Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest parts of sharing our lives with an animal companion. The word euthanasia comes from the Greek language and means ‘good death’. It is used to describe a stress-free end to life that is performed to stop suffering. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, or the urgency with which it comes about, deciding to euthanise your dog can come with a rollercoaster of emotions. It can therefore be helpful to know ahead of time what might be involved.
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What happens during a euthanasia?
With our pets, euthanasia involves an injection of a drug into a vein by a licensed veterinarian. This may involve the placement of a catheter into your animal’s leg. The hair on the leg may be clipped to facilitate this and an alcohol wipe or spray is usually applied to the skin. A tourniquet may be used to make the vein more apparent, or a veterinary nurse may do this manually to assist the veterinarian.
A drug called pentobarbital is usually used. It is injected into the vein and this creates a rapid state of unconsciousness and ultimately death. In the minutes following, there may be some reflex muscle twitches and breaths, or the bladder and bowel may empty. Although the use of pentobarbital usually provides a peaceful end, the rapidness of this drug’s action, or the handling involved to prepare for this drug’s use, may lead to some owners choosing, or some veterinarians recommending, a pre-euthanasia sedation.
How are sedatives given?
Sedation can be achieved either through oral medication or following an injection of sedating drugs. Oral sedatives can be given at home ahead of an appointment at the clinic or prior to a home visit; however, they have less predictability in response compared with an injected medicine. This means that some dogs may show little response to an oral medication while another dog might be very sleepy. These drugs are usually more effective if the animal is at ease when it is administered, and they may need to be given an hour or more before the euthanasia will occur.
An injected sedative is usually more predictable in its response and will usually achieve a relaxed and sleepy animal. However, it needs to be administered by a veterinary professional and involves a needle being inserted either into a vein, a muscle, or under the skin to deliver the drug. They usually have an effect within 5-10 minutes. Some injectable sedatives can sting on injection and may cause a brief vocal or physical reaction in your pet.
Is sedation necessary, and is it right for your dog?
As so often, it all depends. There are a number of factors to consider.
When the aim is to create a stress-free atmosphere, a sedation can help to calm an anxious, sick or aggressive dog
In an unfamiliar environment such as the veterinary clinic, or if an owner is unable to be by their dog’s side, some dogs could benefit from the sedation to prevent or reduce stress. If there are safety concerns around the behaviour of an individual dog, then sedation may be an absolute requirement. By contrast, in a familiar environment such as the home, or if the presence of their owners has enough of a calming influence, a sedative may be unnecessary.
The use of a sedation prolongs the euthanasia process
For some people this can provide valuable time to say goodbye and hold their beloved pet. This can be important when a euthanasia decision has had to come about quickly or if a painful animal has resented touch at home in the lead up to the procedure. For other people, this can be a distressing extension to a highly emotional process.
Sedative drugs have effects beyond just relaxation
They can lower blood pressure, alter breathing patterns or may cause your pet to vomit. These effects could be undesirable, especially if your animal is already sick, and may distress your pet or make it difficult to give the euthanasia injection. Although some sedation drugs provide pain relief, if your pet is in a lot of pain or is sensitive to handling, that sedation may not be enough, and an anaesthetic may be recommended.
Your veterinary team can talk you through the options best suited for your pet
They can assist with organising home visits or making appointments at the clinic. They can also discuss what sedation options may be suitable. Depending on the urgency and degree of sickness, your vet may advise against using a sedative. Where possible, it is best to ask questions ahead of time so that you can feel prepared and know what to expect when the time comes.
Conclusion
Providing a stress-free passing for your pet is important to everyone and is the ultimate goal of euthanasia. Sedation is commonly used prior to euthanasia but is not typically a requirement. Your veterinary team can help with decision making around where and how it happens, and what is best for your pet.
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