Is there a humane way to put down a gerbil?

Question

Well, heres my dilema. I have a pet gerbil that appears to have broken her back. She is very uncomfortable. So I ask you this. Is there a way to gas (put to sleep) a small pet? I have heard that the vet can euthanize them however they dont give then anesthetic and it is very painful. This in addition to the cost is a deterant. Is there something available over the counter or possibly household goods that would work?

Answer 1

This is a common theme with rats and some breeders of small birds, such as finches. The best home method is to take a small container with holes on the bottom. Take a piece of aquarium tube and attach it to the nozzle of a large helium tank (one used for balloons). Turn on the gas, and wait 10 -15 minutes. Helium is treated the same as oxygen in the brain, so the animal loses consciousness and falls asleep due to the helium. Due to the lack of oxygen, the unconscious critter suffocates and dies. The critter doesn't feel panic, like many animals do when Carbon dioxide is used. Perfectly humane.

Good luck to you :)

Answer 2

I would highly recommend taking it to the vet.

If you are worried about the animal not feeling pain or major panic, just think of how much it might experience if you try something and it goes wrong?

The cost should be worth it if you care about your animal. I work at a pet store and one of the first things I always ask a customer when they're buying an animal is if they've also planned for the cost of possible vet bills.

Just because it is a gerbil and not a cat or dog, doesn't mean it doesn't deserve the same treatment.

Answer 3

The euthanisia shot is not painful. It IS anesthisia, just a super high dose.

If it is the additional cost, then you are kind of out of luck. You could try killing her with something, but chances are, you are just going to cause a lot more pain.

Answer 4

this site lists several ways to accomplish this.

http://www.ahc.umn.edu/rar/euthanasia.html