putting cats to sleep?

Question

if a cat or dog gets put to sleep at the vets does he just get tired and go to sleep or would he fight it and freak out or be in any type of pain??

Answer 1

They do NOT always give a sedative before euthanasia. ASK your vet about this.

Almost every animal literally drops dead within seconds of the injection - like falling asleep. You want to have support under the animal's head so it doesn't go CLUNK onto the table. The only response sometimes seen is a quick swallowing, which is not even finished, and sometimes the tongue sticks out. However, you should be emotionally prepared for the animal to react briefly before fading out if it is old, sick, or highly agitated.

An old, sick animal's circulation may be slowed and so the drug reaches the brain more slowly, and the animal may lift its head suddenly or cry out before dying. I don't believe this indicates pain or fear so much as simply surprise at an unexpected sensation, probably of lightheadedness, and it only lasts a few seconds at most - not more than 10 seconds if the injection went into a vein. A highly agitated animal, or particularly one with nervous system disease like a brain tumor, may thrash and vocalize a lot before dying, but it still takes only a few seconds if the injection is done properly. Again, I don't believe this represents pain or terror so much as just a reflex response to an unexpected feeling.

Answer 2

The drug used to put animals to sleep is actually an anaesthetic agent for horses and cows. Basically the put-to-sleep procedure it to give an overdose of anaesthetic - the animal literally falls asleep as the anaesthetic takes effect, and then dies while asleep. It is a very peaceful process, truly the best way to go.

The 'first shot' people are talking about is a sedative. This isn't always given, just sometimes if an owner requests it. Is usually unnecessary, as a sick animal will not be active and will hold still for the intravenous injection.

I've attended literally hundreds of euthanasias. The only time animal ever react to the injection at all is if they're old and maybe scared, sometimes feeling suddenly sleepy makes them feel weird and they might jump around a bit. The injection is so quick though - once it's in the blood (and it is injected directly into the blood) it takes literally seconds to take effect. There is no pain in the process, the drug doesn't sting.

Chalice

Answer 3

The common thing a vet gives to an animal to put them to sleep is an overdose of anesthesia in their vein. The only thing they feel is the prick of a needle. They are usually gone half way through the injection. occassionally after the injection, the animal will take an extra breath or jerk or cry out but is not aware of it because there system is already shut down. You see that more with the older pets who have horrible blood circulation, though. The only time a pet would freak out is before the injection when he is being restrained or feels the prick from the needle.

Answer 4

They first give a shot so the cat or dog drifts comfortably into a deep sleep. I have held my cats in my arms and stroked them and talked to them for about five-ten minutes. Then they are very deeply asleep and not responsive anymore. The vet then administers the second shot which stops the heart and the animal is then dead.

Animals live in the present and do not fear an anticipation of death as humans may.

Answer 5

They give the dog or cat a sedation shot which relaxes them. Then they give a shot that stops the heart within a few seconds. It's not traumatic for the dog or cat. Before the first sedation shot they might get scared though. Once the first shot is given, they are typically too drugged to know what is about to happen and they usually pass away peacefully. It's not painful as far as I know and speaking from experience, it didn't seem painful to my dog at all.

Answer 6

If she puking because of an illness or disease? And by saying insane are you referring that to her behavior, is she a wild cat? If you think that she will not calm her ways down and the puking will not stop because of an untreated illness and she is suffering than yes put her to sleep. But if she is a young cat, than her insanity will become milder with age, and she could make a good pet for someone. Its your decision, make the right one, and ask yourself these questions....what is causing her to vomit, will someone out there love her for who she is, is she insane as is a young cat with allot of energy. Then make your decision whether to put her down or not. Just think how she would feel if she knew what you were thinking about instead of giving her a second chance...many people would like a hyper insane cat. Good Luck.

Answer 7

They are given an injection and then just go to sleep. Usually when a cat or dog is put down, it is so sick it can't really fight it. It's emotionally difficult so probably harder on you than on the pet. If the pet is suffering, it's time to let them go.

Answer 8

I have been witness to my cat being put to sleep and my dad's dog being put to sleep. They were both older animals and it was instantaneous. My cat literally went limp in my arms. That was 7 years ago and I still remember it. Neither freaked out. And both were no longer in pain.

Answer 9

They give them a shot to make them comfortable and sleepy, then they give them another shot that stops their system. I haven't seen ALOT of dogs put down, but I haven't seen a dog fight it at all.. It seems very calm and peaceful I guess... It doesn't matter how it goes down, it's a difficult thing to do and a difficult thing to witness.. But it's not a violent thing and it seems they go to sleep and then they are gone..

Answer 10

Hi
For definition's sake, If a cat is in pain and cannot recover, that is putting a cat to sleep. If a cat has something that is very treatable then it is killing.