Dog needs to be put to sleep, need advise.?

Question

My German Shepard is 15 years old, almost 16. She has hung on for as long as she can. I won't go into details of her medical condition, but you probably have an idea. Painful arthritis, blader problems, almost blind etc.

My question is how to do it. I read an article from a pet site that promotes the best way is for the owner to do it themselves. At first I thought this was barberic until I read on. Their feeling is that at the vet, it is a cold, nervous environment for the dog and horible last memory for the dog. They suggest taking the dog out into a field where it can feel free and placing a bowl down with its favorite snack and the shooting the dog in the head as it eats. I really don't think I could do this, but do agree, the vet is no fun place for a dog, especially its last memory.

They also suggest using a favorite meal with sleeping pills, followed by carbon monoxide. This does not sound safe to me.

I just want the most comfortable, not convienent way for my dog.

I had not realizd vets make house calls. I phoned the vet around the corner from my house and they will come out to the home. We plan to bury the dog here after they are done. This is such a sad day, but thank you for the advise!

Answer 1

I very strongly believe (and I've done it) that the easiest on both you and your dog is to have the vet come to your house. That way, the dog is at ease because she's at home with you, it's also much easier on you, and the vet will take your dog's body when they go unless you want to bury her yourself.

When my beardie had to be put to sleep, the vet came to the house and waited until we were ready. Then he had the first shot and just fell asleep - there was no stress for him.

I'm very sorry for your dog and you.

Answer 2

STOP LISTENING to whomever told you those ideas.You are right they are barberic and not to say the least illegal.If you are at the road where your only decision is to put the dog down then do it properly, take your pet to the vet and let them do it properly.You dont have to make the experience as cold and heartless as you said.Call around and ask the different places that uthenize animals what their procedures are and ask them how much involvement you as an owner can have in this final moment.Ask them if you can be there with your pet through the entire process.After all if you could consider shooting it in the head then you sure could stand by its side and calm it and cuddle it as it falls into a deep sleep.This is one of the hardest times in your life ,to let a loved one go wether it be a pet or a relative.Be there with it, make him feel comfortable with the surroundings you have brought him too.When we put our dog done after 13 years .I called around and found a place that let me be with her through any or all of the process.When we took our dog we stayed in the room and played with her like we had done many times before so she had that comfort level with where she was . The office and personnel where very good to us and her.There was nothing cold about it except in our hearts knowing she was not coming home.They made us feel so comfortable that to this day when we drive past the clinic we feel a warmth come over us and instantly we feel our dog is smiling down on us.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry you have to go through this!

I had a shepherd/husky for 14 years and we had to put her down 6 years ago this month. It was very hard but we knew it was best because of her health conditions...toothless, almost completely blind, cancer, arthritis, deaf and no control over her "plumbing". We chose to bring her to the vet. My mother couldn't bring herself to come, it was too hard for her (my sister and I brought her).

I have to tell you this because I know how painful it is for you making this decision. You know how much pain my dog was in by living with with your own. She could hardly walk. On the day we brought her in, it was a good day. It was beautifully sunny and not a cloud in the sky. She was feeling good too. Which made it harder for us, we had doubts in our decision. When she found out she was going in the car she was so happy.

We cried the whole way to the vet while she sat in the back enjoying the ride. The vet was very nice to us. The dog didn't mind being there. When they shaved a spot on her leg the razor noise didn't bother because she couldn't hear it. After it was done we had a few minutes to hold her and say good-bye while she fell asleep for the last time.

On our way to my cousins house, where we were burying her and the family was waiting, it started to snow. Remember there were no clouds in the sky. It was then we knew we did the right thing and she was happy. She always loved the snow.

You're doing the best thing for your dog, she will thank you for it, and you will be able to cherish the last moments with her by having her put down the way I see you have chosen to do.

Answer 4

How great that you've had her for so long, you must be a good caregiver, that's a nice long life :)

I've put 2 dogs down at the vet and I disagree with your information. That sounds just TERRIBLE. What if you missed? What if you injured your beloved pet and she didn't die? Oh my god I could NEVER do that. I disagree that the vet experience is a cold place- it can be beautiful if it's done with care and love as we did.

We brought in her dog bed and her favorite toy. We (my sister, my mother and my father) were all in the room with her, and all of us pet her and kissed her- The vet gave us all the time with her alone that we wanted and when she came in, she explained what would be happening- there would be 2 injections- one being the serum that makes them go to sleep (there are 2 shots- one is like the stuff they give you to put you under general anesthisia and the other stops the heart- after they are unconsious)...Each of us were cooing to her and petting her. She was very calm, and frankly, tired. She was very relaxed. She just closed her eyes and went to sleep..

I tell you, it was beautiful and touching and sad and lovely at the same time. We all said that humans should be so lucky to go out with that much love and comfort.

Good luck!!!

Answer 5

There suggestions sound barbaric to me. I put down three dogs in two years. I had the vet do it. Then my dogs have never had a problem going to the vet. I went into the room with them and held the dogs while the vet gave them the shot. The Airedale whined a bit but he was always a big baby. The other two went off peacefully. Though I am convinced the Wire knew what was going on. He was always too smart for his on good.

I cannot give you a good comfortable suggestion for this. It is your choice. But being with her and holding her is the best you can do for the both of you. It is not easy.

Peace.

Answer 6

I am PRAYING that this posting is not serious; I can not imagine any current publication advocating shooting one's dog in the head to "euthanize" it.

If this is serious, you have my sympathy. Please have your dog euthanized humanely by an injection of sodium pentobarbital, administered by a veterinarian. Some vets will do in-home euthanasia. If your dog does not hate going to the vet, though (and some don't - they get lots of attention and treats at the vet!), having this done at the office should not be that traumatic. And when done properly, the dog is not going to experience fear or anxiety in its last few minutes. I think most vets are aware that this is a difficult and significant thing and do their best to put the dog and family at ease.

Answer 7

Ask your vet to come to your house, sometimes they will do that. But don't shoot it, I agree that is cruel and will be hard on you. If you have to go to the vet, ask to stay with your baby while they put her to sleep. Hold her and talk to her the whole time. You will be a great comfort to her. It will be difficult but you can do it. Don't let her leave this world without knowing that you were there with her until the end. I wouldn't leave until the vet confirmed that she is completely gone. Like people, you don't know for sure how much they hear and feel as they are leaving this world as we know it. God Bless You. My heart is with you.

Answer 8

It is true sometimes dogs are uncomfortable at the vet, but they are sedated and the procedure is painless. If you were to try to do it yourself and make a mistake you run the risk of more trauma for the dog. In my opinion the kindest and most gentle way is for the vet to do this, as they are trained professionals and they can explain the procedure to you so you will feel more comfortable.

Answer 9

while i was working as a vet assistant, a dog was shot in the head, and torso by the police and LIVED do you really think you could handle the dog surviving and having to be shot again? some vets come out to your house to put the animal to sleep. you should call the vet and ask about this.

Answer 10

Don't take your dog into a field. Almost all vets will let you be there when they have to put it down. You can stroke it or hold it's head etc. and the dog will quietly go to sleep with your loving hands and presence.