what is it like to put down a dog?

Question

i can tell u so far its been painful we're putting him down tomrrow morning....how is the pain.

Answer 1

The pain for you is individual. Teh pain for the dog is just like taking the blood test for the heartworm, Very little pain.
I am sorry and yes it is painful to you but remember all teh good times and remember I'm sure it's for a good reason.
Maybe this poem may help a little

PUT ME TO REST

Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
Its better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.

Thankyou for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now's the time to say GOODBYE PUT ME TO REST

Answer 2

It's always hard to see an animal put to sleep, be it your animal or one that comes into the shelter that there is just no room for or is too sick to help (have done both, it all just really sucks). When I had to have my dog put down a few years ago, it was very hard, I cried the whole day before and while I was at the vet's office. I knew ultimately it was better for her than to let the cancer continue to destroy her body, but it was still hard. She didn't feel anything and was gone quickly, I think that helped some. It's a very sad time in a persons life, but you do eventually feel better, and just keep in mind that there is a good reason to help them end peacefully and comfortably rather than live in pain.

Answer 3

Aw, I'm sorry. : (

So far we've only ever done that with cats (the first dog still has some years in him), but I'm sure it's equally as hard no matter the species if you are attached to them.

Years ago we had to have a young cat put to sleep. He'd been a stray, decided to be brave and be friendly with me, he fattened up into this beautiful long haired cat and slowly became part of the family. The two cats we had, both pretty old, didn't mind at all, our oldest was friends with him already from outside the window screen. He ended up being the greatest, smartest cat. But at only age 6 he ended up with some weird funky form of cancer in his mouth and there was nothing that could be done. So he went from such a hard start, to a good home, and then suddenly...that. Hardest pet loss we've ever had. He'd actually been gone 10 years back on Sept. 11th this year. : ( Pets can be so hard to lose.

Answer 4

For you, or for the dog? If you're asking about how painful the injection is for the dog....I've put down several over the years, and I've always stayed with them and held them until the end. Since I work for a vet, I always assist and help them get a vein so that all goes right. It doesn't appear to be painful. One minute they're looking into your eyes, the next minute they sag and the light goes out of their eyes. Shortly after they're gone. Now, the pain for the ones left behind....that part is tough. I feel for you.

Answer 5

I have an elderly dog and I am just awaiting the day. But I have had to put my BFF the cat down and my horse. I held my cat and she licked my cheek and even the vet cried. Like the other poster, I still think about her almost daily & have been unable to get another one. Putting the horse down was very hard--its a big animal & it was dramatic. At least in both cases it was very very quick & pretty painless. Lucky for me all my friends were sympathetic--it helps to talk. I am very sorry, and all the best.

Answer 6

It's heartbreaking. We said goodbye to our beloved mutt of 16 years over 3 years ago & I still mist up when I think of him.

Do be with your friend to the end.

Our dog passed in my arms on his favorite rug. He was in pain and I knew it was the right thing to do. It was still the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

Your dog won't feel any pain. He will just go to sleep and any pain he is in now will be gone.

Always remember the good times you had with your friend.





This is something I came across years ago...


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Answer 7

To say it's not very nice is putting it mildly and making the decision is gut wrenching. I've had to do it three times with a family dog we all loved. It's been 5.1/2 yrs. since we put our lovely 18.1/2 yr. old female down and it's only recently I've been able to think of her without shedding a tear. I actually smiled the other morning remembering her. So all I can say is they pass on out of our lives and are never forgotten. Blessings.

Answer 8

I put my St. Bernard down Oct. 8th. It really sucked cause she had been with me for 11 to 12 years. But she was in pain and I couldn't bear to have her like that. I went in with her while they did it so i could pet her and talk to her. You have to make that decision. Basically the vet will find the vein in their leg and inject medicine that they use to put animals under when they go into surgery they just give them a little more when they "put them to sleep". Basically your dog will go to sleep. They put there head down and fade away. It's difficult and hard and everything but it's worth it to the dog if they are in pain. I was there for her last moments and know that she was in good hands when I held her head. This is hard I assure you. But just know in your heart that it stops the suffering. Good luck and I'm sorry.

Answer 9

i have never had to put a dog to sleep but i had to put my cat that i had since i was born, to sleep. and let me tell u that was the hardest thing ever. i felt so bad. but at the same time i felt that i was ending his suffering. it honestly is the worst pain in the world. and i dont know if i can take putting another animal to sleep. its been nearly two years since i put Kitty down and i still think about him every day and even cry some days too

Answer 10

Depends on how attached you are to the dog. It will probably be very difficult at first but you know you are doing the right thing for the dog. So sorry you have to do this. Its like losing a best friend.