#PetLoss #SayingGoodbyeToMyDog #PuttingMyDogDown 😢
Losing a beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences a pet owner can go through. When it comes to making the decision to put your dog down, it can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. If you are facing this difficult situation, it’s natural to have a lot of questions and concerns about what to expect. In this article, we will provide you with guidance on what to expect when putting your dog down to help you prepare for this emotional and challenging process.
What to expect when putting your dog down
Making the decision to put your dog down is never easy, but it can be the most compassionate choice when your pet is suffering. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
1. Understanding the process
– When you arrive at the veterinary clinic, you will be greeted by the veterinary staff who will guide you through the process.
– The veterinarian will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have. It’s important to take this time to talk about your feelings and concerns with the vet.
2. Saying your goodbyes
– You will have the opportunity to spend some final moments with your dog before the procedure.
– Use this time to say your goodbyes, express your love, and provide comfort to your pet.
3. The euthanasia procedure
– The veterinarian will administer a sedative to your dog to ensure that they are relaxed and comfortable.
– Once your dog is sedated, the vet will administer the euthanasia solution, which will peacefully and painlessly stop your dog’s heart.
4. Coping with the loss
– It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after putting your dog down, including grief, guilt, and sadness. Give yourself time to process your feelings and seek support from friends, family, or a professional counselor.
How to cope with putting your dog down
Here are some suggestions for coping with the loss of your beloved pet after putting them down:
1. Allow yourself to grieve
– It’s important to allow yourself to grieve and feel the range of emotions that come with losing a pet. Don’t suppress your feelings – it’s okay to cry and express your grief.
2. Seek support
– Reach out to friends and family for emotional support. Talking to others who have experienced pet loss can also be helpful in feeling understood and supported.
3. Honor your dog’s memory
– Find ways to honor your dog’s memory, such as creating a memorial, planting a tree in their honor, or making a donation to a pet charity in their name.
4. Take care of yourself
– Make sure to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Get plenty of rest, eat well, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and solace.
In conclusion, putting your dog down is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience, but it can also be a compassionate choice to end their suffering. Remember that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions and to seek support from others as you cope with the loss. Ultimately, the decision to put your dog down is an act of love and kindness to end their pain and suffering. As you grieve and heal, know that you are not alone in your feelings and that it’s okay to take the time you need to heal.
You will be sad, very sad. You will make yourself feel better by saying “I gave him the best life and passing that I could” No more pain and suffering for the poor doggy. Hugs.
I’m so, so sorry. It’s the worst feeling in the world. Big thing–be there for him. Hold his paw, let him know how much you love him. He is already in a scary place that smells like death, he needs you by his side to help guide him to the happy place. He needs to see you as his last sight, nothing else.
I’m sorry to hear this. I think being there for your dog will be important for him and for you. It won’t be easy, but it’s what’s best for your dog so that he’s no longer suffering. After that, I’m not sure. I’d probably look at photos of him through the years and have a good cry. Time helps. You’ll be fine.
Stsy with him. Hold him.
A whole another level when it comes to sickness, no other than cancer, sorry to hear, hold on strong! Its the best for him, im sure he is sufering with all of this, you need to be strong, enjoy last moments, remember the good days and be beside your puppy! Soon he will cross the rainbow bridge, and one day you two can play once again!
Best of wishes and be strong! <3
What a lucky pup to have been so loved for so long.
I remember my dad saying “sweet dreams baby girl” to our dog when we had to put her down. I still can picture it 20 years later. Just love on your dog until he goes
Sorry man, I’d be a mess if it were one of my dogs too. 😞
Stay with him to the end. If you are not there he will be looking for you.
The vet will bring you in. My vets office has a separate room and waiting area, so you aren’t with the other people.
They give your pet an injection to relax them, make them a little high and very sleepy. I sat down on the floor and just loved on my dog until he fell asleep in my lap.
After your sweetie goes to sleep they’ll administer another medication to stop the heart.
Our vet then let us stay in the room with his body for a long as we needed to.
I meant to bring a piece of chocolate so he’d get to taste it once, but I was too messed up, and forgot.
It’s awful, and every instinct will tell you to put it off longer. but please stay with him, stroke him as he goes and help him feel safe. Just know that you are letting him go because it’s the right thing for him, and means he is no longer in pain. The vets/nurses will be kind and they will know this is a hard situation. Be prepared for them to ask you what you want to happen after. I’ve been there and it sucks, but you love them knowing this day may come. Hugs buddy.
You’ll be with him- and he will get very tried and go to sleep with you by his side. It is peaceful yet sad.
First of all, I’m sorry that this is happening. If it’s not too late, please consider putting your dog down at home where the environment is familiar and safe. Some vets will travel to you for this particular procedure.
“I was just a pup when we first met,
I loved you from the start.
You picked me up and took me home,
And placed me in your heart.
Good times we had together,
We shared all life could throw.
But years passed all too quickly,
My time has come to go.
I know how much you miss me,
I know your heart is sore
I see the tears that fall
When I’m not waiting at the door.
You always did your best for me,
Your love was plain to see.
For even though it broke your heart,
You set my spirit free.
So please be brave without me,
One day we’ll meet once more.
For when you’re called to heaven,
I’ll be waiting at the door.”
lots of good advice here. i want to reiterate that you are doing the right thing, and that your dog will feel no pain from passing.
stay with him while he goes if you can, that is the kindest last moments a dog can have, and i’ll say i definitely wished i could have been there with one of my dogs when she had to be put down.
it is normal and healthy to grieve your dog, similar to the way we grieve other humans. give yourself a lot of slack in the coming days.
Been through this twice. Once I crouched in front and watched the life leave his eyes. The other time I sat on the floor and held him in my lap and felt the life leave his body. I wouldn’t recommend either of those, but especially the latter. I would just hold his paw, pet and kiss the top of his head and tell him what a good boy he was. I’m so sorry. You know you are doing the right thing but it’s very difficult to say goodbye.
Put him down in the comfort of his own home. I don’t understand why people do it this way. They feel more safe and less scared
Vetnurse here. I just want to also add that the eyes will stay open. You can’t close them as you see in movies with humans. Also they can have muscle twitches after the second injection. This doesn’t mean your dog is still alive. It’s just reflexes and it almost always happens. If you have some doubt you can always ask the vet to listen for a heartbeat again. I know it’s hard information but it helps if you know what to expect.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Hey, your post really hit home with me. I had an almost identical situation happen to me two weeks ago. My dog has brain cancer and he began to seize and they couldn’t stop the seizures. I went to 3 hospitals in 24 hours and all of the doctors agreed it was time to euthanize him. He was ten and I’ve had him since I he was a pup. While I was, and still am devastated by his loss, I in no way regret my decision to euthanize him. It was the right thing to do. Coming home with him not there was devastating. I spent days crying and mourning him. He was my best friend and companion. Unfortunately all I can give you is that it will take time. Nothing else will help. You’re going to feel unbearable pain and at times numbness. But it will get easier with time. I went into a very dark place for the first week. It’s been a bit over two weeks now and the days are getting easier. I still miss him, I think I hear him or see him, but I know it was his time, he lived a full life. Now it just takes time for us to readjust and move forward. I feel you. Deeply. I have tears in my eyes just writing this thinking about what you are going through right now because I just felt this. If you wanna talk or chat, feel free to dm me. I understand the pain you’re about to go through. I wish you the best. Just know that it will get easier.
I’m sorry. At least it is fast.
Probably too late but I’d ask friend to drive me in. I’d be a wreck.
When I put my cat down, I took a week off work. I was a bit of a mess.
You’ll likely get the option to be by his side during the last moments. IDK which choice is the best. I stayed and it was probably the saddest I’ve ever been, but I couldn’t let him go alone.
Condolences
I’m so sorry to hear this – what a painful start to the year. You’re doing such a kindness in letting your dog pass now and not prolonging the pain.
When we had to put our dog, Ripley, to sleep, my partner and I were absolutely distraught. Our vet tech told us “she’s in pain now, and by letting her go peacefully you’ll be taking on the burden of pain for her.” It really helped me see things in a different light.
Wishing you strength today 💜
If you have other pets please give them extra TLC. Their life is changing too. I’ve even seen some pets look and look for the friend they’ve lost. I’ve had my own pets huddle together for days when one of their own pass. Others don’t care at all.
Heartbreak.
I always stay with my babies and tell them how loved they are and just hold them until they go, assuring them that it’s ok to go. I thank them for all the good times and safety they afforded me. Had to do this for a few of my babies over the years and i try to hold myself together and remain calm to assure them. Breaks my heart right now writing this as I remember the best friends I ever had but yet remember them all.
He will basically go to sleep next to you. You will likely feel numb for days or months.
When my dog passed away, I got a digital frame afterwards and put only photos of him. It really helped fill the void in some way.
Also – this sucks and I’m sorry you have to go through this.
Last time I cried I was 26, I found Mum dead from a stroke. I just cried again at 43 reading these posts and thinking how I’ll be when the time comes for my doggo (12yrs old now, so not that long left).
Hope you’re doing OK?
I know the event has already happened but I always recommend having someone drive you if you can.
I seriously was a bawling wreck and sat in a parking lot for 40 min the first time because I couldn’t drive.
The 2ns time I chose to do it at home and man it was 100 times better. It cost me more but the fact that his brother got to say goodbye seemed to help.
Also it was just so much nicer to be able to break down in my own home and not drive. If that is an option in your area I will always recommend it.
I’m in the same boat. Mine is about 14, I’ve had her for 13 years. It’s gonna be so hard.
You love him, and he knows that.
My darling boy was put to sleep yesterday, nearly 15 years old. We knew it was coming but didn’t make it any easier. I’m so sorry for your loss OP, I know how much you will be hurting right now.
In general, I would ask if a trusted friend or family could take you and your pup to the vet. I drove my parents to the vet with their dog (when they had to put her to sleep). So instead of trying to drive and being sad, they were able to sit in the back and focus on their sweet pup.
I sat with my dog and said goodbye with tears streaming down my face. He was in so much pain prior going in. The meds they gave him, helped him have a few calm, lucid, pleasant moments before the final, fatal dose.
The vet and the staff were so fucking kind and compassionate. I really appreciated it.
I’m so sorry for your loss. As to your feeling, be feel gentle in yourself. Sometimes people who have been waiting for a death to come get hit especially hard by sadness and grief, but think they shouldn’t because the “knew it was coming.”
You can THINK your way TO grief, but must FEEL your way through it.
The hardest part is the days maybe months after when your muscle memory kicks in and there’s nothing there. Like those moment when you drop food on the ground and you flinch and dive to catch it before your dog does. Or coming home after a tough day of work to nothing. Doggy lived in the moment. Never worrying about a thing. Never holding resentment or fear of what’s to come. Remember them happily and know they were not afraid.
It costs a lot and can take them longer than you would think to pass on. It’s fucking awful, as you would expect
Too late to offer any words of comfort, but I’m so sorry about your dog. He was lucky to have you to take care of him.
Thank you for staying with him. It hurts a lot to do that, but you’ll look back and know that because you did not abandon him in his final hours, you took all the hurt on yourself. It is the last, final thing we can do for them. I still cry over my friends I’ve had to put down, but the first one, the one I did not stay with, hurts me the most.
I regret reading this post and also reading the comments. I’ll be busy crying like a baby for the foreseeable future.
A dead dog