Options when a Dog is being put to Sleep

Eastcoastryan

Hi All,

Sorry if this isn't the right place but I'm looking for advice. My whole world has crumbled around me today. My 10 year old Boxer got ill late last week and steadily worse over the weekend. I took her to the vet this morning and they took her in. I was told this evening that she detereoriated today and after an x-ray they discovered multiple tumours on her lungs and that it's too advanced to be treated and we should think about putting her to sleep for her own good. She is almost in a coma at this stage and is struggling for breath.

I have made the incredibly hard decision to put my companion to sleep tomorrow. I want to be there for my dog, for her whole life since she was 8 weeks old, she has craved affection but I am worried that I wont be able for the moment when she is put to sleep and just wondering what options I have. I dont think I could bear to have leave her to face her final moments alone but also not sure I can keep myself composed. is the injection painful or uncomfortable? Also, do I take my dog home afterwards? I am planning on cremating her. I am really in bits writing this, she is on the couch beside me hardly moving and occasionally opening her eyes, I know it's for the best and wouldn't have her suffer for a day more than she should. I just cant believe it's my last night with my companion of 10 years.

Thanks

Ryan

barbiegirl

Really, really sorry. I think that as hard as it is for you that when the time comes it is the final thing we can do for them, to be there. They deserve it. I dread the thought of it, ours are only 3 and 2 so hopefully it's a long way off.
Big hugs

tk123

Sorry about your dog . It's ok to cry - you don't have to worry about keeping yourself composed and the vet will understand how upsetting it is. The injection is like an overdose of anaesthetic so it won't be painful for her and will be quick. Do you have somebody to go along with you?

fatmammycat

I put my oldest cat down in December, at 21, and as hard as it is, it is also a tremendous thing to do to be with them in their final moments. To make easier their exit from the world. I sympathise deeply, but as heartbreaking as it is, in another way it will help enormously in the process of grieving.
Firstly, my vet sedated my cat and left me with her for a few minutes and, honestly, by the time he returned she was practically asleep. The final injection was hard, but I held her and I felt her go in the end. Go, after 21 years, safe in her owner's arms, no pain, no distress, just loved, cared for and deeply missed.
My vet offers a cremation service, one I rejected- because for me- the body of my pet was not important, so I left her there: that's just me though, as much as I loved her, once they're gone they're gone. But I think this offer is a regular thing. So see if it's available.
Lastly, I am heartily sorry you're going through this, pets are little love bugs we have for a short time, but their impacts on our lives are eternal. Good luck tomorrow, feed your loved one whatever they want for their final meal, hold them, kiss them goodbye and stay with them until the end, you'll be glad you did and would that all dogs have such an end.
FMC x

Vel

Sorry to hear this We recently had to get our 13 year old greyhound put to sleep so I know how you feel. In our case my partner went with her to the vets as I didn't feel I was strong enough. The vet sedated her first and left my partner alone with her for a few minutes to say goodbye, then while sedated he administered the injection that put her to sleep. He said it was very peaceful and she didn't suffer at all

andreac

Oh im so sorry to hear this, ive tears in my eyes reading and writing this.:(

If you can, i would find the strength to be there for your dog until the very end, it will mean so much to have their loving owner by their side and see a comforting face with them as they go over to the bridge.

It wont be painful at all for your dog, it will be very peaceful and like she is going to sleep.

You sound like a very caring and loving owner and im sure your girl knows that. I hope you get through tomorrow ok.

IrishHomer

OP the vets nowadays are really great.

My advice is call them in morning and discuss all options especially for taking away as much of your trauma as possible.

Sorry about your dog.

Midnight Sundance

I'm very sorry to hear about your dog. Am bawling my eyes out thinking if you and hoping ill not have to go through that with my babies.
Maybe ask the vet to do ur outside of visiting hours so you don't have to worry about composing yourself in front of people. (People will understand and sympathise anyway if it did happen to be during surgery hours.)
Sorry about your pet.

SillyMangoX

So sorry to hear about this. The injection is painless, no more than a tiny pinch when the needle itself is going in. Most vets will bring you to a quiet room where you can say your last goodbyes and have a cuddle while the pink stuff is being injected and they literally slip away in seconds, faster than if they were falling asleep. Have a cuddle for a few minutes while the medication is taking full effect (do not be alarmed by any sudden gasps that may happen, it is the one thing that frightens owners the most, yet most vets forget to warn about it, it is called agonal breathing and it a completely normal part of the dying process, be it naturally or from being put to sleep. I know this may be hard to read but it is best to know what to expect). The vet will then check for a heart beat, and usually will offer you a tissue. I even cry at other peoples pets being put down when I'm on placement so believe me, an owner crying is absolutely nothing that hasn't been seen before, nothing to be ashamed of. You will usually be asked then if you want to bring her home or get her cremated and they will go through cremation options with you, if you want ashes back, type of presentation etc. If you are particularly upset you could always ask the vet is there a back door through which you could exit instead of having to go out through reception. I know it is such a hard decision but personally I think of it as an honor to be able to choose to put your beloved companion out of suffering with such dignity. It is the one thing in Ireland that animals have better than humans.

meoklmrk91

Hi OP,

Really sorry to hear about this, it's the day every pet owner dreads. With regards to composing yourself etc. I wouldn't worry about it at all, I have done work experience at a number of practices, this is part of their job, they know how hard it is for the owners, they often will have a box of tissues there, they also usually try and schedule it outside of a busy time so that you don't have to walk out into a waiting room full of people. Don't be embarrassed you are human, with emotions, and this is an extremely difficult time. Most vets will be animal lovers themselves and be very sensitive to this.

Also with regards to cremation , are you doing this through your vets? If so then they will keep the body and send it away and will ring when the ashes return so you can come and collect them. I am not sure what the proceedure is if you are doing it on your own, maybe ring the company and ask them?

Oh and with regards to pain, it really is nothing to be worried about, I have never actually witnessed euthanasia as it is important that the owners have their privacy but it is very peaceful as far I as I know.

Will be thinking of you tomorrow OP

the_syco

Regarding cremation; my dog Holly died suddenly after about 15 years a few months back. We decided on cremation, and the vet took care of it. The process takes a few weeks, as it has to go up north (no animal cremation in the republic), and we got her back in a box. Dunno what her remains looked like; I never opened the box out of respect for my doggy. Feeling a bit down writing this but anyhoos. We put a nice picture of her on the display part of the box, and she sits on a table near one of her "sun" spots in the sitting room

I'd advise you not to drive home, as your mind will be all over the place afterwards.

Stheno

I always get my pets sedated before they get the last injection, it's an injection (not ACP) and just makes them drowsy, it relaxes them.

Then I go in with them for the last injection, and just spend time with them

My vets have always been very good and given me all the time I need.

If you decide to go for cremation you can have your dog individually cremated where you get her remains back in a little box, or you can just have her cremated if you don't want the ashes back.

One thing I always say to people who have to have a beloved pet put to sleep and go for individual cremation, is to be aware how stressful it can be getting the ashes back. As the syco said, it can take a couple of weeks, so when I first had a pet individually cremated, I'd done some grieving and healing, then getting that call to pick up the ashes was very upsetting.

Whatever you decide OP, very best wishes to you. Try to be there with your beloved companion, it's hard, but you'll always be glad you did.

ABajaninCork

I've gone through this twice with my cats. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do, so I really understand where you're coming from.

I decided I owed my cats one last service, so I was there as they were put down. I wanted my face to be the last thing they saw, and my voice to be the last one they heard.

My last cat was put down here in Cork, and the vet could not have handled it more sensitively. Silly old me, I cut off some of my boy's fur which I have in an envelope. We had him cremated, and his ashes are beside my bed in a box with his name on.

I am so, so sorry OP. But courage. You know you'll be doing right by your friend, which is FAR more important.

anniehoo

Eastcoastryan wrote: »

I am worried that I wont be able for the moment when she is put to sleep and just wondering what options I have. I dont think I could bear to have leave her to face her final moments alone but also not sure I can keep myself composed. is the injection painful or uncomfortable?

Aw Ryan, what an awful decision you've had to make and the most dreaded and painful one for all us pet owners. You've made the right one though and its honestly the best thing you can do for your dog.

I wont lie, it is heart wrenchingily upsetting but so peaceful and painless for your pet.I only wish we could afford this dignified end to humans too. I wasnt there for my last cat about 8 years ago when she was put to sleep and ive honestly regretted it ever since. It was all about me though and the fact i didnt want to be seeing crying where i work. But, each to their own. If you genuinely cant face it, that's ok but i think you should.Vets and vet nurses see grown men crying all the time. They will be caring and compassionate and will understand what you're going through. If you dont even want to talk they'll understand too.

I held my dogs paw for her last moments and i wouldnt have had it any other way. I surprisingly kept myself together until she had gone and for a little bit after as my vet made a housecall and i had to do the "pleasantries" but was literally inconsolable afterwards. But THAT'S OK! I've never felt raw emotion like it,but the grief i felt was only showing how much i loved her.

I also got her cremated and had intended on scattering her ashes on our favourite walking place (Malahide beach) but i never did it. You will have lots of options of how to get the remains back (scatter tube,engraved casket,wooden ornament,picture frame with a box at the back etc).This is what i have now.


For along time id cry everytime i looked at it, but now i just smile and remember her for all of the good times we had. It's going to be an awful day for you and im so sorry you have to go through it, but you're giving your best buddy a peaceful and dignified last day. I truly think you should be there if you can,it wont be easy but you will be very glad you were when the pain has subsided. Good luck Ryan and your dog is very lucky to have such a caring owner

fatalll

Hi,
Sorry about your dog.
I had to put my dog down last April 12 months(day Kate and William got married) 29th April.
It was hard, he was 15, but the injection was so quick i was flabbergasted, no pain just instant sleep. It was still hard. Buried him that evening in the back garden.
It was best for him as he was in pain too. You are doing the right thing even though its tough

jimf

its so sad but its the final act of kindness from you to your much loved best friend
and yes as all others have said it is totally painless you wont believe how fast until they are no longer in pain

andreac

Thinking of you both today xx

Eastcoastryan

Thanks everyone for the advice. The appointment is at 11.15 this morning so I am spending my last couple of hours with her. She is a little better this morning and even ate some strawberry yogurt from my hand (she always licked the carton dry after the yogurt was finished!) I think I am still in shock since its been so sudden. To me, she is much more than a pet. I will try and post a picture of her later.

Thanks again,

Ryan

toadfly

Aw OP so sorry to hear about your pet. Will be thinking of you

notlongleft

Dogs are so much more than pets to a lot of us and its heart breaking when we have to let them go. My family dog is 18.5 years old at home and I know we are going to have to make this journey in the near future and its awful.

Thinking of you.

fatmammycat

Thinking of you this morning. Not much more to say, except that.

abacus120

Thinking of you today,have a lump in my throat reading this,we had to put our family dog down 7 years ago and it still catches me every now and then,my poor dad stayed with him until the end,he never told us he was getting him put down,so he just quietly went to the vets with him and told us after,he knew we would all be devestated and we were,we still talk about him and have lovely memories of a much loved little dog,wishing your dog a peaceful passing xxx

ruthy_2504

Oh Ryan,

I've just read your post while at work and I have tears in my eyes thinking of your situation. I have an 8yo boxer boy who truely is my baby. Whether morbid or not I do think of the day that will inevitably come and cannot imagine how I will cope, but I will have to be there for him. I will probably need somone to hold me up when all is done, but I think I would never forgive myself if I wasn't there.

While today, and the next number of months will be tough, you will still have lots of bright moments when you think of her beautiful face and all the silly things she got up to during your time together!

I will be watching the clock this morning and thinking of you

teggers5

Thinking of you Ryan. So sorry you have to go through this, I've been there and know how tough it is.
I know its not much consolation to you now but try find some peace in the fact you gave her a long happy life and she had a peaceful end x

Whispered

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. It's the day I think we all dread as pet owners. You sound like a very caring owner so I'd imagine your dog is a very lucky girl having had a lovely life with you. I just wanted to let you know you're both in my thoughts. xx

ShaShaBear

So sorry to hear about your dog, actually crying and hugging my collie boy. He's just turned 8 and I've often thought about how I am going to cope when it's time for him to go. I always hope that he goes peacefully in his own natural sleep when he comes to his time

My partner and I decided that (Shadow is very dog aggressive so we can only have himself in the house) once he passes away, we will make some provisions in the house for doing dog fostering. It's something I love the idea of and am very passionate about (did it for a spat while Shadow lived with my mother), so we figured fostering a dog in need after Shadow is gone will be something to give me focus and purpose, and will replace the usual doggie sounds and smells in the house without actually replacing Shadow himself. And then, eventually, the time will come when I will meet a fostered dog who captures my heart, and I know he/she will be permanent (and hopefully well socialised ).

Some people don't think that a new dog should be gotten straight away, and I agree. But I have had dogs in my life as long as I've had breath in my body, and I can't possibly imagine any more than a day with what I would then consider an empty house. Maybe once you've had some time to grieve, this is something you might like to try?

Bannasidhe

OP my heart goes out to you.

I had to have my 16 year old JRT put to sleep last Sept and although it broke my heart and I kept hoping that somehow I could buy her more time I had to accept it was her time. I held her in my arms as they gave her the injection (I am crying as I write this) and she peacefully died as I held her 16 years to the day I first held her as an 8 week old pup. I bawled in the vets unashamedly but I am glad she knew right up to the end that I love her and always will.

We miss her desperately and even now I find it hard to look at photos of her. I came down stairs last night to find my OH watching a video of her with tears streaming down her face. I am dreading Xmas - it will be the first one for 16 years that our tree has not been pulled down by a stroppy jack russell because a chocolate santa was eyeballing her and needed to be taught a lesson.

I know I did the right thing - she had a massive tumour, had stopped eating and the 'make me better' looks she gave her last night were breaking my heart - I never felt so helpless and I would give anything to have her back but her body had given up on her and it really was her time.

Friends and family convinced me to consider rehoming a rescue dog and eventually I did get a JRT who was badly abused, starving and literally barely holding on to life. TBH I think I poured my frustration and heartbreak at not being able to save my Grainne dog into making damn sure that 3 year old Gillie would not die until she had actually lived.
She is not a replacement - she is a new member of the family who needed someone to be on her side and make sure she is safe and happy.

Gillie is lying next to me on the sofa now woofing in her sleep - I wish Grainne was here too.

Cry OP and don't be ashamed that you loved another living creature and your heart is breaking at losing them.

Eastcoastryan

Well, My little baby was put to sleep just after 11 this morning and I have to say, all the advice here helped so thanks. It was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do but I know it was the right thing to do. The vet was brilliant, she actually shed a few tears too and explained everything to me as it was happening. She sedated Mitsy first and let me spend a few final minutes with her. I looked into her eyes and told her how beautiful she was and my reasons for doing it was because I loved her so much. She was then given the injection and took her last breath within a matter of seconds. I totally broke down at that point and stayed with her and stroked her ears for a few minutes. She is gone to doggie heaven now and I miss her so much already. It physically hurts, I feel sick but I know it will get easier. She was one in a million and I know heaven became a bouncier place today. Thanks again for the advice and wishes.

R.I.P Mitsy - The Best Dog in The World!

borderlinemeath

Sounds like she was the luckiest dog in the world to have you as an owner. You were there for her when she needed you most.

RIP Mitsy. xx

Celly Smunt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOAcRKZxjy4

carleigh

Thinking of you OP, my heart goes out to you. Its a heartbreaking decision to make, Mitsy knows you love her and will still be with you. We had to make the same decision in March for our beloved dog, but fortunately we had many months with him getting used to the idea he was ill, so we were prepared for when the time came. The next few weeks and months will be tough, and if you're anything like me, you wont be able to look at any photos or reminders without breaking down, but believe me when I tell you it will get easier. It took me a while to be able to look at videos of my Jake, but now I can smile and remember him how he was, happy and full of life. I still talk about him, and to him! Mitsy will never be far from you, and she was a lucky girl to have such a great owner. Run free at the Bridge Mitsy.....R.I.P.