Which is the best way to put an old dog to sleep?

Answer 1

first off, i am sincerely sorry for the difficulties you and your family are going thru right now. it's never easy to loose a special memeber of the family...

where you decide to euthanise is up to you and your vet-the vet i used to work with would make house calls if the family wished to put their companion to sleep within the home. this was always very peaceful and seemed to be of least stress for the pet. you may also go to the vet's office. most practices will plan for you to be the first, or last, appintment of the day. it helps keep you from waiting in the lobby.

most vets will place an intravenous catheter, which is a sterile piece of plastic, like a tiny straw, that is inserted into the vein of one of the front legs. this will allow the vet to inject a mild sedative first. once your friend is sedated, and you are ready, the second injection will be given, which will be pink, blue or purple in color. this is the euthanasia solution, and it will stop the heart immediately as soon as the circulation brings it to the heart. your pet will have been humanely euthanised.

you should consider what to do with the remains-nothing is harder than trying to figure out what to do to dispose of your loved one during such a difficult event. many states have laws stating that a pet cannot be buried in the ground, or thrown in the trash. there are usually 2 kinds of cremations available; a private, when ashes are returned, or a communal, where your pet is cremated with other animals. there is a wide array of tasteful, artistic pet urns available now. your vet should be able to provide you with some choices. whichever is right for you shoudl discuss with your family and vet prior to the procedure.

good luck, and with time, only the good memories remain.

Answer 2

What a sad question. It has been less than a year since I've had to put down my beloved Old English Sheepdog Logan Ben. Seems like just yesterday he was following me all around and the next thing I knew I was faced with the same decision that you are now going through.

The last month of his life, his health started going down hill fast. We were always at the vets and he was on an assortment of medications. When he started having the convulsions, I knew I had to let him go as he was suffering.

Logan would lay in the kitchen for hours waiting for me to come home from work and would not budge for anybody or anything. So it was only fitting that we had a vet come out to the house and put him down in his beloved kitchen. I had him cremated and when I too pass on our ashes will be scattered someplace together.

To answer your question the best way to put down an old dog is with love, compassion, and gentleness. Your vet can help you make the necessary arrangements. I wish you many years of happy memories of your dog.


Note: RAGS - Thank you for the poem even though it made me cry.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry that you're going through this. I don't know if I would call it the "best" way, but the kindest and most humane way is taking the dog to the vet , holding him or her while talking softly and petting and cradling their head.

I always stayed with each of my dogs when it was their time to go to the Rainbow Bridge. It's not easy, but I couldn't leave them alone at the end. They were always there when I needed them, and I wanted to be there for them when the end came.

I'm so sorry. I'm adding a link to the Rainbow Bridge poem, which I hope will give you some comfort during this difficult time in your life.

Answer 4

If it is really time to put an old dog to sleep take it to a Vet.That is the most humane way. You are not doing the dog any favours by not doing it and by not doing it the proper way.

Answer 5

I too had to put my dog to sleep and the procedure was very painful. And i still feel sorry, even though it has been like 4 years. I guess we will never forget those that are dear to us. Anyways, The way we put our doggy to sleep was. My parents got this pill or somthing. I cannot remember what it was and they gave her some food and let her eat it. But an odd think happened as they fed it to her, A dove (one of Gods creatures) Came like it was saying "Its ok, you are doing the right thing" And we buried her at a place two hours away, in the woods.. One of her favoritist places to be. ]= I really miss my dog, in dog years she was like 90 in human like 15-17.

Answer 6

When the time comes

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then will you do what must be done,
for this--the last battle--can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for on this day, more than the rest;
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years;
you wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
who has to decide this thing to do;
we've been so close--we two--these years,
don’t let your heart hold any tears.

Author – Unknown


Nothing replaces the loss of your dog.... My last dog HOBO after 16 years passed away on Oct 4, 06.... He died in my arms...

Answer 7

I think the best way would be to take it to your vet and let them do it for you. You could be there with your dog as the vet is doing this so you could say good bye to him. It would be the most painless way for the dog in my opinion.

Answer 8

i cover mine up with a blanket and give him a pillow.. sometimes i have to turn on the radio... he is a spoiled old dog... LOL J/K

But i would take it to the vet, that is a really hard thing to do, but it is the best way. I know when it come to that time for me to do the same its going to be like loosing one of my kids... (can't even think about that, I'll start to cry!) What i wish is that when it is his time to go he will just go peacefully in his sleep with no pain.

OH and like i said with the blanket and pillow it is TRUE, he is VERY SPOILED!!!

Answer 9

i am sorry that you have to be thinking about this, i know it is hard. you should ask your veterinarian about what their options are. I work at a vet clinic that will do house calls, and euthanize a dog in their own home. It is usually easier on the owner, and their pet. They don't have to have the stress of coming in to the clinic and being around all kinds of other animals and people. And the dogs seem to be more comfortable when they are in their own home.

Answer 10

Go to a vet you trust. They will make you feel as comfortable as possible and will make it painless for your dog. Most vets will be very respectful to you and your pet. They know this is a difficult time for you and have been in this situation before.