To not be in the room when my dog is put to sleep?

Yes, I had mine put to sleep at home, with the children and a big bowl of roast chicken. My 14 year old daughter rubbed his ears as he passed over and it was very peaceful. Pity I can’t have the same when my time comes!

Someone needs to be there. It doesn’t have to be you. I stayed with our pets. My husband wouldn’t want to. I did want to. It needs to be someone who can stay calm and focused on what the pet needs until they’ve passed.

If you were the main owner, I’d strongly disagree, but as your companion has other loved and familiar faces there, it’s not really whether it will benefit the dog, but how you’ll feel about it. Personally, I feel that my pet has been a great companion over the years so to be there when it’s put to sleep is a final act of service that I could do for her. I’d think, put your big girl pants on and be there-otherwise, I’d regret it deeply. Maybe you don’t feel like that-we’re all different-but if you think you’ll look back with regrets, then do it. But your dog will be sedated and have her beloved humans with her so don’t feel bad if it’s not for you.

I read about an owner that gave her dog chocolate 🍫 to lick / smell / nibble in her last trip to the vets. The dog died with her owner and chocolate.

If you've been a good owner I don't see the problem with not being there. Yes the dog might look around for you but it would do the same if going in for an operation, they don't know they're dying. If your dog could talk and you could explain how much it would stay with you and upset you and freak you out and asked permission to not be there, dogs are such lovely creatures they'd never expect you to be. Life is for the living and your dog's troubles will be over, don't do something that will negatively affect you for life if you feel strongly about it but also take alot of thought on whether missing it will haunt you. Hope you're taking care of yourself, it's the worst part of owning a dog.

Personally, I'd be with her. It's the last thing you can do for her.

If you dont, will you regret it? I don't know. I would.

DDog was PTS in December, and I've had two others over the years nad I would never not have been there.

Sorry for what you are going through.

This is very reassuring, as my dog was PTS recently having deteriorated quickly at the vet’s while hospitalised. The vet felt that he would suffer if he had to wait the 20 mins it would have taken me to get there. I wanted to be with him but couldn’t let him suffer. The posts online about dogs looking for their owner in their final moments have devastated me.

Thank you to the vets on in this thread that are countering the things you always see online about how your pet looks frantically for you. If your pet does not like the vets, they will be looking for you if you are dropping them off for a blood test. Some dogs get frantic and look for their owners when they get dropped a the groomers. They don't know they are going to be PTS.
My dog hates the vets, so I have some money put aside for home vet service when her time comes.

OP - you don't need to be there, especially as other family will be too. Your dog is not going to be looking for you specifically. As you said, they are already sedated anyway. I hope they have a peaceful passing.

Go and be with her, let her hear your voice once last time and let her know she's the bestest girl ever.
My soul dog died in surgery and it broke me to never see her and say good bye, it's the last thing you'll ever do for her is give her comfort, put her before your feelings.

If she has other family members there then it isn't an issue. The situation vets are talking about us when an owner leaves the dog alone with the vet and the animals is scared and concerned looking for their owner. This won't be the case. She's your family's dog as they got her when you were a teen so I don't think it should be expected of you if you haven't the stomach for it.

I think it is important your dog has someone there, and they will. I also think if you are going to struggle to hold it together it will be more distressing for your dog- I know mine gets very confused when I am upset. So whilst I would encourage every owner to make sure their dog isn't alone, yours wont.

Have some last cuddles and these precious moments.

Yeah. It’s not about you it’s about your dog. Please be with her 💔

Like a PP, I'm a vet, and agree you don't need to be in the room at all.

I've done countless euthanasias (maybe 1,000?) and the dogs aren't really focused on who is there, and I've never been disheartened when family weren't there, and don't feel it affects the dog.

If sedated, being there would be for you and not them. If you've decided you'd rather not be there, absolutely, protect yourself.

So sorry OP, it's heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet. I was there when my cat was put to sleep, as hard as it was, I didn't want him to be without me in his last moments, but if other family members are going to be there, it's totally up to you.

Another vet here who agrees with the vet above, do what is right for you. Your pet will have family around them, and too much upset can be a bad thing. The poster above who said it was the number one gripe of vets that owners weren’t with their animals, this is entirely wrong, and has been proved. Most owners stay, but some can’t and that is their choice. And believe me, that pet will have cuddles and comfort from the nurses and vets whilst they go.

For what it is worth I’m an oldish vet now and put many many animals to sleep. However I cannot contemplate being around a human who is dying and definitely could not see someone who has passed away, it gives me real fear. So each to their own and do what you need to do. Big hugs @angelllll .

My husband and I were with our dog for this last week. It was hard, so hard, we held and stroked her face as she died. I'm glad I was there for her though, that I was with her until the end. If you can find a way to be there, I don't think you'll regret it, but only you can decide.

Honestly...as hard as it is(I was in this situation last summer),you really should be there. I've heard they will look for you and it makes the whole thing more stressful for them 😞

I didn't stay with our first dog. He had dementia, didn't recognise us. Got him as a 2yr old rescue and had him 14 yrs. He tolerated us.
We said our goodbyes after he was sedated but before he was pts.I did go in after with dd, who was 5 maybe, to show her he was OK, that it wasn't scary and that he wasn't hurting anymore.

I stayed with my other dog as she was very bonded to me and would have looked for me. She was sedated in my arms and we only counted to 2 after the injection. She was ready to go.

You know your ddog best. Sorry you're in this position.

Nice attempt but plenty of us read it and possibly OP did
You've done the retraction, how about an apology too?

And now I have quoted myself (muppet) but I am taking about @ChopolateSauce

The last pet we had PTS me, DD and DH went to see her, DS didn't but he had no relationship with her BUT then only I stayed in the room with her.
I was her main person and there was no need for dcat or anyone else to have more than one of us there. Its calmer that way, plus I am more able to hold it together than anyone else.

You.dont need to be there. Your dog has others who will hold their paws.

When we've had our pets put to sleep I've always gone and been there but my DP hasn't. I think as long as there is someone who your dog loves is there, that is totally fine. A room full not necessary. You can do goodbyes at home.

If it helps, seeing my lovely pets put to sleep has always been sad but so full of love, knowing we've had alot of love and fun through life. They've been out of pain and died peacefully. Going home without them has been the heartbreaker.

ooft that’s some edit from the previous poster! 👀

I’ve had two dogs PTS and I was there both times. I stroked the dog and told them how much they were loved. It’s hard but it’s the right thing to do. A dog dedicated their life to you, it’s the least we can do.

No she isn't and there is no need to be so rude
Read the thread, there will be other loved ones with her

What a shit, horrible way to talk to someone obviously struggling with an incredibly hard decision.

Fucking hell.