Home dog euthanasia

[cast1]

So I've got a setter that's 16 and a half years old. His quality of life is getting pretty bad. Doesn't want to walk, getting really wasted looking. Thing is he still eats and tries to take bones from my 3 year old lol.

Took him to the vet today thinking he's got cancer or kidney failure and would be putting him down. Nope. Labs are all fine, prostate, fine, lungs fine, abdomen fine. He's just tired.

Decided instead to try him on a couple weeks of Galliprant. Even bought him some cbd gummies to encourage him to eat more and help with pain when he walks.

It's probably stupid to do, and I sure don't want to be cruel to him. I just thought I'd give him a fighting chance and see if I can improve his quality of life. If he's not improving, I'll put him down, which brings me to my question. Is there any reliable home brew method to euthanize a dog other than a bullet or an injection? I wish I could feed him a bunch of morphine and let him just drift off to sleep. He's terrified of the vet's office and I don't want him living his last moments in fear. There's a couple at-home euthanasia services around here, which I'll probably go with, but thought I'd ask if there are any alternatives.

 

[myronman3]

location? pay the money for the at home. a good vet that will come to your house is the way to go. unless you want to shoot him. which i've done....it aint for the faint of heart and it sticks with you. put my favorite dog down myself about 20 years ago....still sticks with me.

 

[748rpilot]

I would call around and find a trusted hospice vet, they can help you more objectively think through the questions about when it's time, how to do it, where to do it, any last experiences, burial vs cremation, etc.

I'd personally suggest that when it's time, have the hospice vet come to your house. Your dog's last moments should be as peaceful as possible, I believe we owe them that much.

Sorry that you're going through this.

 

[Ichi]

I also recommend a home service. It's a very difficult decision to make.

 

[TheHorta]

I hate doing it and, as Myron said, it definitely sticks with you, but I don’t want a stranger putting my family animals down, so I take them on “The Last Walk” and do it myself.

I want the last thing they see to be someone who loves them.

Sub-X 300BLK is quick and quiet.

 

[Grizz3153]

Used a home vet a couple of years ago. I wouldn't do any other way.

I left one at the vet to put down several years ago and it still tears me up when I remember leaving her alive on a cold metal table as we left the vet. Never again will I leave one like that.

 

[chevy_man]

Our vet will come to the house.

It's good for the other dogs too in my experience. They will go sniff, realize what's going on, and don't tend to wander around looking for their buddy.

 

[Aftermath]

I've done it every way.

Left them at the vet...never again.

Stayed there and petted him while the vet used the needles. It's not great and I decided that they deserve to die at home or out in the field where they are accustomed to being.

Had the vet over and that was probably the best way. No extra charge for the home visit.

Shot them while out for a jaunt. I don't enjoy that at all but it's better than the first 2.

Probably the worst, just this last July, I ran over my old Weiner Dog. He was real deaf and damned near blind. He didn't see me and I didn't see him. One of the worst days of my life.

 

[Nik H]

Home is the only way. Pets know when they go to the vet to be put to sleep. They freak out because they can sense your stress. It makes it all the more sad and painful for you.

I would never go that route again. We put down our oldest dog (16.5 years old). She had a great life. She was a large breed, so we were thankful she lived as long as she did. She passed peacefully surrounded by all of us in a familiar setting.

 

[AZLong]

Had to put down 2 in the last few years. We used an at home euthanasia service. They were awesome, the dogs were at ease, did not feel the initial injection, and were loving the affection as they fell asleep. They provided a plaster paw print in a small metal case as well.

 

[davsco]

i don't get anyone who could leave their dog at the vet and walk away.

our dogs loved car rides. we take them to the vet but have the vet come out to the car to inject them. damn i'm tearing up just thinking of this.

 

[Ronws]

Have a professional do it. Even if it is home services.

Last year, I had to put down my wife's 18 year old cat. Failing kidneys, which all cats will get since they are obligate carnivores.

I stayed with her while the vet gave her a sedative. Then the final push and no heartbeat. And he left me alone, which was needed.

Pardon my swahili but it fucking sucks putting a pet down. But it is the right and humane thing to do. Trying to prolong their life is all about us and our selfish needs.

 

[Nik H]

i don't get anyone who could leave their dog at the vet and walk away.

Fortunately, I don't know those kind of people

 

[Former0302]

As others have said, definitely use the home visit. We put our beloved mixed breed down when he hit 17 years old and couldn't stand up reliably anymore.

After the kids got a chance to love on him they left the room and the wife and I petted him while the vet injected him. He was comfortable and loved and it was quick, like turning off a light switch quick. Hurts a bit to say goodbye to a loved friend like that, but we should all be so lucky to go that way.

 

[mi223]

Vet come to the house for us. Two labs 14 and 12. 14 couldn't get around anymore and 12 had heart issues. We decided it would be best to do them together.

Vet sedated both very quickly then gave them the shot. It went as well as a shity situation could. He was incredibly professional and made it as easy as he could.

I don't judge anyone who could leave their dog at the vet but it is not for me. I much prefer having them home and comfortable.

Damn it. It just got dusty in here.

 

[jbuck88]

Do what's best for your dog, full stop.

They give you their whole life of unconditional love and loyalty. The minimum you can do is suck it up and take a bite of that shit sandwich.

If he doesn't mind strangers or car rides it opens up options.

My wife's dog couldn't walk on bad days, but she would always wag her tail and get excited to hear or smell you coming. She hated strangers and hated car rides.

 

[Bradu]

Our last dog ended up with fluid on the heart and lungs after being sedated for an abscessed tooth. We took her to the vet in the middle of the night and ended up having to euthanize her. Ideally, talking to the vet about a house call would be the way to go. As others said, putting a bullet in your dog sticks with you. I hope I never have to do it again, but I will if it's necessary to keep them from suffering.

 

[chillywig]

We did a 19yo cat today. Kidneys got him. I had been considering doing it myself out back. When thinking about it I assumed it would be a nice day. He could put his paws in the grass and I'd comfort him right up till the end.

Winter dumped snow and ice on us and I'm glad it was not a viable option. Not sure how I would handle it doing it myself. We took him to his vet. They are great people. Let us spend all the time with him we wanted before administering the sedative, the kill shot and after it was done. Have a nurse call button type thing to let them know when we were ready for each step.

Somedays that old arena dust is tough to out run....

 

[myronman3]

I've done it every way.

Left them at the vet...never again.

Stayed there and petted him while the vet used the needles. It's not great and I decided that they deserve to die at home or out in the field where they are accustomed to being.

Had the vet over and that was probably the best way. No extra charge for the home visit.

Shot them while out for a jaunt. I don't enjoy that at all but it's better than the first 2.

Probably the worst, just this last July, I ran over my old Weiner Dog. He was real deaf and damned near blind. He didn't see me and I didn't see him. One of the worst days of my life.

i am so sorry bud. i ran over our big sweetie in october. holy smokes, i can't even begin to describe the horror.... thankfully in my case, he was a big tough dog...and while he was really sore for a week, he is fully recovered. i still feel HORRIBLE about it. i'll say a prayer for your doggie, and for you. my dog is like 120 pounds, and i had NO idea he was there. with a tiny wiener dog....i can see how easily it can happen.

 

[DIBBS]

I'm teary eyed remembering the lab and shepherd that had to be put down in the past (vet). Not easy but best for them if the quality of life is diminished/suffering.

Hope my current buddy (pictured) is around for a LONG time. As stated, they provide unconditional love.

 

[diggler1833]

We will go to the home for euthanizing your pet...but I am upfront that it will cost more.

Ask your vet for some Trazadone (anti-anxiety med) and Gabapentin (basically a neurological pain blocker that also 'numbs the mind' a bit, so you can give them to your dog about two hours before that final car ride. It'll make the pet a ton more relaxed.

We also sedate before we do the final injection. It costs a bit more, but finding a good vein on a lot of sick, dehydrated elderly cats and dogs is harder...and if the animal is basically sleeping through this process, then there is no last-minute fight. I had that happen with one of my dogs 20 years ago and it was extremely traumatic for my family.

Sorry for the upcoming ordeal.

 

[myronman3]

we run a clinic here in western wisconsin. we charge a very small milage few, and if they have been clients for a while, a lot of times we wave that.

for those who don't know.....an intial sedative is given. time is given for that to work. (if you've even had surgery and been put under, it's like going to sleep. imagine that, in your home, with your loved ones all touching you) after the patient is soundly out, an overdose of anesthetic is given that stops everything.

it is hard to imagine a more peaceful end; and often times the poor animal is in such pain that it really is a kindness. if you have a decent Vet, i can't see them being unwilling to help you.

 

[Emerson0311]

Our last dog ended up with fluid on the heart and lungs after being sedated for an abscessed tooth. We took her to the vet in the middle of the night and ended up having to euthanize her. Ideally, talking to the vet about a house call would be the way to go. As others said, putting a bullet in your dog sticks with you. I hope I never have to do it again, but I will if it's necessary to keep them from suffering.

The bullet is a tough deal. I had to do it as a kid. That stuff stays with a guy.

 

[LuckyLuke80]

My mother in law tried a homebrew on an old worn out dog. Didn’t go well. I’d say follow the consensus and get a home visit from the vet. I’ve killed more than a few animals, and while I’m not a dog person per se (I do own a border collie) I can’t really bring myself to shoot a pet anymore. Had an old horse killing go really bad and suddenly there was onion odor or something in the air. Swore then I wouldn’t do that again. I shot a really bad old perverse dog and the way he howled really stuck with me. Maybe I’m just getting soft in my old age, but I’m not one for shooting pets unless it’s the only way out.

 

[Aftermath]

I have a real good friend that use to board horses for some folks. One was a very old horse that was just petted and fed, never ridden anymore. The time came that it was severely disabled just from age and the people decided it would be more humane to put it down but just couldn't. They were crying just discussing it. My bud said the vet was the way to go and to just have the vet come out. They balked and balked, mainly about the cost. He said he lost all respect for them then and there. Finally, they asked him if he could just do it without a vet. He agreed, for a nominal fee but stipulated that they be there. He digs a hole with his backhoe and gently leads the horse into the hole with the reins tied to the bucket. It went south from there. Like Cape Horn south.

Call the vet and pay the fee.
Dogs do not live long enough because they give their souls to being loyal and compassionate and loving to their owners.
Mules are very much the same and so are most horses.

 

[lariat]

I put mine down myself. He had gotten to the point he was immobile from pain and had started losing bowel function. No mobile bets in my area and he cried in pain when I picked him up. I wasn’t going to torture him by manhandling him, I owed him more than that.

That was a very difficult day.

 

[Eostech]

I hate doing it and, as Myron said, it definitely sticks with you, but I don’t want a stranger putting my family animals down, so I take them on “The Last Walk” and do it myself.

I want the last thing they see to be someone who loves them.

Sub-X 300BLK is quick and quiet.

It is the final responsibility of being a pet owner.

I have a real good friend that use to board horses for some folks. One was a very old horse that was just petted and fed, never ridden anymore. The time came that it was severely disabled just from age and the people decided it would be more humane to put it down but just couldn't. They were crying just discussing it

I shot a horse like that recently, by the time the people decided it needed to be done the horse was not only immobile on the ground but in its struggling to get up or where it fell it turned an eye to jelly on a rough concrete footing.

 

[Threadcutter308]

I would call around and find a trusted hospice vet, they can help you more objectively think through the questions about when it's time, how to do it, where to do it, any last experiences, burial vs cremation, etc.

I'd personally suggest that when it's time, have the hospice vet come to your house. Your dog's last moments should be as peaceful as possible, I believe we owe them that much.

Sorry that you're going through this.

This. It's still tough though. But, the alternatives are even tougher.

 

[wvfarrier]

Check around, there are vets who will come and do the eithanasia at your house. Another option is to ask for a heavy dose of valium or phenobarb to relax him before taking him in.

 

[SBRSarge]

I feel your pain. It is a hard decision. Let your heart tell you when it is time.

We used Lap of Love for our Labrador. They were wonderful, even arranging for a creamation service to come shortly thereafter.

https://www.lapoflove.com/

Our lab died peacefully, at home, in our front yard, being held by my wife and me. Fuck, I’m getting teary thinking of it…

 

[Bullfrog08]

No matter how it goes, there no positive in it. Watching the most loyal being you will ever have take it's last breath....SUCKS! I look at it this way, if it is my time to go, I'd rather a loved one do it. It'll stick with you no matter how it goes. If you're questioning it, it is time to do it!

 

[Sandhog308]

So I've got a setter that's 16 and a half years old. His quality of life is getting pretty bad. Doesn't want to walk, getting really wasted looking. Thing is he still eats and tries to take bones from my 3 year old lol.

Took him to the vet today thinking he's got cancer or kidney failure and would be putting him down. Nope. Labs are all fine, prostate, fine, lungs fine, abdomen fine. He's just tired.

Decided instead to try him on a couple weeks of Galliprant. Even bought him some cbd gummies to encourage him to eat more and help with pain when he walks.

It's probably stupid to do, and I sure don't want to be cruel to him. I just thought I'd give him a fighting chance and see if I can improve his quality of life. If he's not improving, I'll put him down, which brings me to my question. Is there any reliable home brew method to euthanize a dog other than a bullet or an injection? I wish I could feed him a bunch of morphine and let him just drift off to sleep. He's terrified of the vet's office and I don't want him living his last moments in fear. There's a couple at-home euthanasia services around here, which I'll probably go with, but thought I'd ask if there are any alternatives.

I had a Shetland Sheepdog for 17 yrs. He was my best friend and an excellent wingman in college. A frisbee and a park got me and him laid numerous times.
He got some sort of dog cancer years later and my longtime Vet said she would only charge me $100.00 to put him down. I decided to do it myself. I’m still feel mixed on what I did , but at the time a CB short 22 was lots cheaper than $ 100.00 bill.
My GF and I had to decide how to put her long time Havanese down last year. A local Vet , full of compassion , came to my house …did the deed , took her and had her cremated , and provided a urn for her ashes for $50.00
By far , it made a shitty time ….less shitty.

 

[WTF-2-EDC]

It's the saddest obligation of having pets. I feed mine a ribeye and a beer beforehand. Then the Vet comes out and gives em two shots...one is a sedative so they slip into sleep, the second is the kill shot. On the ranches i work (doing ADC work) the owners generally use a .22 to the back of the head. The dog knows nothing...just instant lights out. Both are humane IMHO.

 

[Douglas-001]

OP states that the capability is present for the Vet to come to the residence. I had this done for my Cowbell, and then a few years later my daughter did the same for her cat. First shot was a strong sedative, few minutes later a final injection. If the dog/cat means that much, and they usually do, the OP owes it to that companion to let him go peacefully in their own yard/home where they are comfortable. A difficult decision, many of us have been there. But it was the best decision, of that I am sure.

I only wanted to comment that I am sure there may times when the vet is not available, perhaps out in the field and just too far from real medical help that it requires quick and direct action to end any further suffering. That requires just as much courage if the need arises.

Call the vet over and stay with him until the end. OP asked for advice/opinions. That's mine.

 

[BytorJr]

I didn't do the home euthenasia because my vet was still solo (had just opened his practice); but they let me sit with my dog for about 30 minutes before they started the procedure and were willing to give me more time. After it was "over" and he passed on, they let me stay with him until I got my composure (about 45 minutes or so). That was almost 5 years ago, and it's still hard to think about.

But, since my dog was getting laser therapy and we'd go 2-3x a week, he just figured it was a normal trip where he'd get cute vet techs massaging him with the laser and there was no real anxiety that I could see. They had a blanket and made it very home-like. To spare the details he let me know it was okay - which still brings tears to my eyes. Had I had the option to do it at home with his regular vet I would have and if you have that option I'd recommend it.

 

[Pharmseller]

The bullet is a tough deal. I had to do it as a kid. That stuff stays with a guy.

Can confirm.

It was the best choice for my dog, though, so that’s what I did. In the backyard, chewing on a big meaty bone, he never felt a thing.

Quick, stress free, painless. He deserved it.




P

 

[Ronws]

I didn't do the home euthenasia because my vet was still solo (had just opened his practice); but they let me sit with my dog for about 30 minutes before they started the procedure and were willing to give me more time. After it was "over" and he passed on, they let me stay with him until I got my composure (about 45 minutes or so). That was almost 5 years ago, and it's still hard to think about.

But, since my dog was getting laser therapy and we'd go 2-3x a week, he just figured it was a normal trip where he'd get cute vet techs massaging him with the laser and there was no real anxiety that I could see. They had a blanket and made it very home-like. To spare the details he let me know it was okay - which still brings tears to my eyes. Had I had the option to do it at home with his regular vet I would have and if you have that option I'd recommend it.

Amen, twin brother from another mother.

 

[cast1]

Thanks very much for the outpouring of info and sympathy. I really appreciate it. It's good people who would say much of what's been said.

Price is no object here, and I did the in home vet euthanasia thing with my last dog. It was fine and sounds like the best option.

I know it sounds weird, but if I could, I'd spare him even an unfamiliar face/smell and a pinprick. I wish there was something he could eat and just fall asleep. No free lunch I guess. Thanks again.

 

[Bullfrog08]

I kind of hate posting this, but my ex-wife was struggling with letting her pug go about 5 years ago. I told her that she was putting the dog through a lot of pain. Before I left for work I fed the dog a hotdog stuffed with 5 crushed tramadol. It's given to dogs for pain. The dog was struggling to breathe, and I HOPED the tramadol would slow its breathing even more. The dog had good days and bad days, but it was time. She called me about two hours later at work that the dog had passed. She was sad, I was glad. I hate seeing dogs suffer.

I'm the type that has picked up dogs on the side of the road and properly buried them. I love dogs more than most adults, and more than any adult female!

 

[roostercogburn98]

Find a vet office that will let your dog sit with you while they do the deed. Took our 13 year old Boston last year, and she was sitting in my lap when they did it all. Wrapped up in a warm cozy blanket looking right at me as I pet her.

 

[Seed tick]

If I make it to the pearly gates I fervently hope my dogs are all there. They deserve to be

 

[LeftyJason]

This fits here. Sorry for the onion ninjas.

 

[Smitty192]

Healthy dose of Trazadone for my old Beagle and one last ride. Vet met us out in the parking lot and gave her a sedative, then the blue juice. We held her in our laps wrapped up in her blanket until the end, which was quick. Went real easy.

Don't leave your friend at the vet. It sucks, but be there with them until the end. They'd do the same for you.

 

[diggler1833]

Some people want to be present, some don't. I unfortunately see it from all sides way too frequently. It is my least favorite part of the job (and all I do is manage the clinic).

Even as much as my wife does it, three weeks ago I had to go and put down (shoot) her horse. She couldn't do it, and I don't necessarily blame her. We've put down the dog of another veterinarian for the same reason.

One of the best things a client can do is ask their local clinic about the process...that way there isn't any kind of upsetting surprise. If you want it done another way, make sure that they will accommodate your wishes suitable to what you are seeking or seek out another clinic.

 

[0724/1030]

Every one of them takes a piece of you when they depart this earth. As hard as it is, I could never not be there at the end. We owe them that and so much more.

I’ve been through the process at my vet’s office, emergency clinic, and at-home. If you have the option, doing so in the peace and comfort of your home is worth whatever the cost.

 

[myronman3]

This fits here. Sorry for the onion ninjas.
View attachment 8586076

you bastard.

 

[Bradu]

The bullet is a tough deal. I had to do it as a kid. That stuff stays with a guy.

I was young when I had to do it and it definitely stays with you. We got her as a puppy when I was very young. She followed me everywhere I went on the 4 wheeler and wherever I went hunting. I can't bring myself to get another Labrador as much as I love the breed.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

So I've got a setter that's 16 and a half years old. His quality of life is getting pretty bad. Doesn't want to walk, getting really wasted looking. Thing is he still eats and tries to take bones from my 3 year old lol.

Took him to the vet today thinking he's got cancer or kidney failure and would be putting him down. Nope. Labs are all fine, prostate, fine, lungs fine, abdomen fine. He's just tired.

Decided instead to try him on a couple weeks of Galliprant. Even bought him some cbd gummies to encourage him to eat more and help with pain when he walks.

It's probably stupid to do, and I sure don't want to be cruel to him. I just thought I'd give him a fighting chance and see if I can improve his quality of life. If he's not improving, I'll put him down, which brings me to my question. Is there any reliable home brew method to euthanize a dog other than a bullet or an injection? I wish I could feed him a bunch of morphine and let him just drift off to sleep. He's terrified of the vet's office and I don't want him living his last moments in fear. There's a couple at-home euthanasia services around here, which I'll probably go with, but thought I'd ask if there are any alternatives.

Vets will often make house calls for a 'last visit.'

If your regular vet won't... ask who does locally. There will generally be someone who understands that passing at home is the best thing for an animals last moments...

Sorry to hear about your old dude! Nothing is worse than saying goodbye.

Sirhr

 

[CheStadium]

I've put down a few farm animals, including a horse that our daughter loved. That was difficult but necessary. Our dog is part of the family, and I don't want to think about having to put her down when it's time. I'll do it if she's suffering badly, but it will hurt. I'd like her to go to sleep for the last time happy and loved.

I can see having a vet inject her at home while I hold her. It will make me cry, but there is no way I want to see her leave this world in a vet's office. I don't want to think about this anymore today.

 

[mvphilly]

I had the same situation this past fall. My 14 Yo beagle was failing badly with diabetes ,Cushing's disease and liver failure. The Saturday before Labor Day my wife and i made the decision to have the vet come over and send her to the rainbow bridge like we have done in the past.My wife went to run errands and I went out to cut the grass. When I came back inside Lizzie had passed away in her bed on in the kitchen. It was ironic because it was 14 years to the day we brought her home from the breeder.She came full circle. I miss that dog.