Watching a dog grow old and suffer from the frailties that come with old age is hard for most dog owners, and it is especially hard when you realize the best thing to do is to end your beloved pet's suffering by euthanizing it. You can try to make your pet as comfortable as possible by having the procedure done at your home instead of the unfamiliar and sterile environment of a clinical setting. If your beloved dog is at the end of its life and you feel it's time to end your pet's suffering, you can sometimes have a trained veterinarian come to your home to administer the necessary drugs. Here is an overview of what you should expect if you are going to choose to euthanize your dog at home.
Veterinarian's Arrival
The veterinarian will typically arrive with an assistant who will help to set up the equipment and assist in the administration of the drugs used to euthanize your dog.
Procedure Location
If you want your dog to be as comfortable as possible, the veterinarian can set up the equipment used to administer the drugs by the place where your dog normally sleeps.
The Procedure
The veterinarian will typically use an IV set up to administer the drugs. A syringe connected to an intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the vein on one of the legs on your dog. The first thing the veterinarian typically administers is a drug to sedate the dog so it falls into a deep sleep. Among the drugs commonly used for this procedure are Telazol (which is a mixture of two drugs called tiletamine and zolazepam), ketamine, and propofol. These drugs will make it so your dog won't feel any pain or discomfort as the procedure continues.
Barbiturates are commonly administered in large doses after the dog has been sedated. The large dosage will cause your dog to overdose. When your dog overdoses, the heart, brain, and lungs will shut down and your dog will pass away peacefully.
Special Considerations
You need to be aware that not all municipalities allow pets to be euthanized at home by a veterinarian and this option might not be legally available to you in your hometown. Also, you may not be able to bury your dog in your yard, if that was your intention, and the veterinarian may have to take the deceased body of your dog with them as they leave to ensure its remains are handled in accordance with local law. Your local veterinarian should be able to answer any specific questions you have for the community you live in.
For more questions about at-home euthanasia, contact Spring Hill Veterinary Clinic.
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