw print on your family's hearts.

((((((((hugs)))))))) to you BigBlock..

 

[krisykris]

Rest in Peace Hoover.. may you always run free. He will see you at the bridge someday.

 

[BigBlock]

Thanks for the support everyone. I forgot to mention I had the vet come out to the house...I would definately recommend that to anyone who finds this thread in the future.

 

[Aussie Red]

I am so so sorry for your loss. RIP dear Hoover.

 

[Whisper]

I'm so sorry. RIP beautiful Hoover.
(((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))

 

[TheWonderPuppies]

i just had to have my dog put to sleep the day after christmas but the vet did it by first giving him a seditivr and he passed even before they could put him to sleep

 

[Bobsk8]

I think this poem is a good one. I put this on another thread if you want to know where I got the poem



Don't grieve too long for now I am free
I followed the path God set for me
I ran to him when I heard his call
I swished my tail and left it all
I could not stay another day
To bark, to love, to romp or play
Games left unplayed must stay that way
I found such peace, it made my day

I left you with a void
please fill it with remembered joy
a friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss
oh yes, these things, I too shall miss
Be not burdened by times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
my life's been full, you've given so much
Your time, your love and gentle touch

perhaps my time seemed all too brief
don't lengthen it now with undue grief
lift up your head and share with me
God wanted me and set me free


DogCast Radio , shows all about dogs . I have already listened to 3 of these shows, and if you love dogs and enjoy learning about them, you will love these broadcasts. They can be either listened to directly from the website on any audio player you have on your PC, or you can download them in MP3 and put them on your ipod or MP3 player to have something to listen to while walking your dog. You can even put them on a CD if you have a CD burner on your PC and play them on a CD player. All the shows from show #1 are listed on this page for easy listening or downloading

http://www.dogcastradio.com/listen.php

The show I just finished listening to on our morning walk was Episode 23. they interview the author of the Shiloh movie and talk about dog heaven and all kinds of interesting topics that you won't find anywhere else. Another plus is there are no commercials and it is free.

 

[Doberluv]

I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, both Bigblock and Wonderpuppies. My heart aches for you as I've been there several times before. It's so hard....but time will help ease your pain.

((((hugs to you both))))

 

[TheWonderPuppies]

thank you doberluv and bob thank you for the poem