Im a wreck right now, wondering if euthanazia is really 'painless' for dogs. I have to take my dalmatian to the vet in 1 1/2 hours to have her put down, and I think im gonna have a breakdown.. she has had skin cancer for 5 years and she is 13 years old. She has had nearly 5 surgeries to remove the cancer, but it just keeps coming back and getting worse. So my question: how can something that instantly kills dogs be painless? Is it like a poison?? I dont want her to hurt.
2006-11-03 06:08:31 · 13 answers · asked by *~ Nicole ~* 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Don't listen to Taylor Grams..she is as much a vet as I am the Pope! (I read some of her questions..she's just a 13 yr kid who wants her mommy to buy her a cell phone, wants to look 18 for her boyfriend and doesn't know how old a kitten can be before it can eat hard food...I would think a "vet" would know the answer to that! LOL)
Anyhow..You are doing the right thing for your dog! There is no reason for her to suffer and be in constant pain until she dies naturally.
What is used is called Beuthanasia...if I am not mistaken, its a combo of Phenobarb and phention sodium. When injected into the vein, it totally sedates the dog, then slows down the breating as well as the heart until they totally stop. That happens within seconds. So, the dog is completly unconsious first before the heart stops.
As for it being painless...only a dog would know that. But, I use to work for a vet, and also the SPCA. I've held countless animals while they were being put down (cried over every one too). To be there holding them....it's like they just go to sleep...it seems very peaceful (if that is the right word)
I know it's painful for you..but it really is the best thing for your dog..given her situation. Don't worry..you are doing the right thing!
Take Care!
2006-11-03 06:54:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had to put down two of my dogs (due to extreme old age and health problems), and they didn't suffer at all.
Usually the vet will give the dog a shot to help calm it down and then will give it a lethal injection. The dog usually slumps down and dies literally within a matter of seconds. The shot stops the heart and lungs simultaneously. there is no time for fear or pain to register in the brain.
Sometimes the dogs will emit a sound as the lungs deflate or will have a bowel movement -- but this is the body shutting down port mortem, not your pet expressing pain or fear.
I held my dogs all the while, and cried all the while... so I know what you're going through. But it IS for the best. Having the dog live on in pain and suffering is what's cruel.
2006-11-03 14:32:53 · answer #2 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your wonderful sweetheart dog... she has given you 13 years of companionship and will suffer through who knows how many more years to be devoted to you. You have made a decision to be kind to an animal that is not going to recover from a painful and possibly torturous future. I have also sat with a beloved pet that was put to sleep... and felt sadness, but also peace that they were no longer suffering from their cancer...and my sweet loveable doggie was suffering... I think the suggestion to have the vet walk you through the process before it happens is excellent. Then, the vet will allow you some time to say goodbye. You will cry - but you will know that you did the right thing for your friend, your companion, your buddy. Be strong.
2006-11-03 14:45:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's the best way to go. As a former Vet-tech in high school I have observed this many times and with great assurance I belive it is the best way to let your pet go. The only pain comes with the stick of the needle. Then every muscle in the body just relaxes. And all the pain that she has just seem to melt away. It's very peaceful.
2006-11-03 14:52:03 · answer #4 · answered by Rodeo, W.J. R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for your loss. Any decent vet will give the dog an injection of a tranquilizer to sedate her and when she is asleep, a shot of the drug that will stop her heart. It is a heartbreaking situation but you have done all you can do for her and it is time to let her go. I believe in my heart that they don't feel anything. I have been with all my babies when the time came and cried for the loss but they were not suffering any more.
Bless you.
2006-11-03 19:19:26 · answer #5 · answered by MANDYLBH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a dog put down in Jan. They gave him a shot which relaxes him just like if he was going into surgery..then they give them a shot and their heart stops..they go peacefully. I wish it was as easy for us to get over it and it is for them to "slip away". I sstill cry over mine. I have only had my current dog since March so I can't imagine having a dog 13 years. I know you are afraid of hurting her but it's actually more painful for them to have cancer and suffer. Hold her, talk to her and tell her you love her..she already knows. Know you are doing a good thing..don't let anybody tell you differently. You are letting her go peacefully. She won't hurt anymore. I am thinking of you.
2006-11-03 17:57:41 · answer #6 · answered by chilover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is painless, all your pet will feel is the injection (like a vaccine or something) basically they inject an overdose of anesthetic into the blood and your pet just goes to sleep. it does happen very quickly and a lot of people don't expect that so be prepared, ask your vet to walk you through what will happen so you know. and by the way 13 years old is great age for a dalmation and although its hard this is the best choice for her. be strong
2006-11-03 14:25:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is painless. I had to put my 15 yr. old baby (corgie, terrier, and dachsaund mix) down back in February. I was totally devastated. But you know what? She was no longer in pain. I was so selfish (she had lost the use of her hind legs). I still miss her, and think about her everyday. And just remember, she'll be in heaven and in good health again. Take care.
2006-11-03 14:50:37 · answer #8 · answered by bunnygraphix46 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they give them the shot to put them to sleep, it is supposed to be painless. However, without being a dog and going through it myself, I don't really know.
I have been there when we've had to put dogs to sleep due to illness, and they go peacefully.
It's much better than her suffering from cancer for an unknown amount of time...
I'm so sorry for you having to go through this. It is painful for owners to let go...
http://www.libertydogtraining.com
2006-11-03 14:34:24 · answer #9 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think you'd have to be an animal to know that. But, it is faster and more humane than letting her die naturally from cancer. I believe what they use "sedates" them and "puts them to sleep"
2006-11-03 14:22:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋