Putting them to sleep. Can anyone tell me about it?

[parrotonmyshoulder]

It’s time to make this decision for our old boy. I think I want this one last weekend with him, to take him on some short walks to his favourite places and have a few more days of cuddles.
He’s old, with a tumour that’s affecting his breathing. He’s not comfortable and I know I have to do this.
But what happens. Do I take him to the vet (he likes it!) and stay with him while it’s done? Do they take him to a different room? Will I have to stand in reception and pay afterwards (obviously I know I will pay, but not sure I’ll be able to hang around waiting for the receptionist to faff about etc).
Just need to hear what I can expect, if anyone is willing to share. Thanks.

I would ring them and ask. In both my cases, we went in together, my cat sat on the table while I held/stroked him, the vet did the injection and we felt him slip away. We stood quietly for a few minutes talking and a few tears (I felt I was leading the timing) and the vet covered him over and then let us out through the back - he said he never takes owners through the front reception after PTS.

We rang up and paid afterwards.

Sorry you’re facing this x

Thanks. Even reading that brought the tears.
I know it’s time.
Going out the back is nice, and all the vets there have been very kind.

You tell them when you call and down they will foot you in at the end of the shift so it’s quiet and calm. I’ve had multiple different experiences and sometimes they take them out the back to insert a cannula, sometimes it’s done in the consulting room. But once they perform the injection it’s very quickly over. They will then allow you to have some time alone. You need to consider your options for “after” before you go. You can get group cremation with no cremains, or get your own dogs ashes back for a cost. Some vets offer paw prints/fur clippings.

I’m so sorry you are losing a V much loved pet. It’s hard but I’ve always said it’s better to let them go a day too soon than a minute too late and see them struggle with pain. It’s very hard but it’s really a choice that’s made with pure love.

I would ask to pay before.

When we took my. Cat they took her out the back to put a cannula in then brought her back to administer the injection with us present. .
It was very peaceful and we took her home with us.
Enjoy your weekend together ❤️

I had my old girl put to sleep earlier in the year. They took her into another room just to put the cannula in. Then they brought her back in and we all sat on the floor and the vet administered the drugs while me and my family stroked and cuddled our dog.
She fell into my lap very quickly and took her last breaths on me. It was all very peaceful and quick. The vets then left us to stay as long as we wanted with her.

Big hugs OP xxx

We had to do this for our old Labrador. The vets asked us to come last thing so we could take as much time as needed. If you can bear it, be with your dog as apparently otherwise they can be searching for you in their last moments. The vet allowed us time to say goodbye and then when we were ready, the injection itself was very quick. Our dog just fell asleep, completely peacefully. We stayed with him to say goodbye and then when we were ready, we left. We’d already decided to leave him there. I think the vet sent an invoice after. For a while after, that was my memory of him but it faded and now I remember all the good times. I’m so glad we were with him and found the whole thing, although sad and upsetting, as reassuring as it could be. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this but giving our pets a pleasant release is a final kindness. I hope it goes ok.

Our old dog got very ill, very quickly and we were at the vets first thing Monday morning. The vet gives you the option to be there with them or not. We chose to stay with him. He went away to be given a slight sedative to relax him and the vet brought him back. He was a small dog, so I held him on my lap as she administered the final drugs and as he passed. He was very calm, he was in his favourite place (my lap) and it was really comforting to be with him.

There was no expectation to pay the vet any money that day and I went back a week or so later to settle up.

We did all the 'admin' before , they took her through to another room to sort out the cannula etc then invited us to sit with her, The nurse waited with us, it was quick and peaceful though obviously upsetting. We then left and sorted ourselves out. Our dear dog was only 5 1/2 and suddenly had multiple seizures so the before part was rather traumatic but it's just something you have to do xxx

Thanks for sharing all of this, it’s really helpful.

Hi there, I’m so sorry for what you are going through. It’s heartbreaking end never gets easier. I’ve done this three times now. Your vet will know how to manage this in the kindest, loveliest way, to make it easier. The way it happens with my vet is first you have time to discuss the decision and agree it’s the kind and necessary route. When you are ready they take your dog out of the room briefly to fit a cannula and give a sedation. Then he comes back in the room and settles on a comfy blanket for last cuddles. He’s quite relaxed and sleepy by this stage. The drug is inserted via the cannula while you cuddle him and tell him he’s the best boy ever, and it’s like he just falls asleep. Then you have as long in the room as you need while you gather yourself. You can go straight home and pay an invoice later. Honestly my vets are just so lovely and understanding. Then you go home and have a cry but remind yourself you’ve done him the ultimate act of kindness and stopped his suffering. Have a lovely weekend with your boy xxx

We had one pts on 19th September and one 18 days later. Bloody cruel.
They do take ddog to have the cannula put in then brought back to you before any meds are put through. You actually don't need to pay on the day. Consider if you want private cremation via vet or a local service chosen by you. So possibly 2 separate bills...
Please please stay with your beloved boy. It's the last treat they really need. That last hug.

Does your dog like the vets?

If no, find a company that will do it at home.

Mine loved the vets so was happy to let him go there, he had a cannula in as he’d been in for scans. He went in my arms and was soft and warm and cuddly to the end. The vet warned me his eyes would be open so she closed them.

It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The hardest yet the most positive thing I have ever done. I still worry that it was too soon but he had so many things going on it was for the best. If I’d have kept him going it would have been for my own selfish pleasure, not his.

When I had to put my boy down (stage 4 cancer that went undetected and started affecting his breathing), he was a big ridgeback so he was given a sedative and then injected once drowsy. It took a bit longer than I thought it would but he was 55kg. It was very peaceful though and the vets covered him with a blanket as if he was sleeping when we left.

He was then collected a couple days later for cremation. His bill was paid by his insurance but I know our vets do not release the ashes until the bill is settled. .

It is heartbreaking, we took ours to the beach on the way for one last walk/paddle, bit take comfort they are not suffering anymore.

Recently done this with my 14 yr old girl..
I emailed vet and they called me to discuss as we wanted a last weekend with her. It was so lovely we could all say goodbye in our own time and way, a real privilege.
We were with her on the day, I sat on the floor and held her for the cannula. We gave her a gazillion treats and she flopped on my lap a lovely warm girl surrounded by her fave people.
We chose to take her with us and went straight to a private pet cremation place from there, all pre planned.
I called vet and paid next day I think.
Sending love, its so hard to say now it's time, but it's the best thing I ever did for her, she was ready. Be brave ❤️

I've been with 8 of mine over the years. Please, please, please stay with him, they really need you at the end. Don't let him die with strangers. I held all mine as they went. They know you are there. Its otherwise peaceful. They always send me the bill because I am in bits.

The vet will need to put an intravenous line in, usually in their front leg, then administer an injection that makes them quickly lose conciousness, and then they continue to inject until the heart stops. Some pets are sedated before this happens, so that they aren’t stressed by the iv placement.

The vet will be guided by you - it’s possible to stay with your pet during the whole process; some people stay while the pet is sedated and leave once they’re asleep, but before the euthanasia is given; some people don’t want to be present at all.
In lots of places there are now vets offering dedicated home visits for euthanasia, if this is something you’d prefer.

If you want to decide on options like cremation in advance, or pay in advance, then call them and ask to do this, and let them know at the time if there’s anything else you would like to happen (play music, pet sitting on your lap, taking favourite toys and treats). Everybody has different reactions and thoughts about death so there isn’t a one size fits all, but the vet will do their best to go with whatever your wishes are.

So sorry you are having to face this, just to add think about what do you want to happen with your loved ones body?
When we have said good bye to our cats we have buried them here at home and as such the vet has come to us at home and sent the bill after the event.

With the cat (not sure if it is the same with dogs) they give 2 injections one to send them to sleep and one to stop their heart, we have had as much time as we wanted then they check the heart to see if it has stopped beating.

We have always cuddled them for quite a long time afterwards. 💐

Does your dog like the vets?
If no, find a company that will do it at home

We did this with DDog. She was old and had some health issues but seemed happy, and then went rapidly downhill one day and was clearly in pain. She hated the vet, and I couldn't bear to take her, and I didn't like our registered vet, so called a different one I asked them to come out.

They came quickly (vet and assistant I assume, or trainee?) and they were lovely. It was very peaceful for DDog but I was a mess after and just sobbed. They said kind words and let themselves out. DDog was buried in the garden, I didn't want her taken away and cremated.

The vet sent a condolence card, even though they had only met us that day. I had not expected that, it was very kind.

For such a horrid experience it went very well, but cost over 100 I think, I didn't care at the time I just wanted it done right, and it was worth it for DDog and for me. I have never had a pet put to sleep in the vet so I don't know what that cost to compare.

for you and your DDog

Our vet surgery has some LED candles in reception, there's a big sign next to them saying that if they're lit, someone is saying their last goodbyes to their beloved pet and please be respectful. When we had our old girl put to sleep, we were left in the room as long as we felt necessary and they even brought us a mug of tea each in. Then when we were ready, they took us out the back door and not through reception. It is as kind and dignified as you'd wish it to be. We paid the bill a few days later.

My vet was lovely. They book a double appointment so there is no rush and vets was quiet. We went in to consulting room and there was mat on floor for my dog to lie down on. The vet explained, then left me for few minutes before sitting on floor with us to administer drugs, then left me for few minutes. After she passed, vet didnt rush me. I had already asked them to arrange cremation. Receptionist told me the bill could wait until I was ready or when I came to collect ashes. They were so kind and the practice sent a condolence card.

Its the hardest decision but it was the right decision.

We got our wee cat pts. My dp couldnt stay as he was so upset. I stayed with him and stroked and spoke to him. It was surprisingly qiick.
So sorry, its heartbreaking
X

Oh I'm so sorry you've reached this. It is the kindest thing you can do.

I had to make the same decision during covid but I was allowed to hold my dear friend. I sat on the floor with him, cuddled him. It was so very peaceful. He just fell asleep. I've since rehomed an old lady, just for a year, and I think she's also too tired now.

Be there, hold them. That's all, really.

My boy was pts this morning. He loved the vets, and so it was done there. We were whisked into a room as soon as the receptionist saw us come in, then a vet and vet nurse joined us. The vet explained everything while ddog had his run of the treat jar. He then had a cannula put in (for a smaller or less good veins dog they would have taken him into the back) and then she injected through that. He’d stopped breathing before it all went in. Super peaceful for him. We then went straight out- from previous experience with cats they will send the bill in a week or so to pay online.
its such a hard decision, but the kindest thing you can do

We had to have our darling boy PTS Xmas day. He was poorly but not ready to go, but sadly had some sort of episode and couldn’t hold his weight. Me, DH and 2 adult children all held him and kissed him whilst he was PTS. We were all so devastated. Afterwards in the waiting room we were all in tears. My DD paid as I was sobbing so much. The vets were wonderful though. Be with him if you can, hold him tight and tell him how much you love him. I’m so glad we did. Sending hugs.

Sending you sympathies and all the support. Wishing you a weekend of happy walks, cuddles and precious time together.

My amazing vets came to our house - my boy hated and was terrified of any vet surgery. It meant our other dogs could see him before and after, apparently that’s helpful to them?

It was peaceful, we were a mess and the vets were so kind to us all. Then we had him collected by a pet cremation company locally, who could not have been more compassionate.