You can help hold your pet or cradle them in your arms at the time of euthanasia. Your veterinarian will try to accommodate your wishes, but it is important that the solutions be injected within the vein for the procedure to be completed quickly and painlessly.
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.
Bring the props—your dog's favorite comforts.
Feel free to play it on your phone during the euthanasia. Further, consider bringing along a favorite toy or “comfort” item. Finally, whether at home or at the veterinary hospital, your dog will be lying down for the euthanasia. Plan to use your dog's favorite dog bed.
The euthanasia process itself does not hurt, but is similar to going under anesthesia, so your pet may feel odd as they lose consciousness, leading to odd noises or movements. With prior sedation, we can often minimize unusual mannerisms caused by the unconsciousness-inducing effect of the euthanasia solution.
The heart and lungs will stop functioning within minutes after injecting the euthanasia solution, so dogs generally won't feel pain because they are unconscious. They may react to the procedure by having muscle spasms or crying out due to underlying sickness, yet the whole process is quick, simple, and painless.
Many dogs will seek comfort during this time and may desire more attention and care. Sit with your dog and pet them as much as you can. Talk to your dog in a soothing voice and tell them everything will be okay.
In some cases, the pet's muscles may relax or contract after the pet has died. This can be very disconcerting if you are not aware of this possibility ahead of time. The muscles of the urinary bladder and the anus may relax, and your pet may void urine and stool.
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.
It may take a minute or two for the heart to stop. The doctor will listen carefully to your pet's heart to ensure it has stopped before pronouncing him or her gone. After that, there is no danger of your pet waking up. This is a very common fear for pet owners.
A study by Chalifoux and Dallaire demonstrated that EEG was lost 4 minutes after euthanasia with carbon monoxide in dogs and that cessation of ECG occurred at 19 minutes.
Laugh and cry at the same time. Surround yourselves with all his/her favorite toys and beds and blankets. It's ok to cry, and it's also ok to celebrate! I love when people tell me they took their dog to the beach or napped in the sun with their cat right before coming in to the hospital.
Provide closure.
Pets have a limited understanding of death as finality. It's tough, but if possible, let your pet see the body of his deceased friend. He may not totally grasp the situation, but one last visit may help him understand that his pal is gone.
You may wish to take your dog home for burial.
This is necessary as your dog will have lost bladder and bowel control. There could be some leakage of body fluids on the journey home. Many people find this upsetting, especially if they are not prepared or expecting it.
After the injection
Your pet may appear to gasp or suddenly have a deep breath. Sometimes this may carry on for several breaths. This is a wholly-natural bodily reflex. Your pet will already have died and is not aware of any of this.
Once the solution is injected, a peaceful death will usually result in under 30 seconds. It's important to understand that your pet will not experience any pain or discomfort, but might twitch a little. This is simply a natural part of them passing away.
According to Animal Behaviorists, 'dogs don't understand human kisses the same way that humans do. ' When kissing a young puppy, you may not notice any signs of recognition at all because they have yet to associate kisses with affection.
Without sedation, pet euthanasia can be a very abrupt and confronting process. The final injection is fast acting. With sedation the transition from a conscious pet to passing is a gradual one. Using sedation means the process of saying good bye is much smoother, and peaceful.
The last few days before your dog passes you may notice: extreme weight loss, a distant look in their eyes, a lack of interest in anything, restlessness or unusual stillness, a change in the way that your dog smells, and a changed temperament.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends sedation or anesthesia before euthanasia, but it is not required. You can always ask your local veterinarian about the best options for you and your pet.
At the end of life, when their organs are shutting down, they don't need food and water. It can actually prolong the process. It's just like a loved one being in hospice. Offer To Moisten Their Mouth – Dying dogs may not want water, but they may appreciate moistening around their mouths.
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.
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.