By Renée
Tags: Health Care
Product Reviews
Pet Doorbell
Pet Insurance
Bling Bling Dog Collars
Canine Essential Oils
Litter Box
New Products & Discounts
Newman's Own Organics Dog Food
PetNutritionProducts OffersFree Shipping On Any Order $50.00 or more. Coupon Code: SHIP49
What Happens During Euthanization?
This is third part from the previous topics “Is euthanasia the best option for my dog?” and “How am I supposed to decide whether or not to euthanize my dog?”
Euthanization is, very simply, an overdose of an anesthetic. Because of the drug used (Phenobarbital), it is typically painless for the dog. The Phenobarbital is administered using a small needle and directly through the vein. The dog will lose consciousness (go to sleep as it is often referred) within a few seconds. There is hardly ever any sign of struggle in your dog after the euthanasia is administered. After about 10 seconds, he would gradually fall into a silent state, his heart stops and her brain’s activity ceases, until his losses his breath and goes limp.
One of the more painful aspects of euthanasia for the owner is the fact that the electrical activity in the body can continue for several minutes after death. Legs and some facial nerves can twitch while the body triggers the lungs to take a reflexive gasp. After ten minutes, this activity should stop. This is not the usual case scenario but it does happen to some dogs.
It doesn’t matter how often I’d gone through euthanization process, whether it was a short or long time span from one dog to the other, is never an experience I can get used to.
Indeed it is a very painful experience; however you’ve to try to keep really calm and collect while the vet administers the euthanasia. It would be best if you could hold or carry your dog very close to your chest. This will eliminate some stress while he “anticipates the outcome” (dogs are great sensers). And by staying collect, you’re sending him a comforting message that it is alright to go to his new master home - heaven.
What Happens After Euthanization?
If you really feel a lot of love for your dog and want it to be decently buried after the euthanasia, then make sure you don’t leave him with the veterinarian after the process is done. Some of these veterinarian doctors actually use these dogs for experiments after the euthanasia.
I strongly urge that you take your dog along with you for burial or cremation. Not all veterinarian clinics have cremation services within their premises, especially those smaller ones they usually subcontract out this service. And if you happen to be in veterinarian clinic with this facility, make sure you proceed straight to the administrative counter and arrange for either mass cremation or individual one. Whichever one you choose, there will be a special day for it, and you’ve the option to choose to participate in that “ceremony.”
Oct 7th 2006
1:42 PM
When should we euthanize our dog? He can not see or hear, but does not seem to be in pain. He walks in circles and bumps into things. He can barely find his food dish and then when he does, stumbles into it. He is a 16 yr old bichon and is not on any medication. What should we do?
Oct 8th 2006
12:57 AM
Hi Susan,
Thank you for reading and your query.
Loss of sight and hearing are parts and parcels of old age, there isn’t any medication for that. Of course, with improved medical technology, surgery could and might improve the situation however most veterinarians would deter you otherwise. Given his age at 16, his health might not be able to sustain heavy sedation.
If he isn’t suffering any pain or extreme discomfort and still eating, then as pet parents we have to embrace their twilight days with grace. Help him to succeed in his daily attempts by setting routine, place his belongings (bed, bowls, toys) at the same area always, avoid rearranging your home furniture too often and most importantly pet proof your home. All his movements outside the home should be supervised closely to avoid any danger to himself and others.
I hope my answer has helped shed some light in dealing with senior dogs.
Oct 24th 2006
7:37 PM
My family just recently came to the decision to euthanize our dog just 8 days shy of her 15 birthday. She was sick. Her kidneys were failing and she could barely have a bowel movement. My mom made the decision on Sunday to euthanize her because she didn’t move for a whole day. She wasn’t eating her food anymore either. I think that we made the right decision to euthanize her, but she was still alert and her mind was still there. I just want to be reassured…Did we make the right decision? We feel that the only reason that she has stayed alive for so long is because she was a well loved dog, and our pride and joy of our family. Is it true that dogs that are so loved, stay alive for their family?
Oct 25th 2006
12:27 AM
Hello Jill,
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. This is definitely a painful decision to make for all dog owners especially so when our dogs had lived with us for so long.
No one should comment upon your decision as long you know in your heart and mind that you’ve done the best you could for your dog. Sometimes dogs bid their farewell by showing a spark of alertness during those last few seconds. Their way of saying thank you for those wonderful years spent with their human family.
Dogs are excellent sensors and great fighters (beyond comprehension). Their strength to live for their caregivers for a long time despite aliments is without question. So to answer your last question, Yes!
Hugs and kisses to your late dog.
Mar 18th 2007
1:10 PM
Dear Susan,
This is very sad to hear if you have already euthanized your dog, I am sure he is in a better place now. If you haven’t you should wait until after his next birthday and throw him a big party. SPOIL HIM! I’m sure he would love to know that he had a great, pampered time before he had to go to the man upstairs. I know it is a great deal of pain when you know that a long life, loved friend(dog) of yours has died(been put to sleep). It will be hard to let go but just know that he will be cured of blindness and deafness once he makes it to heaven.
If you do not believe in God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit (the Holy Trinity) I do not mean to offend you. And if you do, Praise Be To God! You should probably pray about it if you’re still not sure about it after these replies. Just know that whatever your desision is, God will be with you and he will still love you.
Thank you for your time.
Aug 15th 2007
9:26 PM
Hi,
My name is Katie and I have a 2 1/2 year old Italian Greyhound. He is an absolutely wonderful dog except he has, what the vet has said, to be schizophrenia. He will go in to this state where he doesn’t know who we are, doesn’t know where he is, all he sees is a threat (usually dog) and will go crazy. Once the threat has passed, he goes on like nothing has happened. We have tried everything- trainers, specialists, medication, time, but nothing has lasted. Medication was working well, but it appears he has grown immune to it. We finally decided tonight that it was time. He went to the vet this morning and bit my mother pretty bad and we have to think to ourselves- what if it had been a child or another dog he got. Anyway, I have never held a pet when it was time and I’m not sure if I am ready, but the information above has helped prepare me and I thank you. Please pray for Luigi that he is in a better place.
Katie
Aug 27th 2007
1:53 AM
Hi Katie,
Apologies for not responding to you sooner.
As to Luigi’s illness (schizophrenia, a very rare disease for dogs), I’m so sorry to hear about that. Of course, Luigi (and with all deceased dogs) is in a much better place where he’s loved so dearly.
I’m glad I’m of some help. Thank You!
Mar 13th 2008
7:47 AM
Absolutely helpful. I’m writing a persuassive essay on mandatory spay/neuter. One of my themes is how euthanization happens.
Apr 11th 2008
3:54 PM
hello. our dog gizmo was with us for 12 years. He had lymes disease and kidney failure. he was also losing the ability to walk as his back legs would just give in. gizmo began urinating all the time in the house. he would not take any medication. we made a very painful decision to “put him to sleep”. it has been a week and i can not stop wondering if it was the right decision. we buried him in the backyard like the old days and i also wonder if this was best for him. i am really beating myself up about this. thanks for listening.
Apr 17th 2008
10:53 PM
Hello Christina,
Please do not feel upset of what you’d done. It’s probably the best decision given the circumstances you were in.
Gizmo never left you, in form but not in spirit. He is very happy and healthy where he is right now. Be sure of that!
May 13th 2008
9:11 PM
Hello. I just had my Rottweiler euthanized yesterday, and today I had the most horrible episode of depression that I have had in years!! Baley was 7 y/o and was just this year diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her right leg. She had surgery for the tumor that was showing huge on her elbow, but the vet didn’t get it all and it had already come back with a vengeance and spread. She just laid around and we had to force her to go outside to the bathroom. She was definitely not a happy camper anymore!! :-( I took her to the vet Monday and had him help me make the decision, and after I made it, he told me it was the right thing to do, and I believed him, as I had already made the decision really two days before. Baley’s not hurting anymore. I miss her like crazy, but she knew we loved her!!
May 22nd 2008
9:15 AM
Brenda, you are absolutely right about this “Baley’s not hurting anymore.” When our dogs leave us to another realm, whatever illness they had on earth is completely gone. They are always in the pink of health as they were during their prime years. Baley is watching over you, always!
Jul 26th 2008
2:38 AM
I have a very close friend that had her dog euthanized after several bouts of cancer. the medicine used was phenobarbital IV. The dog weighed 59 lbs. What mg per kg is the correct doseage? Her dog suffered. She believes the dog didn’t receive enough of the med. I am just curious to know if the animals size, weight or age plays a role in the amt of medicine needed to do this unfortunate procedure. Any info is appreciated thanks.
Charlotte…
Jul 26th 2008
2:40 AM
Hi Charlotte,
Phenobarbital IV is generally used to sedate dogs in postoperative surgery. Having said, it is also used for euthanasia but the dosage given will have to be a lot more for it to take effect.
Yes, the amount of med needed to euthanize a dog depends on his/her weight, not its size nor age nor the condition of illness s/he has, if any. Again, the amount administered has to be either exact or more in accordance to the patient’s weight and nothing less otherwise it will not knock the dog off completely, so to speak.
Part of the reason I don’t enclosed the amount of dosage used on the site is for precaution reason. Hundreds of people (from all walks of life) view that page daily. I’d like to believe that people use the information for appropriate reasons however my conscience just won’t agree.
I’m very sorry, Charlotte, I can’t provide you with that information. I’m sure you understand my situation especially if you are in a medical field.
I’m also very sorry to hear about your friend’s predicament and especially the agony her dog went through. I do wish she gets proper veterinary care immediately if the dog is still alive. It’s a very painful situation for both dog and human to be in.
All the best!
Jul 26th 2008
2:42 AM
I thank you very much. Her dog did pass on but it was awful. I guess in life we all want things to go as smooth as possible but its not always like that. I was afraid that this med was wrong for this purpose. Thanks again for the info. Charlotte D.
Jul 28th 2008
12:12 PM
Hi,
I am writing on behalf of my parents dog Chrissy, She is a 15 year old llaso apso that seems to be sufferring from old age. She has pretty much lost her sight, has begun limping when she walks and is not going to the bathroom all over the house. I feel terrible even considering euthanization but, it is no longer a sanitary to keep her in the house. Need help with this matter, please reply.
Jul 29th 2008
8:37 AM
Hi Anthony,
I also came to this site with the same exact problem. My dog Gizmo was almost 12 years old when we had the same exact issues as you are speaking of. Our Vet also told us that he had Lymes Disease which was affecting his limbs. It was hard to watch him deteriorate and even harder to handle the urinating all over the house. My husband and I finally made up our minds to put him down. Believe me, this was the hardest decision, actually the decision was easier than actually going through with it. And unfortunately afterwards I had alot of guilt. But as months passed, I could see clearer and realized he was worse than we thought and did not deserve to suffer. When a Llaso loses its fur it is really a sad thing, all that beautiful fur, and Gizmo had a beautiful tail. We knew he was not in good health. I hope this helps with your decision. Try to look at it objectively, if possible. If Chrissy is suffering than, as the vet at the Humane Society said “Although it was a difficult decision, please be comforted to know it was a loving and humane thing to do.” Take care.