Sad ?- when an animal is put to sleep

[Bernadine]

It's not painful, and they just drift away, right?  My grandmother has to put her 14yo Rottweiler to sleep this morning, and I'm in a sudden panic thinking that it might be like the death penalty drugs, where the person is paralyzed and you can't tell if they're suffering.  Please just tell me that doesn't happen.

[alzi]

It is peaceful. The first drug calms them and it's like they just fall asleep. It is such a hard decision to make. But when the time is right it is the humane thing to do, IMO

[Saint Monica]

When I put my sweet Remi to sleep we did it at home. She ate pizza, drifted off to sleep, snored, and passed. I felt very confident she was in no pain or distress at any point.

[Bernadine]

Jun 10, 2014 7:59:42 GMT -5 alzi said:

It is peaceful. The first drug calms them and it's like they just fall asleep. It is such a hard decision to make. But when the time is right it is the humane thing to do, IMO

She can't get up, it's definitely the right time.  So sad, she was such a great dog, and a real companion for my grandmother.  Especially after my grandfather died.

[jlt19]

I've often thought about this. If we can figure this out for animals (and I choose to believe it is 100% painfree) then why can't we figure it out correctly for humans? I know it can sort of be done with morphine b/c both of my grandparents had increased doses once it was clear they only had a small amount of time to live. So euthanasia but not?

[ladyk]

It's not painful. They are given a sedative and then the meds to help them pass away. I've been there for 2, my nana's dog and one of my cats and i wish with all my heart I was there for my other sweet boy but he was very, very ill and I didn't want him to suffer in the time it would have taken me to get back to the emergency vet.

Hugs to your grandmother.

[no0b]

It's peaceful, I had to assist in many while working at a veterinary hospital. We are putting my old man pup to sleep this weekend. I keep reminding myself that it is peaceful but... ugh. It doesn't feel right because he still has good moments.

[lilafowler]

For my cat it was very peaceful. The vets and vet techs usually do a great job of explaining everything that will happen and what you will see and why that's occurring.

I'm so sorry-it's never an easy decision. :-(

[Bernadine]

Thanks guys, this really is helping.

[Deleted]

It's very calm and peaceful. I used to work at a vet about 10 years ago and I had to assist with it many times, plus having to have some of my own put down. What my vet does is put is they put in catheter to make sure the drug goes into the vein to minimize discomfort from the euthanizing drug itself. It's basically a overdose of a strong barbiturate that they use to put them down so it's very painless. It's never an easy decision but when a dog no longer has quality of life, it's time to let them go.

[alzi]

Jun 10, 2014 8:00:53 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

Jun 10, 2014 7:59:42 GMT -5 alzi said:

It is peaceful. The first drug calms them and it's like they just fall asleep. It is such a hard decision to make. But when the time is right it is the humane thing to do, IMO

She can't get up, it's definitely the right time.  So sad, she was such a great dog, and a real companion for my grandmother.  Especially after my grandfather died.

Oh how sad. I'm sorry.