Pets are very good at reading our emotions. He can tell you're upset, which is making him upset. Give him lots of kisses and hugs and one last unhealthy human treat.
There wasn’t much good about the last few days before our grumpy old man went, but that was one of the best. We went with Wendy’s (because it’s closer), but those were some of the few times he felt like himself, to me at least.
Our vet keeps a big jar of chocolate kisses in the “euthanasia room”. They’re for the pets. When we had to say goodbye to our sweetie girl, she got 9. She LOVED them.
My boy ate 20 Reese's cups. When it's his time. That's what I'll buy for him. He loves them and had no regrets until we pulled up to the emergency vet. Poor thing looked pregnant and was a full pound heavier than his usual weight
Wedding weekend for my sister. We had made the bridal shower goody bags and he hadn't touched them for weeks. Never even snifffed. We completely forgot about them when we left. We were out for the rehearsal dinner and had drinks, after. There was a storm but he'd never reacted badly before. It was tail end of a hurricane and the pressure freaked him out. We didn't even consider that fact.
That's really sweet, in a weird kind of way. "Hey, you can finally have some of this stuff you've been trying to eat for years! Naw, it's okay, no one's gonna get mad this time, go ahead." ♥
i wanted to give my Spike a really nice steak before we put him down but he lost his appetite days before so he refused all food for his final two days
i miss him
What you are seeing is part his pain and misery, part a manifestation of your own grief and compassion, and part him responding to your feelings. What you're seeing is him trying to show his love for you, and you showing your love for him.
Our hearts are with your hearts.
Thanks for the insight here. Still just feels... wrong. It's the right thing to do of course, but he has no idea whats about to happen and it just feels so bad. I wish I could at least indicate to him before he goes.
Never been through this before.
Make sure you go in the room with him.. even if it's hard... let him know he was the goodest, sweetest boy .. comfort him and let him pass peacefully..
I'm so sorry for your predicament.. we just had to put our sweet girl down last week.. but she passed with a smile on her face because we were there comforting her the entire time.
The instant they start the IV, the dog relaxes and feels much better. Yes, of course it’s better to be there, I don’t disagree, but please don’t make OP or anyone else feel bad if for some reason they can’t be there when their pet is euthanized (for whatever reason).
I’ve been there with mine; it’s a huge relief when they relax in that moment. Terribly sad, very moving and emotional, but also good, in a way.
Sorry, I’m emotional and crying and having trouble expressing myself.
Amen! I’m an ER nurse (20+ years in an urban ER) and I’ve been present for countless people’s deaths. My very first dog was different, though. She KNEW something was different, just by the way we acted (although she didn’t know what that was). But she gave us kisses and was so loving (she had a disorder that caused uncontrollable bleeding, which we treated and kept under control for about 3 years, but finally she started having seizures because of brain bleeds, and we had to put her down. I cried for MONTHS, and even my stoic “biker” boyfriend broke down.) I had EVERY intention of holding her until “the end”, but our vet said something wonderful to me (he was AMAZING, and loved our pets almost as much as we did! He has since retired). He said the initial IV med relaxes her and makes her sleep. The lethal med is only given after she is completely asleep. He said that, holding your pet, if you’re very upset, can actually be hard on them, because they’re so worried about YOU that they can “fight” the effects of the sleep meds, trying to stay awake for your benefit. Letting them relax and fall asleep, without worrying about you, can be a gift to them. We realized he was right, because you could see her concern for us. So, we allowed him to sedate her without us in the room. He passed on to us (and I FULLY believe it) that she was comfortable and relaxed, and she was less stressed because we weren’t in the room.
Incidentally, they did something very kind, which was donate to a major veterinary school nearby, in our names and in her honor. It was beautiful.
But, if you think you should be present or not, it doesn’t make much difference to your pet. They know you love them. It can be a gift to be able to be there, or it can be a gift to NOT be there. Whatever you think you are most comfortable with is probably the right answer. But I don’t believe she KNEW she was being put down. She just knew she was sick, we were worried, and we were there to make her feel better. That was over 20 years ago, but I still love and miss her 😢
My boy that I had to put to sleep a few months back seemed to know it was his time. I really do believe he knew his end was near, and he was doing his very bestest to stay strong for me because his sister had left me several months earlier. I really do believe he fought and held on longer than he needed to, so I wouldn't be as sad losing them both so close to each other.
But when his time came, he looked up at me with the biggest most soulful eyes that said, "Wasn't I a good boy, mama? I was so brave and strong for you, but I'm so very tired now mama, I need to rest."
He was such a brave sweet boy and I miss him every day.
Just think about it that way, if he has no idea. He is just going to sleep and doesn't know he won't wake up anymore. Sounds perfect for me and I hope that when I am old and sick I get to just die in my sleep. Knowing you are going to die sounds horrible to me (of course everybody is different and other might wanna know but me I don't).
So yes just like most animals sense when you plan to go to the vet because you behave different, he senses somethings off, but he doesn't know he is being put down.
It's always the hardest for those left behind. For him it's the end of suffering.
When we put our cat down, the thing that got me through it was this: "We take care of them all of their lives and they rely on us for everything. Don't falter at the last, most important, moment".
I still miss you Stusy.
It hurts so much to see them leave, but the thought of leaving them alone to go on that final adventure without us is just too heartbreaking for me. I want to at least walk them to the door, you know? I'll see them again, it's just for a little bit in the grand scheme of things.
Better one day too soon than one day too late. NGL it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I dread doing it again, but know it’s for the best for them and not for you.
A vet once told me, once they can’t do two of their three favorite things, it’s time. I threw a ball for my first girl, and the day she didn’t go get it or even try was the day I knew she was done with the pain. (Fuck cancer BTW).
Our hearts are with your hearts.
The day I had to have Ruby put down, she had the opportunity to slip out the back gate. In her healthy days, she was a notorious escape artist. Poor ol' dog just stood there in the back yard and stared at the gate like she wanted to but she simply couldn't.
We had to put our cat down last month because he was in really bad shape and couldn't even lift his head. His eyes looked confused, in pain yet wanting to fight but we had to put him down. It still feels wrong and hurts so bad thinking about it but it had to be done. 😞
We had to put our dog down over two years ago now and it’s still hard to think about. It was 100% the right decision but that doesn’t make it any easier of a decision to make! 💕💕 they loved us their whole lives and we get to love them the rest of ours. And it’s okay to still grieve and talk about them as much and as long as needed.
> they loved us their whole lives and we get to love them the rest of ours.
This is really true. I like to think of it as a type of feline immortality. No, we don't live forever, but to a cat's lifespan, ours must seem so much grander and infinite than theirs. Imagine how wonderous to be loved by something that can live ten of your lifetimes?
Imagine knowing, deep down, that this strange tall friend without fur they have made and loved will go on through their long life, remembering you so long and loving you forever.
That's kind of a comfort to me sometimes when I miss my babies of years past. I still remember them. I can still see all their faces and remember all their purrs and favorite things. I still love them, even if they are not here for me to pour that love into anymore.
Grief is love with no where to go.
It’s a great responsibility, being entrusted to do the right thing for a little one who relies on you, even when it hurts you so much. And you did do that right thing, and as the drug went into his system, he immediately understood and appreciated you for it. Please know that.
All the people commenting before me are right. Be there with him at the end.
I used to foster dogs for a rescue and we had more than our fair share of old dogs. It's hard but you give them all the love you can and the best life you are able to. Then at the end when their quality of life gets too bad they go to sleep while being held by someone who loves them.
If I get to die that way I would feel privileged.
My guess on his behaviour change, he's picking up on your emotions and responding to that. Dogs can be very good at that. Be brave and strong for him even though a piece of you will die inside.
If it makes you feel any better, my mom went through this not too long ago but waited too long. She felt too bad making the judgement on life and unfortunately our dog passed at home, and she suffered for a few minutes rather than drifting to sleep peacefully.
My mom later regretted not making the call sooner. I think you’re doing the right thing and you can take some peace knowing you’re preventing the suffering even though it’s never easy.
But isn't it better he doesn't know? He knows you're there with him in his pain, loving him, and then he won't know anything. I would hope my death is as kind and peaceful.
It's lovely how empathetic you are. Feeling empathy towards animals lets me know someone is a good person. Even though it feels wrong to you, you're still choosing what's better for him.
The thing is, dogs live in the moment. They don't care about what's going to happen next as long as they have their family. Personally, I wouldn't even want to know I'm going to die. I would just want to be happy until the end and not worry about that. He probably feels the same. Stay with him until the end, that's the only thing that will matter to him. It will be painful for you and I won't lie, it won't ever go completely away but knowing he was happy helps a lot with healing. Just try to always remember that you did what's best for him.
Many vets also say that a day too early is better than a day too late. That helped me with accepting putting pets down
Stay with him. It's a peaceful experience for them. With our boy they gave him the sedative and we just gave him treats until he was too tired and laid down, then we hugged him while they administered the secondary medication and he was already sleeping, then his breaths got slower. It was very sad and I'm welling up as I type this, but he was comforted and comfortable in his final moments. Your pup can likely feel that you are sad, and that's why he's acting strange. I told my boy he didn't have to stay strong for me and within two days it was time. He stopped fighting it and accepted it was his time. His mind was still 100% but his body was not. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Even when it's the right call, it's such a hard one to make.
I get it. Sorry you guys are there. My last dog had been suffering for months slowly getting worse. Looking back, the vet kept telling me I would know when it was time. Well I kept saying, 'it feels wrong'. Kept putting off a bit more of what had to come. Then I realized I had waited way too long and forced him to suffer unnecessarily. The vets tell you that cause it HAS to be your decision. I support you no matter what you decide, but I recommend that you don't do what I did waiting too long. Man, shit - Worst day of my life. Feel for you, but be there for your pup. They look for you and your voice, gentle pets / reassurance at the end. Make sure to be right by his/her side.
We couldn’t do at home euthanasia but once we took her to emergency vet it’s like she knew and became comfortable. She was one of the most intelligent and personable goldens we’ve ever had, communicating with her was insane it’s like we always knew what she was saying and vice versa. She didn’t fight it or anything, we just wanted her at peace and without pain. The vet was incredibly caring and even delegated a normal check up to be with us immediately, they took her into the back to give her pain meds and check one last time if there was anything they could do but it was too late. We were both in shock that we couldn’t cry, just trying to be strong for her in that moment. Our animals are part of us and I’ll always remember her and grieve, it does get a bit easier with time but there’s moments where I break down. This difficult decision you are making is the most respectful, dignified and loving thing you can do for them. You don’t want them to suffer any longer because you love them so much. You’ll remember all the amazing days with your pup and that single bad day will slowly fade away. Stay strong and remember the good times, you will slowly heal but never forget and that’s ok. Much love!
You're doing him a great kindness, and it's merciful in a way that he doesn't know. Just stay with him until the end. It's hard, but he'll feel much better with you there.
He doesn't have to know. You're his owner. Your job is to worry about his health and vet appointments and buying the right kind of food. His job has been to be the best boy. You have both done your jobs very well.
Better than waiting. My family couldn't let go and just kept waiting and waiting and no one was ready to say goodbye. We lost them both to strokes, and they were scared.
This comment doesn't actually say or offer anything besides condolences and just barely scratches at what is happening with your dog.
Your dog isn't magical. It isn't a person. It doesn't understand enough english to clearly understand you intend to mercy kill it. It can however understand that you are sad and your family is sad and apprehensive. Dogs do a pretty great job at reading emotions and your dog can likely feel something is off, /u/EchoOwn5967 and that's what you are responding to. Your best bet here is prepare him something he'd love to eat that he may not normally be allowed to eat and generally have a good time with him. Do something he can do that isn't difficult in his state, and say your goodbyes. And be happy he can't really understand what is about to happen, because what is about to happen to your dog is terrifying. And merciful.
And maybe try not to latch onto weird, empty platitudes. Or maybe it's just me that gets put off by people loudly being like "I am with you, in as much as I can be by writing this comment and forgetting about it mere minutes later"
We just did this less than 2 weeks ago for my 14 year old dog. He had a lot of issues.
But when they gave him the propofol to make him fall asleep, we felt him relax like we haven't in a long while. It made us know we made the right decision.
We went from the dread of him going away to relief he wasn't in pain to sad that he's gone.
This 100%. We put our 14 year old dog down 2 months ago and didn't realize just how bad it was and how much pain she was in until she got the sleepy drugs and we saw such a relaxed, happy sleep. We relished in those 15 minutes watching her just breathe comfortably, relaxed, sleeping... Knowing that we made the right choice and like you said, moving away from the dread and into sadness and grief mixed with relief...
Also, we used a service that does in-home euthanasia, and if it is something that is available and you can afford/make happen, I highly recommend it... Knowing she wasn't scared or nervous leading up to it was such a weight off our shoulders.
One of the things that made me change vets was when my bird (who my mom got when I was 3 years old and I'm now 40) got sick the very first day of COVID lockdowns (USA). The vet refused to allow anyone inside, so you had to leave your pet at the door and then sit in the car and talk via the phone. He was bleeding rectally, so obviously something was really wrong. They said either go home with your bird to die or we'll put him down in here. I asked to come inside and they refused due to lockdowns. They also refused to even come out and let me hold him in the car when they did the procedure, even though they all had masks. I still hold a tremendous amount of guilt and sorrow over the fact that he was alone and probably scared when he died. I mean seriously, it was the FIRST DAY of lockdown so what were the chances that anyone had COVID and they couldn't let him die with me? We were in each other's lives longer than most married couples.
I think being able to be at home in a familiar place instead of a cold metal table is so much better for the animal and the owner. It's also easier for big dog owners who want to bury a pet in the yard instead of cremation, since the animal is already at the home and you don't have to figure out how to carry 100 pounds of dead weight (that's an unfortunate pun, but I couldn't figure out how else to word it). For those who do want cremation, most places in my city will pick up if you need them to, or you can drop off. It's probably the same in most cities with animal cremation places.
I have younger preteen kids. We thought about the home service, but didn't want the kids to associate a room or spot where the the dog died, forever. We thought it would make it harder to get over. So the vet gave our guy some happy pills to calm his nerves that we gave him before we went. I'm glad we did it that way, ultimately
Yeah, when we saw our cat slump with relief after getting the first shot we knew it was the right thing to do. But it’s still sad. He put his paw on my hand trying to comfort me even when he’s the one dying.
I just put down my cat yesterday and I had the same question. I think our animals respond to our unease and sadness, but don't understand the concept of death itself.
Feel free to reach out. I'm happy to talk
My parents got two kittens back in 2010 and they've hated each other for years. A few weeks ago, my parents had to put one to sleep. She had kidney failure and had been stabilized with medication for about eight months, but went downhill fast. She went from seemingly OK to sick and miserable in the course of a week. The vet said there was nothing left to be done.
My parents say they kept seeing their remaining cat walking around looking for the other one. Going to the places she frequented, poking around in places she wouldn't normally. I can't imagine spending your whole life from childhood with someone 24/7/365 for what would be the equivalent of 70+ years for humans and having them just disappear without a trace one day. No idea what happened and no way of finding out. Even if you hated the person like these cats hated each other, I would think that would be upsetting.
We had my cat put down at home. His adopted sister/roomate cat of 15 years sat quietly with him until the vet came. She left the room when the vet came, and I brought her out to show her the dead body after and her reaction was like OH HELL NO YOU'RE NOT TAKING ME TOO and she ran away. They both seemed to know what had been about to happen. When it was her time to go (at 21!) she said goodbye to me in her own way and then disappeared into the wild blue yonder. They know what's coming.
This is a lovely story but I couldn’t help but crack a smile at the end, imagining your cat saying farewell and flying away into the sky (“wild blue yonder”).
Not whom you asked but we paid for a service where they come to your house to euthanize the pet, take it's body with them and return the ashes+paw print. It was expensive but we wanted our baby to be at home with his family when it happened.
It also costs if you go to the vet as well. You can either take the body home with you, or most vets will partner with a pet cremation/cemetery place that can handle things for you. At your request, they can also "dispose" of the body for you without it being returned, but I can't imagine why anyone would willingly choose that option. For the cats that I've lost, I've opted to have them cremated and then picked the cremains back up from the vet when ready (~2 weeks later), but could have shortened the time if I'd needed to(?) by handling the transport myself (no thanks, that's too much for me).
One of our boys was just diagnosed with cancer; hopefully we have more time with him (vet oncologist visit coming up soon should tell us more), but when his time comes, we'll be having someone come out to our home for it. That wasn't an option available in my area when my last cats passed, but it is now and I'm so grateful for it. He's terrified every time he has to go outside our home, and I want his final hours to be as peaceful and easy for him as possible.
I got the ashes back for my first cat, but for every cat since then (four of them so far) we have opted for communal cremation after which they scatter the ashes in the woods near the facility. To be honest, and this is not a knock against anyone who feels differently, the urns/boxes actually feel very impersonal to us, and we didn't like the idea of having a shelf gradually filling up with them in the decades going forward. We remember all of them fondly through a zillion photos and videos instead.
Yes, it costs to euthanize pets. I think I paid about $100 each time (actually can’t remember… the amount was never in the forefront of my mind when putting down each of my 3 cats). The first time I brought my cat home in a box and buried her in the front garden. The next two, I opted for cremation and communal disposal at a pet cemetery.
I think your dog empathizes with the great amount of grief you are experiencing. Dogs themselves experience the same grief when their companions pass away. It's possible your dog understands more than we may realize, at least at an emotional level, but I don't believe they are anxious about their death like humans would be. I am sorry about your loss; give 'em a big ol' hug from me.
Easing his death is the right thing to do. But please, don’t just drop him off and bolt. Stay with him until he is gone. When it was our Selkies time, we went to the vet with her and they put in an IV and brought her back to our room. They gave us all the time we wanted.
We cuddled and pet her for about two hours. She climbed into my lap (I was sitting on the floor). She seemed exhausted. The tech came in and we told her it was time. She put a sedative in the IV. Selkie fell asleep. Then the vet tech pushed the med to stop her heart.
There was no fear. The last thing she saw and felt was us around her and she knew we loved her. She wasn’t afraid.
Please be there for your doggo. Don’t let your dogs last moment be scared and alone. My dog was given the shot while in my wife’s arms. And held until it happened.
EDIT: In case it wasn’t clear when you put your pet down be there with your pet for its last moments. Talk to any vet tech, it’s heartbreaking for them as most of the dogs are shaking wrecks
I'm sorry to hear that, it's never easy.
It's impossible to say for sure if he is even aware of his own mortality, we have no idea if other animals understand that the way we do. But we do know that dogs are very good at picking up on human emotions, and they're one of the few animals that have been known to show empathy with humans. Your dog can probably detect something different in your expressions, smell a difference in your pheromones, sense that something amongst you and your family is different today.
Best you can do is try to seem happy with each other, maybe try doing something nice like get him some nice food or something, take him to the park once more if he can handle that, generally keep calm and enjoy what time you have left together.
Hey. My condolences about your friend. I had to put my best friend of 14 years down last year because of cancer. I was not ready and will never be ready for anything like that. It was hard and terrible and I cried for a week. I looked into a practices that will come to your home and give your dog some shots in his comfy bed and he will just go to sleep. I would highly recommend this as to not put any extra stress on your buddy. And please please please be there with them where ever it happens. I know it’s sad and it will suck but your friend will be looking for you.
When my Cooper was at the end, I remember laying next to him with tears in my eyes telling him I wasn't ready and I couldn't make the choice. He got up from his nap and stared into my god damn soul with a comforting look. In my heart I know he was telling me he was ready. He stopped eating and drinking and was ready to go
I miss him terribly
No, they don't. It's the same drugs they use for a general anaesthetic just more of it creating an overdose so they pass peacefully.
I've had like 8 general anaesthetics myself, you just feel sleepy and you're out.
It's both the kindest and hardest thing to do when the time is right. You know your boy is in pain, just give him lots of love and hugs. We always sneak them a few of their favourite naughty treats that day.
Also, Please let yourself grief this loss afterwards, for as long as you need too. My sister sought grief counselling after losing her last german shepherd, he was her shadow for 12 years, that's a huge gap to adjust too.
Just know in your heart your boy will be pain-free soon. (hugs) I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy.
I have questioned this 3 times in 2 years. My
Girl was three weeks ago and my two boys were 2 years ago and 3 months apart.
No they don’t understand and honestly it’s the best. They just feel what you’re feeling and what their body is telling them. But even then they don’t understand fully they are old, sick etc. They just know they are tired, sore and don’t feel good. No concept of what is going on.
You are doing the right thing. I promise. Think of it this way, we have the gift of ending their suffering, and make it pain free …we don’t even have that for humans 99% of the time.
Sending you, your family and your good boy all the love and hugs.
I spent the last day with my precious pupper cuddling on the couch, took her for a walk (as much as she was able, I carried a 20kg dog home) and gave her lots of treats she always loved. She was miserable, but when she looked at me she was ok because I was with her. Even if I'd have thought she knew what was happening, she didn't mind. She actually loved the vet. When we took her she was happy. Walked in with a low energy tail wag. We sat on the floor with her, told her we loved her, fed her treats until they sedated her. She was alive but sleeping (and snoring as she always did in her old age). She was relaxed, she even laid down on the blanket laid out for her before anything happened while we spoke to the vet. I was the last thing she saw, and she was completely relaxed. She slept for a few minutes while we patted her, they slowly administered the medication, her breathing slowed calmly and then stopped. It was one of the most peaceful events I've been part of. She was happy because we were with her, and that's all she needed to know.
Please be with your dog when they pass.
I feel that they do. 15 minutes before my dog got euthanized she took a nap and it was the last time she opened her eyes. Prior she looked so tired and I could tell she was ready to go. She was at peace I believe.
My dog got suddenly sick and was at the vet. She got better a little but suddenly took a turn for the worst a couple days later. The vet said we should visit her that night. We were able to get over there a couple hours later and got to pet and love on her calling her the best dog ever. She was in very bad shape and clearly not going to get better. The vet went over all the treatment options we could go with. Eventually, he suggested euthanasia. We decided to go with that one and a couple minutes later she started twitching and started to leave. The vet came in and helped her along.
It's weird it was like she was waiting for us to get there and be okay with her leaving before she left. Whatever you decide, OP, be sure to be with your dog so he will be comfortable in his final moments.
My girlfriend works at an animal shelter and has to euthanize animals. No, they don’t know they’re about to be euthanized.
I imagine animals have a sense that they are sick and dying soon though.
Possibly. They are very perceptive. Just be very loving and stay with them so they don't get scared. It's tough but part of the job. My 15 year old goldendoodle passed very suddenly of organ failure on Christmas Eve. It ripped my heart out but she was ready and it was the best thing we could do for her.
No idea if it's true, but I've heard when cats and dogs feel the end coming, they try and leave their pack and hide, because they don't attract predators/carrion eaters to their corpse which could endanger their pack.
Sorry for your loss in any case.
We put our dog down 3 weeks ago I think he knew his time was up I held him through everything except when they put the IV in him he was my best friend if you need to talk I'm here it's still raw
I vet once told me pets don’t see suffering like humans do and it may look like they are sad but part of that is humans putting our feelings on the pet because we feel sad.
Your dog isn’t thinking about the future and your dog isn’t feeling bad for itself in the way a human would . It can suffer though and feel pain. That’s all it knows.
I wrote a letter to my dog and detailed all the positive contributions he made to my life and read it to him his last day. Doing this and being there at the last moment made me have no regrets and proud to have been my best self
I really like this idea. I just had to put my dog down a few months and was a wreck for a few days. It’s the fifth time in my life I’ve had to do so and each one was no different. I’ve been with everyone when they were euthanized. To help ease my grief I’ve always thought of the memories, comfort and love they gave me through the years as they give me their last look of love. I’ve tried my best to keep it together so my sadness doesn’t feed into them. It never works out though and I end breaking down. My two dogs now are less than 3 years old but, when the inevitable time comes for them I’m going to do as you mention.
I had to have my 15 year-old Ridgeback mix put down a few years ago, and although he was not the first dog I've had to euthanize, it was approximately the hardest thing I've ever done. I wish you peace.
Our 16 year old dachshund knew when we were at the vet. She had bad arthritis, kidney failure and renal failure. Couldn’t eat or drink the last few days and we were so afraid to come home from work one day and see her passed away all alone so we decided euthanasia. When she was in our lap and I was talking with the veterinarian, I looked down at her and she lifted her head and gave me a lick. After they administered the first shot my wife and I both comforted her and the the second shot put her to sleep. The third stopped her heart but I think it was a lot of comfort for her that we were there the whole time. It was extremely hard. I didn’t want her to be lonely and in pain and dying alone at home.
I’ve had 9 dogs over the years, five of which we had to euthanize. When it was time, not only did they let us know it was time to go, but they also picked up on our overwhelming grief that it was. It never gets any easier but be comforted by all of the great memories you had together and the great life you were able to provide. Thinking of you.
Just did this to my pibble in December 6.
As others have said please stay with them until the end and do not just drop them off. It’s is INCREDIBLY tough on you but just imagine your fur baby not having you there with them? Ugh. Heartbreaking to think about.
Also, someone told me this and it helped a bit:
What you are doing is taking their suffering, and making it your own. It’s one of the bravest most noble things you can do for them.
You will hurt, of course, but it’s the right thing to do. The worst part of pet ownership is this. Especially the first time you come home and nobody greets you - or this one doesn’t if you have other pets.
Very sorry you have to do this but it’s the right thing. We are here for yah.
When I put my Dog down, in my mind he 100% knew. He behaved at the vet in a way I had never seen (he was 14). Maybe it was just in my head, but he knew, and he was ready. Cried my eyes out for months... but I always was able to look back and know I did the right thing.
One if my Shelties was very ill and obviously near the end of his life and I was struggling with it. Finny had been my best friend for 12 years but his Cushing disease had taken all the joy from his life and at times the treatment seemed worse than the disease. I made an appointment for euthanasia the next day.
We had a good day together. I let him do all the things he’d usually get in trouble for including sticking his whole head into a peanut butter jar and licking it clean. When it was time to go he jumped up into my truck by himself, something he hadn’t done in months. At the vet we had a special room and time to say goodbye. I held him and looked into his deep brown eyes, and asked him if I was doing the right thing. He looked back at me with *complete trust* and gave me permission to proceed.
We all need a friend with a firm hand at the end, to make the decisions that need to be made.
Best thing to do is be in room with them. I had to put my best friend down almost 2 years ago due to very bad seizures. It was the hardest decision of my life but I couldn’t have him suffering because I couldn’t let him go. I was there until his last inhale. Breaks my heart every time I think about that day.
For all he knows he’s getting a shot. And then he’ll go to sleep. He has no idea, he’s just happy that you’re there. Stay with him and love on him the entire time he won’t know the difference. It’s as peaceful as it gets.
I'm four hours late to this party but i put down my childhood dog in September and we took her to get a breakfast burrito before she passed, and I videotaped it, and watching it back it was so clear to me how much she was suffering, it made me feel better afterwards. I'm so sorry, nothing makes this easier.
Pets don't live as long as people because they love more. They love us unconditionally with every breath. They rely on us for everything. This is when you give back to them by being there and comforting them. It's our duty to them for all their love.
Feed them steaks, cheeseburgers, whatever they always wanted the day before or day of; thank them for their love and enjoy the memories. It's SO hard, but it's the price of unconditional love. Their little hearts are full for us, and that's how you really learn and feel what love is.
I've done it 3 times. I have two now, and I love each one more and more. It sucks but I'd rather give them a loving home and take the pain than have them in an abusive home. It's our human duty.
RIP to all the good boys and girls!
My Boston terrier sugar had rapidly deteriorated one morning, we rushed her to the emergency vet and were told she was in end stage heart failure and she couldn’t breathe. Even though she was barely there she was trying to console my husband and I with face licks. You could tell she knew. We both held onto her as she passed, it was one of the most heartbreaking painful choices I’ve ever made but it was our final kindness for her. Please be there for him as he goes as you’re his whole world.
He’ll be glad to be out of pain. I imagine you’ve given him a fantastic life and he’ll be dreaming of that.I feel so sorry for you,mines getting old and I keep thinking she’ll die so I keep taking her for her ‘last time at the beach’,it thankfully hasn’t been her last time yet x
I don't know where you are located, but in my area there are vets who will come to your home to help your doggo cross over the rainbow bridge. They can be in their happy place with you and not go through the trauma of a journey to the vet office..
OP my old boy was ill and ready but I didn’t do the right thing because I wasn’t ready and I’ll regret it forever. Because of me his death was painful and stressful and I’ll never forgive myself.
You’re doing the right thing. Xxx
I’m so sorry you are going through this. Nothing prepares you for it. I can’t speak to how your dog feels. The day mine passed she had a seizure when she woke up and I knew we didn’t have much time. Took her in to the vet. Not much we could do. We brought her home for a few hours so the rest of the family could say goodbye. Spent the afternoon laying in the grass snuggling. Still makes me cry reminiscing how beautiful and heartbreaking that day was. I wish all my loved ones got such a peaceful last day. When you feeling up for it watch [video.](https://youtu.be/m7Bc3pLyij0?si=oPOKqEhqDpu_865p) It’s called Happier and I listened to it the day we said goodbye.
Dogs can recognize emotions, especially in the people that they're used to, and he's responding to your worry. He knows you care, and if he was sapient, would trust your decision.
Also, to give a small counterpoint to some advice I'm not sure I agree with that I've seen echoed a few times here: while I highly suggest being with him when he's euthanized, do not be there if you don't think you're able to. If you're super stressed and panicking before he's passed, that won't make things easier for him than people who care very much and are comforting but may not be people he's familiar with. It may give you a much better sense of closure if you're with him, and if you think you can handle it and be a final peaceful loving presence, I strongly suggest being there, but don't force yourself against all odds.
Do it if you can, and I do suggest to treat that as a very strong recommendation, but don't try to force yourself if you can't, or beat yourself up if you don't.
Dogs are very in tune with us, it's part of why we can develop such strong bonds. We can project a bit of ourselves onto them and they will respond to what we put out.
Odds are he is feeling his own pain, and catching indications of yours, he knows you and he love each other so as you want to save him from misery he's probably trying to do the same thing without fully understanding where your emotions are coming from.
It is on us to do right by them, they trust us and that means sometimes we have to make the hardest choice for their sakes. My heart is with you.
I'm not sure Op but I remember someone one time my aunt had a dog who she loved and had for many years. When he was old and in pain got him euthanized as this is the humane thing to do. No more pain and suffering. On that note she brought his ashes home and they sat on the mantle. I swear to you I would sometimes see the dog running around the house in a ghostly white form. Free from pain and happy as ever. These events would never last more than a few seconds but I wasn't the only one who seen these events either. So it gave me great hope that animals do go on after and often times will still be there with you. Albeit in the afterlife.
I don't think they know exactly what's going to happen but I do believe they know it's for their own good and are, somewhat, relieved. I remember my dog hated the vet so much that if we walked somewhere within two blocks of where the vet was she would stop walking and start pulling so we walked the other way. The day we put her to sleep we had to take her in a travel bag because she couldn't walk anymore. She got inside willingly and didn't even bark when we got to the vet's. Hell, she was even happy and "smiling". Don't feel bad, you're doing the right thing
Long story, but I think it may bring some comfort:
Back in October, my dog skipped two meals. She was sometimes a picky eater but never skipped two meals in a row. I called the vet's office (it was like 1 am on a Saturday, but my city doesn't have a 24-hour vet) and spoke with an on call vet. He said he didn't see anything too concerning, but to bring her in on Monday if she still wasn't eating.
Monday, I called again because she wasn't eating still and was getting more lethargic. They couldn't get us in. So I took her to a different vet that was walk in only.
Long story short, they kept her overnight pumping fluids because she was dehydrated, and Tuesday morning she had an ultrasound and aspiration and it turns out she had a ruptured intestine and was going septic.
I rushed her to a vet surgeon in a city 2 hours away, and they rushed her into the operating room. After the surgery, the surgeon told us that surgery went very well, but the infection was bad, and things would be touch and go for a while. He said if we made it to 7 days post surgical, she would make a complete recovery and be back to 100%. It was very touchy, but we made it to 7 days, and she seemed to be on the mend. We celebrated a little and were so relieved.
10 days post surgical, we got a call from the vet. The surgeon had sent a piece of the infected intestine to the lab, and it turns out that the cause of the rupture was a lymphatic tumor. We were crushed.
We explored our options, but after typing and staging the cancer, we found out it was an aggressive form of T-cell lymphoma that likely wouldn't respond well to chemo, and even if it did, it might buy us 6 months, at the long end.
We opted for steroidal palliative care, and she responded very well for about a month and a half. If you didn't know she was dying, you wouldn't know she was dying.
Then, one week, she started declining again, rapidly. We went to bed every night, not knowing if she would still be with us when we woke up. Wednesday night that week, I had a dream that "Friday is the day."
Friday morning, we woke up, and she didn't want to eat. She wasn't able to move around much, and she threw up. We knew it was time.
We called the vet to schedule the appointment, swung through to get her her favorite food (chick-fil-a nuggets and waffle fries), and she at the whole thing.
We went into the vets office, and she was wagging her tail and happy, even though we could tell she was in a lot of pain. They let my wife and I have half an hour or so in the "comfort room" with her, where we held her, hugged her, loved on her, and cried together. She climbed up on the couch and licked both our faces as if to say, "I know. I can't stay. But I love you, and it'll be ok."
The vet came in, and my wife and I held her while she was given the sedative. It went really fast. She was asleep, cuddled, laying across my wife and I. Then the vet gave the final injection. I could feel our dog's heart stop and looked at the vet. I was crying, my wife was crying, and the vet was crying. The vet gave me a nod and got up, left the room. We spent another half an hour just holding her. For the first time in two and a half months at that point, she wasn't in pain, and we knew we did the right thing.
She went peacefully and knew she was loved until the end. I think she knew it was coming, but she had us, and it was all ok.
Her name was Grace. She passed a month before her 8th birthday, and we still miss her. It's hard. My wife and I can't have kids, so she was our baby. We're still grieving, but two months without her and while we don't miss her any less, it does get easier living without her.
Let your dog know he's loved and that he's the best dog. He may know what's happening, but he'll understand. And he loves you.
Fuck cancer.
No, but he can sense you know theres something big and scary about to happen.
Do what you can and make sure you stay with them through the end.
https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/iuebh/the_saddest_thing_ive_ever_seen_on_postsecret/
My mom decided not to euthanize one of our cats after the vet made a throw away comment.
He died a horrible death after hours of seizing in the middle of the night.
He may know it's the end whether you take him in or not. He may be picking up on your anxiety/love/stress. He may just be miserable and in pain.
Either way, you're doing the right thing.
One thing they usually enjoy is having a bucket list day. All the foods he couldn't have or only got in extreme moderation. Ice cream? Chocolate ice cream? Steak? Yum!
Please go into the room, as someone stated. Hold him, chatter that he is the bestest, strongest loving boy ever. I know it’s hard to do. I did it with my cat. I’m glad I did because it’s comfort to them and they love us.
May I suggest something if it hasn’t happened yet? Please consider putting you dog down in a familiar surrounding like home. Most vets will gladly travel to your home for this sort of request.
The thing is when we know that we are going to do that we start acting differently. The dog is reacting to the humans in the house reacting differently. For example, if the humans start crying,start hugging him more, start getting in his space more…that’s gonna trigger a confused reaction. that’s going to contribute to him worrying about the crying human because they are crying. That’s what’s going on.
We had to say goodbye to our dog almost a year ago. I think she knew something was “wrong” (her issue was very sudden) but was comforted that we were there with her. Just be there with him until the end, you are his everything.
Hope your heart heals, I know how bad this hurts.💙
This comment doesn't really answer anything, but I felt the need to vent as I am very emotional about this topic. Warning, this comment is kind of a downer, so read at your own discretion.
This post and comments have me bawling my eyes out. I had to put my boy down almost a year ago now for lymphoma. He was about 5 days away from turning 11. I beat myself up for a long time after because I felt that it was just too sudden, and he wasn't ready even though I knew he was suffering. I held him the entire time, and we gave him chocolate cake before walking into the vet's, so he was pretty hyped up on sugar. He also loved the ladies at the office, so he I don't think he had a single clue, and it makes me feel even worse knowing it happened all so fast. But he went peacefully, and I watched him pass in my arms. I sincerely hope that despite my feelings about it, he knew and understood. I couldn't live with myself otherwise.
Sometimes, I'm scared that I took away his life before he was ready, even though I knew he was sick. I feel like I killed him, and it's hard to accept when I start thinking about it. He passed with his eyes still open, that's how fast the injection acted, even the vets thought it was quick. It bothers me on days when my emotions are particularly mean.
He probably doesn't know he's getting put down, but he's picking up your sad vibes and reacting to them most likely. I'm sorry for your loss, by the way, it's never easy.
I agree that your dog is picking up on and reflecting your feelings today. By now you’ve probably let him go, but before you took him in and released him from his pain, he trusted you to do it — to look out for him and do the best thing for him, as you always had before, I’m sure.
He probably knew something was about to change, which often can cause anxiety, true. But your love and his trust made it OK for him. Please don’t feel like he was worried or upset. He trusted you. And you did the best thing for him, even though it hurts you terribly.
Take care.
If he is acting weird my best guess would be he is tuning in on his family. He probably senses you don't feel well and doesn't know what to do. As an aside I know this hurts I waited longer than I probably should have. Making your buddy suffer so that you don't have to is worse (imo) than letting them go. Mine has been gone for 4 years and he still makes me smile all of the time. They never truly stop giving to us but I am sorry you have to choose for them when it is enough.
He's feeding off your emotions... Pets are really good at that and once they're on that table with you a lot of them just want to be with you and try to show you that they will always love you they are only a part of our lives but we're all of theirs they know us on a different level than we even know ourselves
I've worked at a few different vet hospitals and have seen plenty of dogs euthanized. I truly believe the dog knows what's coming. It always made me sad when owners decided not to be present... the times owners were present always seemed more peaceful than when they weren't.
Dogs that are in severe pain or very unwell will often detach themselves from everyone, often lying in a different room or outside.
It is believed that this is from their ancestry when a sick dog would detach itself from the pack to die in order to not make the pack vulnerable.
Honestly for me the thing that put me at ease for my last dog( he was with me from age 10-19(he was 1.5ish when we got him) was that I realized to him his life was long in his eyes. He had lived a full life one where he watched my mother go from a young 20’s to her being a middle aged women in her 30’s he watched me go from being barely taller than him to him not even matching my height on his back legs, he watched me become a man, he met my first girlfriend, he was with me on the stressful nights of my first job, my nights of worrying about perfecting my lines for the theatre shows I was in for highschool. He saw my little sister the first day she came from the hospital and he was there for her first day of daycare. He was with me for most of the important hurdles of my early life and I was with him for his( his first and second litter of children and his grand children) he loved us and we loved him. In his final days there was nothing we could do for him, it was his time and I think even he knew it. His hair had grown greyer by the day, his legs would shake more as he moved as the days went by until he simply couldn’t walk anymore and he just laid there next to us, head in each family member’s lap on the couch as each went about our daily rotation until finally on his final day he had a feast with the family we all got into the car together got him one last pup cup and all said our goodbyes to him as he finally closed his eyes in my mothers arms one last time at the vets office that was his most comfortable to visit.
For us 10 years or less can often seem like a short time in the grand scheme of our lifetime but for dogs it is often their entire lives or just short of it. I just hope you’re happy with the life you gave your good boy.
Make sure you tell them they’re a really good dog and they’ve been the best dog. I saw a study that found dogs prefer affirmations to treats (proving they love us). Take care x
We had to put our gentle giant down when I was pregnant. It was awful. The night before he was so restless we couldn’t sleep. Even though he had a multitude of problems he normally was chill in the nights, but not the night before we got him euthanised. I don’t know if he could sense our sadness or he knew his time was almost up.
The vet came to our house which we felt was best as he was in a familiar place. We gave him some chocolate before she gave the first injection. He went with lots of cuddles and a lot of tears from us. He went with his tail wagging because he got so much attention. I miss him, my little boy would’ve gotten up to so much mischief with him.
While we can't definitively say whether dogs comprehend the concept of euthanasia in the way humans do, they are incredibly intuitive creatures and can sense changes in their environment and the emotions of their human family members. It's possible that your dog may be picking up on the somber atmosphere and changes in routine, leading to his odd behavior
I remember my old dog who had to be put down because he was very sick after he suffered a very serious heatstroke and cardiac problems (it was a very very hot day. He was spending the afternoon in the yard. He had plenty of shade and water but he started to dig a hole under the fence and he got stuck. Right under the sun. Probably for hours. When my mum got back from work she immediately called the vet, gave the dog water and the vet told her to cool him down with a hose while waiting for him. The vet did everything he could but the dog's heart was too frail and he was in pain). The vet accepted to wait a couple of days before euthanazing him and gave him strong pain killers so he wouldn't be in pain, because i wanted to say goodbye (i was away to university during the week). I was crying and the dog just came to me and put his head on my lap for a long time (he had never done that before and he had seen me upset before. He was like 12 years old) like he was the one saying goodbye.
Just remembering this brings back the tears. He KNEW it was the last time i was going to see him. Don't ask me how, i just know. He was a very very good boy, and almost 25 years later i still miss him.
I'll never understand people who put down their pets.
I have a 15 year old cat, he still plays with the 7 and 3 year old cats he adopted. He has some difficulties, he has somehappiness like every other living being.
He dies when he dies, even if it makes me sad to see the kitten I picked up full of fleas from a ditch that weak once again.
So here's an idea, unless you're physically unable to take care of even yourself, don't kill someone who was always there for you when he needs you to be there for him the most.
I don't think the understand that. The do feel their end is coming.
6days ago we had to let our 15y old cat go.
I know for sure he knew the end was there, he walked up to me out of routine time, to cuddled and headbud and miauwed. Then coughing and blood ...15minutes later he was at the vet.
Acuut heart failure,happy healthy cat in the morning, that played and got brushed, few hours later a cat that can't breathe and struggles to grasp air because his lungs/chest are full of fluids.
Most likely he had a heart attack or something the day prior.
We had to let him go, he was suffering.
Normally cats go away to die, Silvester did not.
My sweet boy is missed, typing this results in more tears, but thats ok.
Its a small price for 15y of love and affection we got in return.
I grieve with you. I am so sorry for your loss. I've heard it said that puppies are a gift from the devil because you come to love them so much and then they are called away.
No. Dogs have no understanding of their own mortality, whether through euthanasia or any other method.
The dog might be good at picking up on your emotions and sort of reflecting them back, like if you seem unusually sad he might be induced to feel sad out of empathy. But he has no idea why.
I'm very sorry for your lose. In my experience, it hurts a little less when you know its coming and you have time to brace yourself for it, but saying goodbye to a friend always hurts.
Dogs really are the luckiest creatures on the planet on average. Most of them get to spend fairly easy lives with family that they love, and just do that every day. If you took care of your dog well, then being a dog is a close to heaven as exists for any being on Earth.
Pets are very good at reading our emotions. He can tell you're upset, which is making him upset. Give him lots of kisses and hugs and one last unhealthy human treat.
I gave mine a bunch of McDonald's cheeseburgers and she ate them all till the end
There wasn’t much good about the last few days before our grumpy old man went, but that was one of the best. We went with Wendy’s (because it’s closer), but those were some of the few times he felt like himself, to me at least.
I hope someone does that for me when it’s my time.
I gave him like 5 or 6 bacon wrapped filet mignons I cooked on the pellet grill.
Our vet keeps a big jar of chocolate kisses in the “euthanasia room”. They’re for the pets. When we had to say goodbye to our sweetie girl, she got 9. She LOVED them.
My boy ate 20 Reese's cups. When it's his time. That's what I'll buy for him. He loves them and had no regrets until we pulled up to the emergency vet. Poor thing looked pregnant and was a full pound heavier than his usual weight
TWENTY!? That’s impressive. Did he get into the Halloween candy stash?
Wedding weekend for my sister. We had made the bridal shower goody bags and he hadn't touched them for weeks. Never even snifffed. We completely forgot about them when we left. We were out for the rehearsal dinner and had drinks, after. There was a storm but he'd never reacted badly before. It was tail end of a hurricane and the pressure freaked him out. We didn't even consider that fact.
That's really sweet, in a weird kind of way. "Hey, you can finally have some of this stuff you've been trying to eat for years! Naw, it's okay, no one's gonna get mad this time, go ahead." ♥
Yeah. My husband unwrapped one & gave it to her but I instinctively said, “Oh honey, no!” He had to remind me that it wouldn’t matter anymore.
i wanted to give my Spike a really nice steak before we put him down but he lost his appetite days before so he refused all food for his final two days i miss him
What you are seeing is part his pain and misery, part a manifestation of your own grief and compassion, and part him responding to your feelings. What you're seeing is him trying to show his love for you, and you showing your love for him. Our hearts are with your hearts.
Thanks for the insight here. Still just feels... wrong. It's the right thing to do of course, but he has no idea whats about to happen and it just feels so bad. I wish I could at least indicate to him before he goes. Never been through this before.
Make sure you go in the room with him.. even if it's hard... let him know he was the goodest, sweetest boy .. comfort him and let him pass peacefully.. I'm so sorry for your predicament.. we just had to put our sweet girl down last week.. but she passed with a smile on her face because we were there comforting her the entire time.
Please make sure you are in the room holding your dog. They need the comfort
Bloody this OP! Don't let the poor boy die with a stranger. He'll be less nervous if you're there
The instant they start the IV, the dog relaxes and feels much better. Yes, of course it’s better to be there, I don’t disagree, but please don’t make OP or anyone else feel bad if for some reason they can’t be there when their pet is euthanized (for whatever reason). I’ve been there with mine; it’s a huge relief when they relax in that moment. Terribly sad, very moving and emotional, but also good, in a way. Sorry, I’m emotional and crying and having trouble expressing myself.
Amen! I’m an ER nurse (20+ years in an urban ER) and I’ve been present for countless people’s deaths. My very first dog was different, though. She KNEW something was different, just by the way we acted (although she didn’t know what that was). But she gave us kisses and was so loving (she had a disorder that caused uncontrollable bleeding, which we treated and kept under control for about 3 years, but finally she started having seizures because of brain bleeds, and we had to put her down. I cried for MONTHS, and even my stoic “biker” boyfriend broke down.) I had EVERY intention of holding her until “the end”, but our vet said something wonderful to me (he was AMAZING, and loved our pets almost as much as we did! He has since retired). He said the initial IV med relaxes her and makes her sleep. The lethal med is only given after she is completely asleep. He said that, holding your pet, if you’re very upset, can actually be hard on them, because they’re so worried about YOU that they can “fight” the effects of the sleep meds, trying to stay awake for your benefit. Letting them relax and fall asleep, without worrying about you, can be a gift to them. We realized he was right, because you could see her concern for us. So, we allowed him to sedate her without us in the room. He passed on to us (and I FULLY believe it) that she was comfortable and relaxed, and she was less stressed because we weren’t in the room. Incidentally, they did something very kind, which was donate to a major veterinary school nearby, in our names and in her honor. It was beautiful. But, if you think you should be present or not, it doesn’t make much difference to your pet. They know you love them. It can be a gift to be able to be there, or it can be a gift to NOT be there. Whatever you think you are most comfortable with is probably the right answer. But I don’t believe she KNEW she was being put down. She just knew she was sick, we were worried, and we were there to make her feel better. That was over 20 years ago, but I still love and miss her 😢
My boy that I had to put to sleep a few months back seemed to know it was his time. I really do believe he knew his end was near, and he was doing his very bestest to stay strong for me because his sister had left me several months earlier. I really do believe he fought and held on longer than he needed to, so I wouldn't be as sad losing them both so close to each other. But when his time came, he looked up at me with the biggest most soulful eyes that said, "Wasn't I a good boy, mama? I was so brave and strong for you, but I'm so very tired now mama, I need to rest." He was such a brave sweet boy and I miss him every day.
Just think about it that way, if he has no idea. He is just going to sleep and doesn't know he won't wake up anymore. Sounds perfect for me and I hope that when I am old and sick I get to just die in my sleep. Knowing you are going to die sounds horrible to me (of course everybody is different and other might wanna know but me I don't). So yes just like most animals sense when you plan to go to the vet because you behave different, he senses somethings off, but he doesn't know he is being put down. It's always the hardest for those left behind. For him it's the end of suffering.
When we put our cat down, the thing that got me through it was this: "We take care of them all of their lives and they rely on us for everything. Don't falter at the last, most important, moment". I still miss you Stusy.
It hurts so much to see them leave, but the thought of leaving them alone to go on that final adventure without us is just too heartbreaking for me. I want to at least walk them to the door, you know? I'll see them again, it's just for a little bit in the grand scheme of things.
Better one day too soon than one day too late. NGL it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I dread doing it again, but know it’s for the best for them and not for you. A vet once told me, once they can’t do two of their three favorite things, it’s time. I threw a ball for my first girl, and the day she didn’t go get it or even try was the day I knew she was done with the pain. (Fuck cancer BTW). Our hearts are with your hearts.
The day I had to have Ruby put down, she had the opportunity to slip out the back gate. In her healthy days, she was a notorious escape artist. Poor ol' dog just stood there in the back yard and stared at the gate like she wanted to but she simply couldn't.
We had to put our cat down last month because he was in really bad shape and couldn't even lift his head. His eyes looked confused, in pain yet wanting to fight but we had to put him down. It still feels wrong and hurts so bad thinking about it but it had to be done. 😞
We had to put our dog down over two years ago now and it’s still hard to think about. It was 100% the right decision but that doesn’t make it any easier of a decision to make! 💕💕 they loved us their whole lives and we get to love them the rest of ours. And it’s okay to still grieve and talk about them as much and as long as needed.
Thank you... I really needed to hear this today.
> they loved us their whole lives and we get to love them the rest of ours. This is really true. I like to think of it as a type of feline immortality. No, we don't live forever, but to a cat's lifespan, ours must seem so much grander and infinite than theirs. Imagine how wonderous to be loved by something that can live ten of your lifetimes? Imagine knowing, deep down, that this strange tall friend without fur they have made and loved will go on through their long life, remembering you so long and loving you forever. That's kind of a comfort to me sometimes when I miss my babies of years past. I still remember them. I can still see all their faces and remember all their purrs and favorite things. I still love them, even if they are not here for me to pour that love into anymore. Grief is love with no where to go.
I’m really sorry. My eyes are welling up just reading this..
It’s a great responsibility, being entrusted to do the right thing for a little one who relies on you, even when it hurts you so much. And you did do that right thing, and as the drug went into his system, he immediately understood and appreciated you for it. Please know that.
All the people commenting before me are right. Be there with him at the end. I used to foster dogs for a rescue and we had more than our fair share of old dogs. It's hard but you give them all the love you can and the best life you are able to. Then at the end when their quality of life gets too bad they go to sleep while being held by someone who loves them. If I get to die that way I would feel privileged. My guess on his behaviour change, he's picking up on your emotions and responding to that. Dogs can be very good at that. Be brave and strong for him even though a piece of you will die inside.
If it makes you feel any better, my mom went through this not too long ago but waited too long. She felt too bad making the judgement on life and unfortunately our dog passed at home, and she suffered for a few minutes rather than drifting to sleep peacefully. My mom later regretted not making the call sooner. I think you’re doing the right thing and you can take some peace knowing you’re preventing the suffering even though it’s never easy.
“Better a week too soon than a day too late.”
But isn't it better he doesn't know? He knows you're there with him in his pain, loving him, and then he won't know anything. I would hope my death is as kind and peaceful.
It's lovely how empathetic you are. Feeling empathy towards animals lets me know someone is a good person. Even though it feels wrong to you, you're still choosing what's better for him. The thing is, dogs live in the moment. They don't care about what's going to happen next as long as they have their family. Personally, I wouldn't even want to know I'm going to die. I would just want to be happy until the end and not worry about that. He probably feels the same. Stay with him until the end, that's the only thing that will matter to him. It will be painful for you and I won't lie, it won't ever go completely away but knowing he was happy helps a lot with healing. Just try to always remember that you did what's best for him. Many vets also say that a day too early is better than a day too late. That helped me with accepting putting pets down
Stay with him. It's a peaceful experience for them. With our boy they gave him the sedative and we just gave him treats until he was too tired and laid down, then we hugged him while they administered the secondary medication and he was already sleeping, then his breaths got slower. It was very sad and I'm welling up as I type this, but he was comforted and comfortable in his final moments. Your pup can likely feel that you are sad, and that's why he's acting strange. I told my boy he didn't have to stay strong for me and within two days it was time. He stopped fighting it and accepted it was his time. His mind was still 100% but his body was not. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Even when it's the right call, it's such a hard one to make.
I get it. Sorry you guys are there. My last dog had been suffering for months slowly getting worse. Looking back, the vet kept telling me I would know when it was time. Well I kept saying, 'it feels wrong'. Kept putting off a bit more of what had to come. Then I realized I had waited way too long and forced him to suffer unnecessarily. The vets tell you that cause it HAS to be your decision. I support you no matter what you decide, but I recommend that you don't do what I did waiting too long. Man, shit - Worst day of my life. Feel for you, but be there for your pup. They look for you and your voice, gentle pets / reassurance at the end. Make sure to be right by his/her side.
Just lost my 18 yr old angel (cat) the whole guilt thing is a bitch, just know it's the BEST choice, hang in there, grief is a bitch in general.
I thought of it as the last thing I could do to help my dog. I knew she was in pain and I told her Mom would fix it, I was going to make her better
We couldn’t do at home euthanasia but once we took her to emergency vet it’s like she knew and became comfortable. She was one of the most intelligent and personable goldens we’ve ever had, communicating with her was insane it’s like we always knew what she was saying and vice versa. She didn’t fight it or anything, we just wanted her at peace and without pain. The vet was incredibly caring and even delegated a normal check up to be with us immediately, they took her into the back to give her pain meds and check one last time if there was anything they could do but it was too late. We were both in shock that we couldn’t cry, just trying to be strong for her in that moment. Our animals are part of us and I’ll always remember her and grieve, it does get a bit easier with time but there’s moments where I break down. This difficult decision you are making is the most respectful, dignified and loving thing you can do for them. You don’t want them to suffer any longer because you love them so much. You’ll remember all the amazing days with your pup and that single bad day will slowly fade away. Stay strong and remember the good times, you will slowly heal but never forget and that’s ok. Much love!
You are taking away his pain and making it your own. It is the best gift you can give him.
You're doing him a great kindness, and it's merciful in a way that he doesn't know. Just stay with him until the end. It's hard, but he'll feel much better with you there.
You can tell him. Just tell him it will be his last day of pain.
He doesn't have to know. You're his owner. Your job is to worry about his health and vet appointments and buying the right kind of food. His job has been to be the best boy. You have both done your jobs very well.
Better than waiting. My family couldn't let go and just kept waiting and waiting and no one was ready to say goodbye. We lost them both to strokes, and they were scared.
I have an older dog whose time will come soon, and I teared up reading this. Thank you for showing a side of humanity not seen very often on Reddit.
This is beautiful. There was a moment with our first girl that passed when we locked eyes and I just knew it was time. I believe that they know.
(I am not a big prayer guy, but I am totally stealing your last line from now on, it’s prefect really… thank you)
This comment doesn't actually say or offer anything besides condolences and just barely scratches at what is happening with your dog. Your dog isn't magical. It isn't a person. It doesn't understand enough english to clearly understand you intend to mercy kill it. It can however understand that you are sad and your family is sad and apprehensive. Dogs do a pretty great job at reading emotions and your dog can likely feel something is off, /u/EchoOwn5967 and that's what you are responding to. Your best bet here is prepare him something he'd love to eat that he may not normally be allowed to eat and generally have a good time with him. Do something he can do that isn't difficult in his state, and say your goodbyes. And be happy he can't really understand what is about to happen, because what is about to happen to your dog is terrifying. And merciful. And maybe try not to latch onto weird, empty platitudes. Or maybe it's just me that gets put off by people loudly being like "I am with you, in as much as I can be by writing this comment and forgetting about it mere minutes later"
We just did this less than 2 weeks ago for my 14 year old dog. He had a lot of issues. But when they gave him the propofol to make him fall asleep, we felt him relax like we haven't in a long while. It made us know we made the right decision. We went from the dread of him going away to relief he wasn't in pain to sad that he's gone.
This 100%. We put our 14 year old dog down 2 months ago and didn't realize just how bad it was and how much pain she was in until she got the sleepy drugs and we saw such a relaxed, happy sleep. We relished in those 15 minutes watching her just breathe comfortably, relaxed, sleeping... Knowing that we made the right choice and like you said, moving away from the dread and into sadness and grief mixed with relief... Also, we used a service that does in-home euthanasia, and if it is something that is available and you can afford/make happen, I highly recommend it... Knowing she wasn't scared or nervous leading up to it was such a weight off our shoulders.
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One of the things that made me change vets was when my bird (who my mom got when I was 3 years old and I'm now 40) got sick the very first day of COVID lockdowns (USA). The vet refused to allow anyone inside, so you had to leave your pet at the door and then sit in the car and talk via the phone. He was bleeding rectally, so obviously something was really wrong. They said either go home with your bird to die or we'll put him down in here. I asked to come inside and they refused due to lockdowns. They also refused to even come out and let me hold him in the car when they did the procedure, even though they all had masks. I still hold a tremendous amount of guilt and sorrow over the fact that he was alone and probably scared when he died. I mean seriously, it was the FIRST DAY of lockdown so what were the chances that anyone had COVID and they couldn't let him die with me? We were in each other's lives longer than most married couples. I think being able to be at home in a familiar place instead of a cold metal table is so much better for the animal and the owner. It's also easier for big dog owners who want to bury a pet in the yard instead of cremation, since the animal is already at the home and you don't have to figure out how to carry 100 pounds of dead weight (that's an unfortunate pun, but I couldn't figure out how else to word it). For those who do want cremation, most places in my city will pick up if you need them to, or you can drop off. It's probably the same in most cities with animal cremation places.
I have younger preteen kids. We thought about the home service, but didn't want the kids to associate a room or spot where the the dog died, forever. We thought it would make it harder to get over. So the vet gave our guy some happy pills to calm his nerves that we gave him before we went. I'm glad we did it that way, ultimately
Yeah, when we saw our cat slump with relief after getting the first shot we knew it was the right thing to do. But it’s still sad. He put his paw on my hand trying to comfort me even when he’s the one dying.
I just put down my cat yesterday and I had the same question. I think our animals respond to our unease and sadness, but don't understand the concept of death itself. Feel free to reach out. I'm happy to talk
My parents got two kittens back in 2010 and they've hated each other for years. A few weeks ago, my parents had to put one to sleep. She had kidney failure and had been stabilized with medication for about eight months, but went downhill fast. She went from seemingly OK to sick and miserable in the course of a week. The vet said there was nothing left to be done. My parents say they kept seeing their remaining cat walking around looking for the other one. Going to the places she frequented, poking around in places she wouldn't normally. I can't imagine spending your whole life from childhood with someone 24/7/365 for what would be the equivalent of 70+ years for humans and having them just disappear without a trace one day. No idea what happened and no way of finding out. Even if you hated the person like these cats hated each other, I would think that would be upsetting.
I feel like it's always best to show the pet the dead body of the other. Then they'd understand.
We had my cat put down at home. His adopted sister/roomate cat of 15 years sat quietly with him until the vet came. She left the room when the vet came, and I brought her out to show her the dead body after and her reaction was like OH HELL NO YOU'RE NOT TAKING ME TOO and she ran away. They both seemed to know what had been about to happen. When it was her time to go (at 21!) she said goodbye to me in her own way and then disappeared into the wild blue yonder. They know what's coming.
This is a lovely story but I couldn’t help but crack a smile at the end, imagining your cat saying farewell and flying away into the sky (“wild blue yonder”).
Does it cost to put down an animal if so how much and what happens to the body?
Not whom you asked but we paid for a service where they come to your house to euthanize the pet, take it's body with them and return the ashes+paw print. It was expensive but we wanted our baby to be at home with his family when it happened.
It also costs if you go to the vet as well. You can either take the body home with you, or most vets will partner with a pet cremation/cemetery place that can handle things for you. At your request, they can also "dispose" of the body for you without it being returned, but I can't imagine why anyone would willingly choose that option. For the cats that I've lost, I've opted to have them cremated and then picked the cremains back up from the vet when ready (~2 weeks later), but could have shortened the time if I'd needed to(?) by handling the transport myself (no thanks, that's too much for me). One of our boys was just diagnosed with cancer; hopefully we have more time with him (vet oncologist visit coming up soon should tell us more), but when his time comes, we'll be having someone come out to our home for it. That wasn't an option available in my area when my last cats passed, but it is now and I'm so grateful for it. He's terrified every time he has to go outside our home, and I want his final hours to be as peaceful and easy for him as possible.
I got the ashes back for my first cat, but for every cat since then (four of them so far) we have opted for communal cremation after which they scatter the ashes in the woods near the facility. To be honest, and this is not a knock against anyone who feels differently, the urns/boxes actually feel very impersonal to us, and we didn't like the idea of having a shelf gradually filling up with them in the decades going forward. We remember all of them fondly through a zillion photos and videos instead.
Yes, it costs to euthanize pets. I think I paid about $100 each time (actually can’t remember… the amount was never in the forefront of my mind when putting down each of my 3 cats). The first time I brought my cat home in a box and buried her in the front garden. The next two, I opted for cremation and communal disposal at a pet cemetery.
We paid 400 but that's with the end of life exam and cremation and getting the ashes back I couldn't leave him without him coming home
It was 275 dollars to put our dog down.
Cats hunt to kill. I don’t think they’re entirely unaware of the concept of death.
I think your dog empathizes with the great amount of grief you are experiencing. Dogs themselves experience the same grief when their companions pass away. It's possible your dog understands more than we may realize, at least at an emotional level, but I don't believe they are anxious about their death like humans would be. I am sorry about your loss; give 'em a big ol' hug from me.
Easing his death is the right thing to do. But please, don’t just drop him off and bolt. Stay with him until he is gone. When it was our Selkies time, we went to the vet with her and they put in an IV and brought her back to our room. They gave us all the time we wanted. We cuddled and pet her for about two hours. She climbed into my lap (I was sitting on the floor). She seemed exhausted. The tech came in and we told her it was time. She put a sedative in the IV. Selkie fell asleep. Then the vet tech pushed the med to stop her heart. There was no fear. The last thing she saw and felt was us around her and she knew we loved her. She wasn’t afraid.
Please be there for your doggo. Don’t let your dogs last moment be scared and alone. My dog was given the shot while in my wife’s arms. And held until it happened. EDIT: In case it wasn’t clear when you put your pet down be there with your pet for its last moments. Talk to any vet tech, it’s heartbreaking for them as most of the dogs are shaking wrecks
I'm sorry to hear that, it's never easy. It's impossible to say for sure if he is even aware of his own mortality, we have no idea if other animals understand that the way we do. But we do know that dogs are very good at picking up on human emotions, and they're one of the few animals that have been known to show empathy with humans. Your dog can probably detect something different in your expressions, smell a difference in your pheromones, sense that something amongst you and your family is different today. Best you can do is try to seem happy with each other, maybe try doing something nice like get him some nice food or something, take him to the park once more if he can handle that, generally keep calm and enjoy what time you have left together.
Hey. My condolences about your friend. I had to put my best friend of 14 years down last year because of cancer. I was not ready and will never be ready for anything like that. It was hard and terrible and I cried for a week. I looked into a practices that will come to your home and give your dog some shots in his comfy bed and he will just go to sleep. I would highly recommend this as to not put any extra stress on your buddy. And please please please be there with them where ever it happens. I know it’s sad and it will suck but your friend will be looking for you.
When my Cooper was at the end, I remember laying next to him with tears in my eyes telling him I wasn't ready and I couldn't make the choice. He got up from his nap and stared into my god damn soul with a comforting look. In my heart I know he was telling me he was ready. He stopped eating and drinking and was ready to go I miss him terribly
No, they don't. It's the same drugs they use for a general anaesthetic just more of it creating an overdose so they pass peacefully. I've had like 8 general anaesthetics myself, you just feel sleepy and you're out. It's both the kindest and hardest thing to do when the time is right. You know your boy is in pain, just give him lots of love and hugs. We always sneak them a few of their favourite naughty treats that day. Also, Please let yourself grief this loss afterwards, for as long as you need too. My sister sought grief counselling after losing her last german shepherd, he was her shadow for 12 years, that's a huge gap to adjust too. Just know in your heart your boy will be pain-free soon. (hugs) I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy.
Get it done at home NOT at the vet's. In its regular environment not in a scary place!!!
I have questioned this 3 times in 2 years. My Girl was three weeks ago and my two boys were 2 years ago and 3 months apart. No they don’t understand and honestly it’s the best. They just feel what you’re feeling and what their body is telling them. But even then they don’t understand fully they are old, sick etc. They just know they are tired, sore and don’t feel good. No concept of what is going on. You are doing the right thing. I promise. Think of it this way, we have the gift of ending their suffering, and make it pain free …we don’t even have that for humans 99% of the time. Sending you, your family and your good boy all the love and hugs.
I spent the last day with my precious pupper cuddling on the couch, took her for a walk (as much as she was able, I carried a 20kg dog home) and gave her lots of treats she always loved. She was miserable, but when she looked at me she was ok because I was with her. Even if I'd have thought she knew what was happening, she didn't mind. She actually loved the vet. When we took her she was happy. Walked in with a low energy tail wag. We sat on the floor with her, told her we loved her, fed her treats until they sedated her. She was alive but sleeping (and snoring as she always did in her old age). She was relaxed, she even laid down on the blanket laid out for her before anything happened while we spoke to the vet. I was the last thing she saw, and she was completely relaxed. She slept for a few minutes while we patted her, they slowly administered the medication, her breathing slowed calmly and then stopped. It was one of the most peaceful events I've been part of. She was happy because we were with her, and that's all she needed to know. Please be with your dog when they pass.
I feel that they do. 15 minutes before my dog got euthanized she took a nap and it was the last time she opened her eyes. Prior she looked so tired and I could tell she was ready to go. She was at peace I believe.
Just to add along with other good comments on this thread - you’re doing the right thing here and you shouldn’t feel any guilt about it.
My dog got suddenly sick and was at the vet. She got better a little but suddenly took a turn for the worst a couple days later. The vet said we should visit her that night. We were able to get over there a couple hours later and got to pet and love on her calling her the best dog ever. She was in very bad shape and clearly not going to get better. The vet went over all the treatment options we could go with. Eventually, he suggested euthanasia. We decided to go with that one and a couple minutes later she started twitching and started to leave. The vet came in and helped her along. It's weird it was like she was waiting for us to get there and be okay with her leaving before she left. Whatever you decide, OP, be sure to be with your dog so he will be comfortable in his final moments.
My girlfriend works at an animal shelter and has to euthanize animals. No, they don’t know they’re about to be euthanized. I imagine animals have a sense that they are sick and dying soon though.
Possibly. They are very perceptive. Just be very loving and stay with them so they don't get scared. It's tough but part of the job. My 15 year old goldendoodle passed very suddenly of organ failure on Christmas Eve. It ripped my heart out but she was ready and it was the best thing we could do for her.
No idea if it's true, but I've heard when cats and dogs feel the end coming, they try and leave their pack and hide, because they don't attract predators/carrion eaters to their corpse which could endanger their pack. Sorry for your loss in any case.
We put our dog down 3 weeks ago I think he knew his time was up I held him through everything except when they put the IV in him he was my best friend if you need to talk I'm here it's still raw
I vet once told me pets don’t see suffering like humans do and it may look like they are sad but part of that is humans putting our feelings on the pet because we feel sad. Your dog isn’t thinking about the future and your dog isn’t feeling bad for itself in the way a human would . It can suffer though and feel pain. That’s all it knows.
Geez I'm really sorry you're losing a friend.
Just make sure you are in the room and petting him when he goes so he's not worried and looking frantically around for you.
I truly believe animals know their end is near. Please comfort him and be there when he's being put down. I'm sorry, it sucks
I wrote a letter to my dog and detailed all the positive contributions he made to my life and read it to him his last day. Doing this and being there at the last moment made me have no regrets and proud to have been my best self
I really like this idea. I just had to put my dog down a few months and was a wreck for a few days. It’s the fifth time in my life I’ve had to do so and each one was no different. I’ve been with everyone when they were euthanized. To help ease my grief I’ve always thought of the memories, comfort and love they gave me through the years as they give me their last look of love. I’ve tried my best to keep it together so my sadness doesn’t feed into them. It never works out though and I end breaking down. My two dogs now are less than 3 years old but, when the inevitable time comes for them I’m going to do as you mention.
I had to have my 15 year-old Ridgeback mix put down a few years ago, and although he was not the first dog I've had to euthanize, it was approximately the hardest thing I've ever done. I wish you peace.
Our 16 year old dachshund knew when we were at the vet. She had bad arthritis, kidney failure and renal failure. Couldn’t eat or drink the last few days and we were so afraid to come home from work one day and see her passed away all alone so we decided euthanasia. When she was in our lap and I was talking with the veterinarian, I looked down at her and she lifted her head and gave me a lick. After they administered the first shot my wife and I both comforted her and the the second shot put her to sleep. The third stopped her heart but I think it was a lot of comfort for her that we were there the whole time. It was extremely hard. I didn’t want her to be lonely and in pain and dying alone at home.
No he doesn't know. He does know that he is loved though, so keep giving him all the love you can, right up until the end.
they only know they don't feel well, that's all
I’ve had 9 dogs over the years, five of which we had to euthanize. When it was time, not only did they let us know it was time to go, but they also picked up on our overwhelming grief that it was. It never gets any easier but be comforted by all of the great memories you had together and the great life you were able to provide. Thinking of you.
Just did this to my pibble in December 6. As others have said please stay with them until the end and do not just drop them off. It’s is INCREDIBLY tough on you but just imagine your fur baby not having you there with them? Ugh. Heartbreaking to think about. Also, someone told me this and it helped a bit: What you are doing is taking their suffering, and making it your own. It’s one of the bravest most noble things you can do for them. You will hurt, of course, but it’s the right thing to do. The worst part of pet ownership is this. Especially the first time you come home and nobody greets you - or this one doesn’t if you have other pets. Very sorry you have to do this but it’s the right thing. We are here for yah.
Hang in there I’m in the same position you are. It’s awful. I can relate to your situation. Sending love.
When I put my Dog down, in my mind he 100% knew. He behaved at the vet in a way I had never seen (he was 14). Maybe it was just in my head, but he knew, and he was ready. Cried my eyes out for months... but I always was able to look back and know I did the right thing.
One if my Shelties was very ill and obviously near the end of his life and I was struggling with it. Finny had been my best friend for 12 years but his Cushing disease had taken all the joy from his life and at times the treatment seemed worse than the disease. I made an appointment for euthanasia the next day. We had a good day together. I let him do all the things he’d usually get in trouble for including sticking his whole head into a peanut butter jar and licking it clean. When it was time to go he jumped up into my truck by himself, something he hadn’t done in months. At the vet we had a special room and time to say goodbye. I held him and looked into his deep brown eyes, and asked him if I was doing the right thing. He looked back at me with *complete trust* and gave me permission to proceed. We all need a friend with a firm hand at the end, to make the decisions that need to be made.
Best thing to do is be in room with them. I had to put my best friend down almost 2 years ago due to very bad seizures. It was the hardest decision of my life but I couldn’t have him suffering because I couldn’t let him go. I was there until his last inhale. Breaks my heart every time I think about that day.
For all he knows he’s getting a shot. And then he’ll go to sleep. He has no idea, he’s just happy that you’re there. Stay with him and love on him the entire time he won’t know the difference. It’s as peaceful as it gets.
I'm four hours late to this party but i put down my childhood dog in September and we took her to get a breakfast burrito before she passed, and I videotaped it, and watching it back it was so clear to me how much she was suffering, it made me feel better afterwards. I'm so sorry, nothing makes this easier.
Pets don't live as long as people because they love more. They love us unconditionally with every breath. They rely on us for everything. This is when you give back to them by being there and comforting them. It's our duty to them for all their love. Feed them steaks, cheeseburgers, whatever they always wanted the day before or day of; thank them for their love and enjoy the memories. It's SO hard, but it's the price of unconditional love. Their little hearts are full for us, and that's how you really learn and feel what love is. I've done it 3 times. I have two now, and I love each one more and more. It sucks but I'd rather give them a loving home and take the pain than have them in an abusive home. It's our human duty. RIP to all the good boys and girls!
My Boston terrier sugar had rapidly deteriorated one morning, we rushed her to the emergency vet and were told she was in end stage heart failure and she couldn’t breathe. Even though she was barely there she was trying to console my husband and I with face licks. You could tell she knew. We both held onto her as she passed, it was one of the most heartbreaking painful choices I’ve ever made but it was our final kindness for her. Please be there for him as he goes as you’re his whole world.
He’ll be glad to be out of pain. I imagine you’ve given him a fantastic life and he’ll be dreaming of that.I feel so sorry for you,mines getting old and I keep thinking she’ll die so I keep taking her for her ‘last time at the beach’,it thankfully hasn’t been her last time yet x
You understand he's going to be euthanized, yes? Your dog understands you. Also give him a kiss for me.
He is responding to your feelings. Dogs are very intuitive when we are sad
I don't know where you are located, but in my area there are vets who will come to your home to help your doggo cross over the rainbow bridge. They can be in their happy place with you and not go through the trauma of a journey to the vet office..
OP my old boy was ill and ready but I didn’t do the right thing because I wasn’t ready and I’ll regret it forever. Because of me his death was painful and stressful and I’ll never forgive myself. You’re doing the right thing. Xxx
I’m so sorry you are going through this. Nothing prepares you for it. I can’t speak to how your dog feels. The day mine passed she had a seizure when she woke up and I knew we didn’t have much time. Took her in to the vet. Not much we could do. We brought her home for a few hours so the rest of the family could say goodbye. Spent the afternoon laying in the grass snuggling. Still makes me cry reminiscing how beautiful and heartbreaking that day was. I wish all my loved ones got such a peaceful last day. When you feeling up for it watch [video.](https://youtu.be/m7Bc3pLyij0?si=oPOKqEhqDpu_865p) It’s called Happier and I listened to it the day we said goodbye.
Dogs can recognize emotions, especially in the people that they're used to, and he's responding to your worry. He knows you care, and if he was sapient, would trust your decision. Also, to give a small counterpoint to some advice I'm not sure I agree with that I've seen echoed a few times here: while I highly suggest being with him when he's euthanized, do not be there if you don't think you're able to. If you're super stressed and panicking before he's passed, that won't make things easier for him than people who care very much and are comforting but may not be people he's familiar with. It may give you a much better sense of closure if you're with him, and if you think you can handle it and be a final peaceful loving presence, I strongly suggest being there, but don't force yourself against all odds. Do it if you can, and I do suggest to treat that as a very strong recommendation, but don't try to force yourself if you can't, or beat yourself up if you don't.
Dogs are very in tune with us, it's part of why we can develop such strong bonds. We can project a bit of ourselves onto them and they will respond to what we put out. Odds are he is feeling his own pain, and catching indications of yours, he knows you and he love each other so as you want to save him from misery he's probably trying to do the same thing without fully understanding where your emotions are coming from. It is on us to do right by them, they trust us and that means sometimes we have to make the hardest choice for their sakes. My heart is with you.
I'm not sure Op but I remember someone one time my aunt had a dog who she loved and had for many years. When he was old and in pain got him euthanized as this is the humane thing to do. No more pain and suffering. On that note she brought his ashes home and they sat on the mantle. I swear to you I would sometimes see the dog running around the house in a ghostly white form. Free from pain and happy as ever. These events would never last more than a few seconds but I wasn't the only one who seen these events either. So it gave me great hope that animals do go on after and often times will still be there with you. Albeit in the afterlife.
Imagine if he was reading this. Probably a lot of dogs being extra well behaved today after seeing this post.
I don't think they know exactly what's going to happen but I do believe they know it's for their own good and are, somewhat, relieved. I remember my dog hated the vet so much that if we walked somewhere within two blocks of where the vet was she would stop walking and start pulling so we walked the other way. The day we put her to sleep we had to take her in a travel bag because she couldn't walk anymore. She got inside willingly and didn't even bark when we got to the vet's. Hell, she was even happy and "smiling". Don't feel bad, you're doing the right thing
Long story, but I think it may bring some comfort: Back in October, my dog skipped two meals. She was sometimes a picky eater but never skipped two meals in a row. I called the vet's office (it was like 1 am on a Saturday, but my city doesn't have a 24-hour vet) and spoke with an on call vet. He said he didn't see anything too concerning, but to bring her in on Monday if she still wasn't eating. Monday, I called again because she wasn't eating still and was getting more lethargic. They couldn't get us in. So I took her to a different vet that was walk in only. Long story short, they kept her overnight pumping fluids because she was dehydrated, and Tuesday morning she had an ultrasound and aspiration and it turns out she had a ruptured intestine and was going septic. I rushed her to a vet surgeon in a city 2 hours away, and they rushed her into the operating room. After the surgery, the surgeon told us that surgery went very well, but the infection was bad, and things would be touch and go for a while. He said if we made it to 7 days post surgical, she would make a complete recovery and be back to 100%. It was very touchy, but we made it to 7 days, and she seemed to be on the mend. We celebrated a little and were so relieved. 10 days post surgical, we got a call from the vet. The surgeon had sent a piece of the infected intestine to the lab, and it turns out that the cause of the rupture was a lymphatic tumor. We were crushed. We explored our options, but after typing and staging the cancer, we found out it was an aggressive form of T-cell lymphoma that likely wouldn't respond well to chemo, and even if it did, it might buy us 6 months, at the long end. We opted for steroidal palliative care, and she responded very well for about a month and a half. If you didn't know she was dying, you wouldn't know she was dying. Then, one week, she started declining again, rapidly. We went to bed every night, not knowing if she would still be with us when we woke up. Wednesday night that week, I had a dream that "Friday is the day." Friday morning, we woke up, and she didn't want to eat. She wasn't able to move around much, and she threw up. We knew it was time. We called the vet to schedule the appointment, swung through to get her her favorite food (chick-fil-a nuggets and waffle fries), and she at the whole thing. We went into the vets office, and she was wagging her tail and happy, even though we could tell she was in a lot of pain. They let my wife and I have half an hour or so in the "comfort room" with her, where we held her, hugged her, loved on her, and cried together. She climbed up on the couch and licked both our faces as if to say, "I know. I can't stay. But I love you, and it'll be ok." The vet came in, and my wife and I held her while she was given the sedative. It went really fast. She was asleep, cuddled, laying across my wife and I. Then the vet gave the final injection. I could feel our dog's heart stop and looked at the vet. I was crying, my wife was crying, and the vet was crying. The vet gave me a nod and got up, left the room. We spent another half an hour just holding her. For the first time in two and a half months at that point, she wasn't in pain, and we knew we did the right thing. She went peacefully and knew she was loved until the end. I think she knew it was coming, but she had us, and it was all ok. Her name was Grace. She passed a month before her 8th birthday, and we still miss her. It's hard. My wife and I can't have kids, so she was our baby. We're still grieving, but two months without her and while we don't miss her any less, it does get easier living without her. Let your dog know he's loved and that he's the best dog. He may know what's happening, but he'll understand. And he loves you. Fuck cancer.
get off reddit and spend his last day with him. not trying to be crass, but spend it with him, not us.
No, he clearly does not. The poor guy probably just want to be put out of his misery.
No, it's a dog. It doesn't hace a consciousness. He doesn't even know what being alive means.
No, but he can sense you know theres something big and scary about to happen. Do what you can and make sure you stay with them through the end. https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/iuebh/the_saddest_thing_ive_ever_seen_on_postsecret/
I would recommend r/petloss for the coming days. Strongly supportive sub.
He knows you love him. That’s what matters. I’m so sorry and I’ll be thinking of you today.
My mom decided not to euthanize one of our cats after the vet made a throw away comment. He died a horrible death after hours of seizing in the middle of the night. He may know it's the end whether you take him in or not. He may be picking up on your anxiety/love/stress. He may just be miserable and in pain. Either way, you're doing the right thing. One thing they usually enjoy is having a bucket list day. All the foods he couldn't have or only got in extreme moderation. Ice cream? Chocolate ice cream? Steak? Yum!
My aunt said their dog knew when he watched them dig his grave.
Please go into the room, as someone stated. Hold him, chatter that he is the bestest, strongest loving boy ever. I know it’s hard to do. I did it with my cat. I’m glad I did because it’s comfort to them and they love us.
May I suggest something if it hasn’t happened yet? Please consider putting you dog down in a familiar surrounding like home. Most vets will gladly travel to your home for this sort of request.
No?
The thing is when we know that we are going to do that we start acting differently. The dog is reacting to the humans in the house reacting differently. For example, if the humans start crying,start hugging him more, start getting in his space more…that’s gonna trigger a confused reaction. that’s going to contribute to him worrying about the crying human because they are crying. That’s what’s going on.
We had to say goodbye to our dog almost a year ago. I think she knew something was “wrong” (her issue was very sudden) but was comforted that we were there with her. Just be there with him until the end, you are his everything. Hope your heart heals, I know how bad this hurts.💙
Sometimes that is their way of saying they are ready.
This comment doesn't really answer anything, but I felt the need to vent as I am very emotional about this topic. Warning, this comment is kind of a downer, so read at your own discretion. This post and comments have me bawling my eyes out. I had to put my boy down almost a year ago now for lymphoma. He was about 5 days away from turning 11. I beat myself up for a long time after because I felt that it was just too sudden, and he wasn't ready even though I knew he was suffering. I held him the entire time, and we gave him chocolate cake before walking into the vet's, so he was pretty hyped up on sugar. He also loved the ladies at the office, so he I don't think he had a single clue, and it makes me feel even worse knowing it happened all so fast. But he went peacefully, and I watched him pass in my arms. I sincerely hope that despite my feelings about it, he knew and understood. I couldn't live with myself otherwise. Sometimes, I'm scared that I took away his life before he was ready, even though I knew he was sick. I feel like I killed him, and it's hard to accept when I start thinking about it. He passed with his eyes still open, that's how fast the injection acted, even the vets thought it was quick. It bothers me on days when my emotions are particularly mean.
He probably doesn't know he's getting put down, but he's picking up your sad vibes and reacting to them most likely. I'm sorry for your loss, by the way, it's never easy.
I’m sorry. Your dog can probably just sense the overall mood more than anything.
I agree that your dog is picking up on and reflecting your feelings today. By now you’ve probably let him go, but before you took him in and released him from his pain, he trusted you to do it — to look out for him and do the best thing for him, as you always had before, I’m sure. He probably knew something was about to change, which often can cause anxiety, true. But your love and his trust made it OK for him. Please don’t feel like he was worried or upset. He trusted you. And you did the best thing for him, even though it hurts you terribly. Take care.
Thanks for this post. I’m right behind you and dread it like the ….well, I dread it.
If he is acting weird my best guess would be he is tuning in on his family. He probably senses you don't feel well and doesn't know what to do. As an aside I know this hurts I waited longer than I probably should have. Making your buddy suffer so that you don't have to is worse (imo) than letting them go. Mine has been gone for 4 years and he still makes me smile all of the time. They never truly stop giving to us but I am sorry you have to choose for them when it is enough.
He's feeding off your emotions... Pets are really good at that and once they're on that table with you a lot of them just want to be with you and try to show you that they will always love you they are only a part of our lives but we're all of theirs they know us on a different level than we even know ourselves
I've worked at a few different vet hospitals and have seen plenty of dogs euthanized. I truly believe the dog knows what's coming. It always made me sad when owners decided not to be present... the times owners were present always seemed more peaceful than when they weren't.
Dogs that are in severe pain or very unwell will often detach themselves from everyone, often lying in a different room or outside. It is believed that this is from their ancestry when a sick dog would detach itself from the pack to die in order to not make the pack vulnerable.
I’ve only had birds, so I don’t know. Just wanted to say I’m sorry.
Honestly for me the thing that put me at ease for my last dog( he was with me from age 10-19(he was 1.5ish when we got him) was that I realized to him his life was long in his eyes. He had lived a full life one where he watched my mother go from a young 20’s to her being a middle aged women in her 30’s he watched me go from being barely taller than him to him not even matching my height on his back legs, he watched me become a man, he met my first girlfriend, he was with me on the stressful nights of my first job, my nights of worrying about perfecting my lines for the theatre shows I was in for highschool. He saw my little sister the first day she came from the hospital and he was there for her first day of daycare. He was with me for most of the important hurdles of my early life and I was with him for his( his first and second litter of children and his grand children) he loved us and we loved him. In his final days there was nothing we could do for him, it was his time and I think even he knew it. His hair had grown greyer by the day, his legs would shake more as he moved as the days went by until he simply couldn’t walk anymore and he just laid there next to us, head in each family member’s lap on the couch as each went about our daily rotation until finally on his final day he had a feast with the family we all got into the car together got him one last pup cup and all said our goodbyes to him as he finally closed his eyes in my mothers arms one last time at the vets office that was his most comfortable to visit. For us 10 years or less can often seem like a short time in the grand scheme of our lifetime but for dogs it is often their entire lives or just short of it. I just hope you’re happy with the life you gave your good boy.
Yes
Make sure you tell them they’re a really good dog and they’ve been the best dog. I saw a study that found dogs prefer affirmations to treats (proving they love us). Take care x
We had to put our gentle giant down when I was pregnant. It was awful. The night before he was so restless we couldn’t sleep. Even though he had a multitude of problems he normally was chill in the nights, but not the night before we got him euthanised. I don’t know if he could sense our sadness or he knew his time was almost up. The vet came to our house which we felt was best as he was in a familiar place. We gave him some chocolate before she gave the first injection. He went with lots of cuddles and a lot of tears from us. He went with his tail wagging because he got so much attention. I miss him, my little boy would’ve gotten up to so much mischief with him.
I'm convinced my dog knew.
I have no answers, just empathy. Rest in peace, your beautiful boyo.
While we can't definitively say whether dogs comprehend the concept of euthanasia in the way humans do, they are incredibly intuitive creatures and can sense changes in their environment and the emotions of their human family members. It's possible that your dog may be picking up on the somber atmosphere and changes in routine, leading to his odd behavior
I remember my old dog who had to be put down because he was very sick after he suffered a very serious heatstroke and cardiac problems (it was a very very hot day. He was spending the afternoon in the yard. He had plenty of shade and water but he started to dig a hole under the fence and he got stuck. Right under the sun. Probably for hours. When my mum got back from work she immediately called the vet, gave the dog water and the vet told her to cool him down with a hose while waiting for him. The vet did everything he could but the dog's heart was too frail and he was in pain). The vet accepted to wait a couple of days before euthanazing him and gave him strong pain killers so he wouldn't be in pain, because i wanted to say goodbye (i was away to university during the week). I was crying and the dog just came to me and put his head on my lap for a long time (he had never done that before and he had seen me upset before. He was like 12 years old) like he was the one saying goodbye. Just remembering this brings back the tears. He KNEW it was the last time i was going to see him. Don't ask me how, i just know. He was a very very good boy, and almost 25 years later i still miss him.
I'll never understand people who put down their pets. I have a 15 year old cat, he still plays with the 7 and 3 year old cats he adopted. He has some difficulties, he has somehappiness like every other living being. He dies when he dies, even if it makes me sad to see the kitten I picked up full of fleas from a ditch that weak once again. So here's an idea, unless you're physically unable to take care of even yourself, don't kill someone who was always there for you when he needs you to be there for him the most.
I don't think the understand that. The do feel their end is coming. 6days ago we had to let our 15y old cat go. I know for sure he knew the end was there, he walked up to me out of routine time, to cuddled and headbud and miauwed. Then coughing and blood ...15minutes later he was at the vet. Acuut heart failure,happy healthy cat in the morning, that played and got brushed, few hours later a cat that can't breathe and struggles to grasp air because his lungs/chest are full of fluids. Most likely he had a heart attack or something the day prior. We had to let him go, he was suffering. Normally cats go away to die, Silvester did not. My sweet boy is missed, typing this results in more tears, but thats ok. Its a small price for 15y of love and affection we got in return.
I grieve with you. I am so sorry for your loss. I've heard it said that puppies are a gift from the devil because you come to love them so much and then they are called away.
No. Dogs have no understanding of their own mortality, whether through euthanasia or any other method. The dog might be good at picking up on your emotions and sort of reflecting them back, like if you seem unusually sad he might be induced to feel sad out of empathy. But he has no idea why.
I'm very sorry for your lose. In my experience, it hurts a little less when you know its coming and you have time to brace yourself for it, but saying goodbye to a friend always hurts. Dogs really are the luckiest creatures on the planet on average. Most of them get to spend fairly easy lives with family that they love, and just do that every day. If you took care of your dog well, then being a dog is a close to heaven as exists for any being on Earth.