The only difference is that in the case of euthanasia, these medications are given in overdose amounts and your dog is not going to wake up afterward. Your dog is clinically deceased within a couple of minutes of the the anesthesia solution being given.
Your vet will administer a pet euthanasia solution, often pentobarbital or – more likely and desirable – an overdose of anaesthetic. Once the solution is injected, a peaceful death will usually result in under 30 seconds.
As the solution is injected, the animal loses consciousness and within minutes the heart and lungs stop functioning. Since the pet is not conscious, they do not feel anything. Most times, the animal passes away so smoothly, that it is difficult to tell until the veterinarian listens for absence of a heartbeat.
During euthanasia, dogs react mainly to general anxiety, pain caused by underlying disease, brief injection site pain, and sedatives. They can also involuntarily react to the euthanasia solution.
Occasionally, a dog may give a small cry as the injection is given – as with all anaesthetics, there is a brief feeling of dizziness as the drug takes effect. Unconsciousness follows within seconds, often before the injection is finished. Death occurs within a couple of minutes when the heart stops beating.
Many times, it's best if you sit with your pet so you can comfort them and keep them calm throughout the process. The vet may choose to give your pet a sedative to prevent them from moving around or fighting to get away from you. In some cases, if the pet is very old or sick, however, this may not be necessary.
They may react a little bit to the feelings of loss of control and may even try to get off the table or struggle a bit. Just help them to feel as calm and comfortable as possible. After a few minutes they will become incredibly drowsy and you may like to hold them in your arms.
What happens after euthanasia? You are able to choose what happens to your euthanized cat or dog's body. You can keep the body to bury personally, have it buried in a pet cemetery, or opt for cremation. It might be helpful to make this decision well in advance.
Most vets had received such requests at least once; only about 7% had never received them. Almost 45% said it caused them or their staff a moderate amount of distress and 18.7% reported it caused them or their staff severe distress. Just over 75% said they never or only rarely carried out “inappropriate” euthanasia.
Give them all the things they enjoy most – their favourite toys, their favourite food. You know what will make your pet feel most at ease in the time that remains. If you become tearful, ask a family member, friend or other trusted person to take care of your pet so you can leave the room and have a cry.
Psychologist Julie Axelrod has pointed out that the loss of a dog is so painful because owners aren't just losing the pet. It could mean the loss of a source of unconditional love, a primary companion who provides security and comfort, and maybe even a protégé that's been mentored like a child.
Choosing to stay with your pet during euthanasia is best because it alleviates their stress. Having you present reduces the anxiety and fear they may experience at the end of life. The process of dying can trigger anxiety in a pet. Having their loved one near relieves some of their discomfort.
Be aware that your dog's body may release urine, feces, and possibly other bodily fluids upon death. This occurs due to the relaxation of all muscles. Know that your dog's eyes will remain open.
The last injection containing an overdose of anesthesia cannot be reversed, so pet euthanasia is final.
Some dogs will know their time is approaching and will look to their people for comfort. Saying goodbye to your dog with love and grace means staying with your dog during these final hours, and reassuring them with gentle stroking and a soft voice.
With anesthesia the body becomes ever more relaxed. We may see little quivers of the muscles as they go through cycles of contraction and relaxation. As the muscles of the eyes begin to relax, they can no longer do the work to keep them closed; the eyes usually open and remain so.
Relaxing occurs naturally after a dog passes away, but contraction does not. This means that although the eyelids may droop, they often do not close completely, as your dog no longer orders those muscles to contract.
Answer: Fortunately for us, dogs do not understand they are going to be put down and what happens after they are given the injection that puts them to sleep.
Guilt after euthanizing a pet can be traumatic for any pet owner. You may feel responsible even if there was nothing you could do to control the situation. This can keep you in a never ending cycle of guilt and grief.
Can I feed my pet prior to the euthanasia? Yes. Your pet's final moments should be happy and filled with whatever gives him or her joy- be it a steak dinner or a McDonald's burger. Whatever special treat your pet might like is fine.
Here are some examples of what not to say when a pet dies: "Don't cry." Crying is part of the grieving process for many people. "It's just a [dog/cat/etc.]." A comment like this that downplays the loss is mean and thoughtless. You don't know what the pet meant to that person.
A 2002 article in the journal Society & Animals that reviewed multiple studies found that the death of a companion animal can be “just as devastating as the loss of a human significant other,” not quite as severe, “far more intense” or, well, just about the same.
Research on dogs suffering from separation anxiety has indicated that dogs know well in advance when their owners are going to leave.