whats the best way to put a pet down?

Question

I have a 14 year old very much loved dog. his legs a weak and he has lots of troubles moving about. I know what would be best for him ,but i don't have the heart to. And when i finally do it how do i ease the pain in my heart? Please help me!

Answer 1

I am so sorry you have to go through this. The most humane way is to take your dog to the vet and have them give an injection that literally puts him to sleep. You can be with him and hold him while the shot is administered. It is heartbreaking to lose a pet no matter how full their life has been. My vet sent me a sympathy card with a poem in it that really helped.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

You can also check out the Pet Loss website. Take care!

Answer 2

First off when the time comes I would definitely say have the vet put him to sleep it is the most painless and humane way. I went through the same thing a few years ago except that my dog died naturally..he was very old and I probably should of had him put to sleep but I never could bring myself to do it...anyway I had been given that dog when I was in the second grade and I was a Junior in HS when I came home to find him dead...I was of course beside myself and didn't know what to do...my parents offered to give me a new puppy as they are breeders and there is an abundance of puppies around and I said no because I didn't think I could ever love another dog the same way, but the next day as parents often do I came home to a new little puppy waiting for me and it was love at first sight and he really helped me to overcome the grief very quickly...so the point is no matter how hard you think it may be to move on with another puppy afterwards it really will help more than you know...Good Luck :)

Answer 3

I'm so sorry for your anguish. I've put 2 dogs down in my life. Both were heartbreaking, but the right thing to do.

I have a great relationship with my vet. I think that's important.

When you decide that the quality of your dog's life is no longer good and it's time to ease your pet's pain and suffering, then call your vet and schedule a time for your dog to be euthanized.

I always insist on being present to hold and comfort my dog. The vet will put him on the exam table and have him lie down. You can hold your baby and speak softly to him. The vet will shave a little bit of hair off his front leg and gently apply a tourniquet. Then the vet will insert a needle and inject a large dose of pentobarbital. Your pet will NOT feel any pain.

He will go limp in your arms and his breathing will slow. A few more "false" breaths and he will be gone from this Earth and his pain. The vet will check with the stethescope to confirm death. And your dog's soul will be on its way to Heaven across the Rainbow Bridge.

You can have your pet cremated and buried or you can receive the ashes. You will get a certificate from the vet as proof that your pet has been euthanized.

Answer 4

If you love your dog, don't let him suffer. I take my pets to the vet. If they are small enough, I hold them and pet and talk to them while the vet gives an injection to stop the heart. They quietly just go sleep. It's painless.

If the animal is big, I get on the floor next to him and pet him, etc. until he goes to sleep.

It is a very hard thing to do but you will know there is no more suffering.

A few days later, find a puppy at a shelter that needs a good home like you can provide.

Answer 5

First of all, you should check with a vet to make sure putting your dog down is the best thing for him. If he has that much trouble moving around, it probably is the right thing, but it might console you later to know that a professional affirmed your opinion.

From there, I would take him to the vet to have it done. If you can at all bring yourself to be there (in the room) when he receives the injection, I think you should try to do it. It will be difficult for you no matter what, but if you're there in the room to comfort him when it happens, at least you won't feel guilty later (possibly for a very long time!) for abandoning him when he needed you most.

My mom had to take our family dog to the vet's office a month ago to have him put down (my sister and I live 500 miles from our parents, so we didn't go with her, but we did come visit him to say goodbye the weekend before she did it). She held him when he received the injection, and said it was just like he'd gone to sleep. She had him cremated with some of his favorite things - a toy, a blanket that smelled like my sister's puppy (who he just loved!), etc. - and scattered most of his ashes (she kept a little of them for herself) over one of his favorite spots in the park. (This cost her about $250 altogether.)

Making this decision is probably the hardest thing you'll ever have to do as a pet owner, but it's not fair to let the dog suffer. Try to find the courage to do it quickly (if it needs to be done), and then remember him during his happy times. Getting a new puppy right away might be the best thing for you - it will keep you occupied!

I wish you and your beloved pet courage, strength and good luck!

Answer 6

I know exactly how you feel. I had a 16 year old maltese dog that was just suffering from so many different things. He had lost hearing, most of his sight, coughed a lot, would get disoriented a lot, and all that was from old age, when he was young he was so playful and healthy. So even though it's a very tough decision, it's best for the dog to be put to rest. I talked with the vet and he came to pick him up.

Answer 7

I humanely put down a sick dog many years ago with a .22 behind the ear. I have never been able to shake the image of that act from my mind, and is one of the few regrets I have. I am all for one taking responsibility for doing one's own dirty work, so at the time I thought that taking him to the vet was taking the wussy and expensive way out. That may be true, but even after all these years (13), it is still fresh in mind, and it gives me pain to think about it.

Consider carefully before you take that step. And for what it's worth, the.22 dispatched him quickly and painlessly.

Answer 8

Take him to the Vet and let him go peacefully.
I had to do the same thing, i eased the pain by enjoying the photographs of my dog when he was younger and healthier--that's the dog that i carry in my memories.

After mourning for a period of time i finally got a new puppy, because i felt that this what my other dog would have wanted me to do...so i wouldn't be so lonely.

Trust me you will make it through this, your dog is lucky to have someone as special as you for his owner.

Best wishes

Answer 9

If you do decide to euthanize your dog, take him to a vet and the vet will be able to put him to sleep with a shot. This is the least traumatizing and painful for both you and your pet. Your dog will just slowly fall asleep until he passes away. It may be difficult to watch, but it will be the least painful for your dog. As far as getting over your loss, I'm not sure what to say. Losing a beloved pet is so incredibly painful. Take it from me, I cried when my fish died 2 months ago. But you just have to push yourself through it until you get over the worst. Good luck love, and I'm really sorry about your (future) loss.

Answer 10

The veterinarians charge about $40..And it is peaceful and painless. I have had to part with too many old gray muzzles, and it never gets easier to fill the hole in my heart. but, this poem helps.

May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.