Urgent advice needed, euthanasia at home

[TheOnlyBeeInYourBonnet]

Unfortunately the time has come to make an appointment for my beautiful old GSD.

We have decided on a home visit, where she will be more relaxed and because a trip in the car will be painful for her.

I don't feel like I can hold it together for a thorough conversation with the receptionist and they're usually quite busy and brisk anyway.

Could anyone give me some tips on the practicalities? I understand the process but am unsure of how to prepare and set up for their visit. Am I unreasonable to think she could be on her bed in the lounge room? I don't know what to expect in terms of body fluids, etc.

I'm sorry, this is a horrible topic to talk about if you've been through it yourself but if you're doing OK now and there's anything you can share that might help, I'd appreciate it.

I’m off to sleep now but it was a good death. I’ll post more fully tomorrow. I cried making ‘the call’ but she died on the sofa in our arms 💔

As a dog mum to many rescues seniors I’ve been through this more times then I’d like. I only adopt oldies so while we don’t get to share our home with them for long I like to make their final journey as easy as possible and that means they always pass at home. Our vet always comes to us, usually later on in the day. If we’ve made the choice it’s always because we feel our dog has told us it’s time. We set up their bed wherever that might be with a towel on top just incase anything passes, doesn’t always but easier to clean. Our vet always gives them a sedative injection which makes them nice and comfortable and we stroke them and tell them they’re loved. After a few minutes the vet gives the final injection and they drift off quickly, it’s all very peaceful and calm. We always leave the nearest window open just a little so their spirit can leave, I don’t know why just something we’ve always done. I know it’s incredibly hard and extremely heartbreaking, nothing really prepares you for it.

We had the vet from our local pet crematorium do a home visit to euthanise my sisters very elderly dog last year . We’ve used the crematorium many times for all kinds of pets from horses to rabbits so know how lovely they are . Their vet just does euthanasias and the dog was pts very peacefully lying in my arms . I’ve been present at numerous euthanasia’s of dogs over the years and this was by far the most peaceful . The dog was wrapped in a blanket and there was a small urine leakage but that was all . The vet then took the dog away to be cremated and I collected her a day later .

Hi OP.
There is a service called Dignipets who specialise in at home euthanasia.
There website gives you step by step explanation of what to expect.
I've only heard good things about them.
Xx

Thank you all. I'm not in UK but the info on the Dignipets website was useful.

I did this with my cat when he became too ill to continue. It was desperately sad, but it was a positive experience. He died in my arms being patted and told how much he was loved. I was absolutely heartbroken and couldn't stop crying. But I could lay holding him for a while.

He was collected the next day by the crematorium. We had to put him in a box over night and that idea really wasn't nice, however the kids and I put flowers around his body and made his resting place that night very beautiful. The kids found that helpful too. They also wrote letters to him that went in the box to the crematorium with him.

Overall it still makes me want to cry, I miss him years later, but it felt calm, respectful and having him at home over night gave time to get used to him really not being there. Overall it felt the most respectful death we could have given him.

I’m so sorry!
It might be different where you live. In London you’re not allowed to bury euthanised pets in the garden but the vet just told us but didn’t check iykwim. He came in the evening and we kept her on the sofa overnight which was lovely, it was obviously in the morning that she’d ‘properly gone’ although of course she’d died the night before.

Thanks. She's being taken to the crematorium straight after.

It's good to know she can stay on her bed inside.

We did this a few years ago with our dog. It was a good way for her to go, vets were great.
Have what you want to do regarding burial, cremation organised.
Our most recent experience was at the vets and to be honest, that was fine too.
At home avoided having to be around other people or cart our poor old girl about in the car.

You are a good, good person.

How is she mentally? Is she still quite alert and 'with it'? If so, I'd ask your vet about a sedation first rather than them just going in with the final injection. If you opt for sedation don't let them rush you, make sure you wait a good 15 mins if not more before you give them the ok to administer the final injection. I'm speaking from bitter experience unfortunately.

We've had 2 dogs PTS at home and it went really well, very calm for the dogs and allowed our remaining dog to see them after and understand. The vet wrapped them in a towel before they took them out after as they can void urine but I didn't see that happen.

We had our lovely old girl euthanised at the vet hospital just over a week ago, she went downhill very fast and it was the Sunday before the Queen's funeral so the local vet was going to be shut until Tuesday. It was ok and the vet was skilled and reassuring but at home would have been much better for us and our dog. Our remaining dog is also very down and I think confused about what happened.

In practical terms at home, lying in bed is fine and if your dog is up to it, try and ensure they have had water and food before as it can be harder to access the vein if they are dehydrated.

I'm sorry @vjg13

How are you @TheOnlyBeeInYourBonnet
and your darling dog?

Big hugs to you. Its a sad but loving task when the time comes. FWIW, I get great comfort knowing my Lucy died at home with me holding her and looking into her eyes. I know she felt safe and loved right to the end.

@TheOnlyBeeInYourBonnet Thank you. How is your dog doing?

I've always had my dogs pts at home

I request a sedative from vets first which I give before hand so by time gets arrived they are sleepy

Dogs have just been put down on a bed/ blanket with me holding them

Very peaceful

He should be fine in his bed. When he dies his muscles relax and his bladder will empty, so a thick pad of kitchen towel to be inserted quickly under his sheath saves you getting pee everywhere. I don't remember bowels doing the same, though you could be prepared.

After you have had some time with him (and the vet and nurse have never rushed it) they will wrap him tenderly in a large woollen blanket and carry him out, unless you are making your own arrangements. That final departure is as heartbreaking as it gets.

I have always had mine individually cremated.

Thanks for checking up on us.

We are booked in for Monday. She will be spoiled rotten all weekend, all her favourite foods and lots of cuddles. She's the most cuddly dog ever, she'll come up and lean into me so hard I almost lose balance.

I'm so sorry for your. I'm going through the same. I've been in bits today. We were going to take him in but I'm going to contact the vet who comes to the home and hope she can come Monday ❤️

You*

@TheOnlyBeeInYourBonnet @CuriousMama I'm so sorry. It's the hardest decision to make. Yes it is also the kindest but knowing when it is time is so tough. I have my vet booked for Thursday, but my old boy has perked up again today and I'm thinking I should cancel the appointment. His eyes are so bright, his body not so great but better this afternoon than this morning. I'm literally changing my mind on an hourly basis. Pass well darling dogs x

I had to cancel in May. He's kept going since I started cooking him meals. It's a terrible emotional rollercoaster.
It's time now though ☹️

This is not our first appointment either, she keeps rallying as soon as we book one, it really messes with my head. She's in an awful state physically but still so cheerful and loving.

Ultimately though I'd rather let her go a month early than a day late and end up in some emergency situation where she's suffering or scared.

to you and your lovely pets @RosalindsAFuckingNightmare and @CuriousMama .