Does it (the shots/injection) hurt the dog when you put him/her down?

Question

I just had to put my dog Mookie put down yesterday. She was such a gentle and loving dog and it was really hard for us to let her go, but we did not want to see her in any pain. She had severe pancreatitis and started developing calcification in her stomach area. We went through good and bad days with her, and 3 weeks later she just would not get up. The vet said she would have to be fed through tubes and in intensive care for months to be healed, and even after she would never feel like her old self. I have had 2 dogs put down in my lifetime, and I just wanted to know that when the Vet injects them with whatever it is that puts them to sleep if it hurts them in any way. I feel terrible putting a dog down and hope that in the situation it was the right thing to do. I did have her tranquilized before she got her shots, i hope that helped in any way and that she went out peacefully. Thanks...

Answer 1

No, they simply go to sleep.

I'm sorry for your loss. You did the right thing, and remember she will always be in your heart forever

Answer 2

Don't feel bad, it sounds like you did absolutely the right thing - your dog was very ill, you had given her a good chance, and you knew when it was time to let go and not put her through intensive treatment when she had obviously reached the end.

You can rest easy. I've seen a zillon euthanasias, and can tell you that it is absolutely the best way to go. The only possible pain is the little prick of the needle, and most pets are too ill to even notice this. I'm sure this was the case with your dog, particularly as she was already sedated. The drug used for euthanasia is actually an anaesthetic agent - they get an overdose of this so they literally just fall asleep and don't wake up. By the time their heart actually stops and they die, they're already unconcious. The drug also does not sting as it goes in.

I find many owners actually find witnessing this process a relief, as you can so often see all the pain and suffering just drain away from the animal as they relax into sleep.

Rest assured you did the absolute best thing for your beloved dog, you need feel no guilt during your grieving process.
Take care, love from
Chalice

Answer 3

I have had several dogs put down in my lifetime...each one I was with them when they got the injection and stayed until they were gone (then brought them home and buried them)...none of them even flinched when it was done. The vet simply gives them an overdose, they slowly fade into sleep and stop breathing, it is very peaceful for them...no more pain.

I feel you did what was right for Mookie. Sometimes we can be selfish and put them through such agony because we aren't ready to let go. When a pet is suffering so much it is a pure act of love to give them that release.

I am so very sorry for you loss.

Answer 4

So sorry to read your sad story, as a vet nurse, ive assisted in many euthanasia cases, if your pet was sedated, then, no pain would be felt, the euthanasia drug works extremely quickly, within 10 seconds, it is an overdose of an anasthetic, the pet goes to sleep, just the same way as a human going under an anasthetic, when the pet is asleep, then the heart stops, the pet is totally unaware of anything at this stage. You did the right thing hun, quality of life was gone, hope you heal soon. xxx

Answer 5

Hi there, let me first tell you how sorry I am for your loss. There is no loss felt like the loss of a pet. I am so sorry. I am a Veterinarian Tech and would like to assure you that animals feel absolutely no pain when we euthanize. During euthanasias we use the smallest grade needle so the animal doesn't even feel the poke. The drug used (there are several, Ace, Torbutral, Phenobarbital, etc.) in the euth. works quickly so the animal doesn't even experience discomfort when the heart slows. Again, I am so sorry and I hope I was able to reassure you.

Answer 6

Hi Mookie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been a veterinary technician for almost 30 years. You made the best decision for your furry family member by having sedation first as the sedation has pain medication in it thus lessening the discomfort of the initial injection. Rest assured, your best friend did not feel any pain. We do believe that just before they go on to rainbow bridge they have a feeling of euphoria as a result of the medication given for euthanasia.
Best wishes
Pam
www.protectthepets.com

Answer 7

No, not at all. I had my big German Shepherd in my lap the whole time from beginning to end. It doesn't bother them in the least, they simply go to sleep.

For me... that's a different story. Hardest thing I ever did. For others out there, if at all possible have someone else be with your dog if they have to be put down. Someone the dog knows, but don't do it yourself if you can avoid it.

Answer 8

No they give them a higher dose of anesthesia that puts them to sleep then.. well you know. I actually sat in with my last dog I had to put down while they did it and she just layed there while they gave her the shot and slowly passed on. It was very peaceful.. sad though.. it's never fun putting a dog down!

Answer 9

It doesn't hurt at all...the pain they feel slowly disappears, and then they just fall asleep. She will always be with you, and you did what was best for her. Having her live out the rest of her life suffering is the worst possible thing you could've done to both her and yourself.

Answer 10

Its just like a normal needle for vacines, but it happens that quickly they dont even have time to realise.
My heart goes out to you, it is one of the hardest things to do.