How many injections have to be done to euthanize a dog, for him not to suffer?

Question

What will be the best and humane way to euthanize my dog.
How many injections? and how long will last the whole operation?

Answer 1

It isn't about number of injections, but dose. The larger the animal, the larger the dose given. And these are all calculated based on body weight to ensure complete death. Very rarely, something might go wrong and the dog doesn't die immediately, but if you have a good vet, just trust them.

There are numerous drugs used for euthanasia, but they can all be painless. Usually, the most uncomfortable part for a dog is getting the actual injection, which doesn't necessarily hurt, but I'm sure you've gotten shots so you know how it feels. The drug slowly works at slowing down the system, and I imagine the animal simply feels sleepy, like before anesthesia. Animals should die within the minute or two of the injection, but it may take a bit longer with bigger animals.

Occasionally, especially if a dog is uncooperative, a sedative is also given to calm him. This isn't lethal, but is much like a very mild anesthesia. This stuff is sometimes used to calm dogs during flights and such.

Sorry about your dog, he really will not suffer a lot. Be sure to sit there with him and comfort him through the injection. Bringing his favourite toy or something may help calm him. Do not go to a vet that doesn't allow you to go in with the dog, as the dog may be treated in roughly or "quickly" which means no sedative is given or it is handled painfully, so suffering could be induced.

Answer 2

It only takes one injection. Some vets will but an IV in first to make sure the vien is open then they just inject it into the IV. But other vets, and i have found this to be much easier and less stressful just go directly in to the vein as if they were going to draw blood. Euthanasia is basically an overdose of anesthesia, same as what they get going into surgery. First it puts them to sleep then the overdose of it will cause the heart to stop. Its very quick, once euthansia is injected it only takes a few seconds for the animal to pass. Depending on the size of the dog and dosage given, once the dog has gone to sleep they may need to give another small dose, if the heart doesn't stop. Sometimes the animal will urinate or deficate on themselves since they loose the control of there bodily functions. Some also may let out a gasp or groan but its just the air escaping from there body, but it can be scary. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

My old 151/2 year old Westie was euthanized at my house by a vet. I opted for this so he would be calm. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer and most likely other organs were involved, so I had time to find a vet to do this at my home. He lived for 2 months post diagnosis.
I have mixed feelings about it...he was given Versed to relax him, then some type of anesthesia, both IM, then the IV overdose. The vein collapsed and his heart did not stop so she injected into his kidney, still his heart did not stop, so she injected him into his heart. I felt so guilty. I was traumatized. I am sure he did not feel it but I still felt horrrible and still do. I am an ER nurse, Not much bothers me...killing my dog SUCKED!
I go over that day in my head often...makes me sick really. I am happy I was with him, he deserved it. My sweet boy Angus. R.I.P

Answer 4

On the occasions I have had to put a dog down, the vet has administered a single IV injection. From the time the injection was administered until the vet could no longer hear a heartbeat was less than a minute or two. The whole process only takes a few minutes, once begun.

It's always a sad occasion, but sometimes is the only humane course of action. My sympathy to you.

Answer 5

Euthanising your dog is a procedure, not an operation. There are two injections. The first is one that numbs the dogs feeling, and keeps him/her calm. The second is injected slowly, and is the does of anesthetic. There is so much anesthetic that it causes the dog to go into cardiac arrest. This will happen when the dog looks drowsy after the two shots, yawns, and slowly does not move anymore. It is sad, but at least your dog will not suffer. The procedure will last about 2 to 5 minutes. Good luck, and sorry. <:)

Answer 6

This is something that legally should be done by a vet.
It's not painful they give him a IV shot basically the same as if they were to draw blood for a heartworm test. It takes only a mater of a few minutes and it's all.In some cases if the dog is extrememly hyper or not one that likes shots they may give him a small amount of a drug to relax the dog first.
I have had to have it done a few times and it is the most humane wayto take care of your dog.

Answer 7

I don't think there are any over the counter drugs you could get to do this, I wouldn't do it that way anyways without haveing the medical training to assure the animal doesn't suffer. Unfortunatly I have had to put a couple of dogs to sleep. If you live out in the country the best way is to shoot him with a large caliber bullet right behind the ear. Belive me it will be instant and the dog won't feel a thing. I must tell you if you have a week stomach or are emotionally attached to the animal you best have someone else you can trust to do this. It's not something to be taken lightly. I'm sorry about your dog!

Answer 8

Sometimes they give a sedation injection to calm the dog, then it is a simple IV injection to euthanize.

If the dog is calm, just the IV is all that is necessary.

Answer 9

I was a vet tech and the process is very quick. I dont think it is painful although there is no way to know for sure. it is a sad thing to have to do this but i have done it first hand. they put an iv in the dogs leg and shoot a heavy amount of barbituate (not sure what its been a long time) the dog just goes limp and its tongue hangs out and sometimes it goes to the bathroom. I had to quit my job and i started grooming. i couldnt handle it. it was the most terrible thing to do. however it is more humane than letting a dog suffer i guess. theres just no easy way to do this. my dad used to tell me that shooting them in the head was painless but who in hell could ever do that to their dog....ever see Old Yeller...tear jerker....if you do put it down you should hold him and comfort him till he is gone. let the last thing he knows is your love....good luck

ALSO FOR EVERYONE...STAY WITH YOUR PETS WHILE THEY ARE BEING EUTHANIZED!!! JUST LAST MONTH HERE A VET LOST HIS LICENSE (THANK GOD) BECAUSE THEY HAD TAPES OF HIM GIVING DOGS STRAIGHT SHOTS THROUGH THE CHEST TO THE HEART. ONE GUY HELD THE DOG BY HIS SCRUFF AND FOOT AND THE VET SHOVED A LONG NEEDLE IN HIS CHEST TO HIS HEART. THEY SHOWED IT ON TV. I HOPE THE SOB PAYS FOR THIS WITH HIS LIFE.

Answer 10

If this is a serious question, and I have some doubts, you take the dog to the vet and they will humanely euthanize the dog. It takes one injection of the proper agent and the dog will be almost instantly out of his misery.