Sedation

[nhaitz]

I am a new member here, but far from young. Over my life, I have had to have three dogs put down. One because of a medical problem that could not be cured, and two because of failing health and the pains of old age.

None were sedated first. I think it depends on your vet, and the vet's relationship with the dog (or cat). If the vet and dog have a good relationship, the dog does not fear them, and is relaxed in their presence.

I recently had Sam put down. He was a 14 year old Great Dane/Dalmation mix. Although we occasionally saw one of the other vets on emergency visits, we always saw Dr Mariyn if possible. She and Sam had a good relationship, and he would let her do anything. She rarely took him to the "back room" for shots or treatment. One of the last tests she performed was an ultrasound. She did not have to restrain or sedate him, when she did the test. She just had one of Sam's favorite techs hold him and talk to him, while she did the ultrasound.

The morning she put Sam down, we both got down on the floor and patted him and talked to him. And, we both cried. I held him in my arms, and she did the injection. He just went to sleep, and in a few moments his heart stopped. It was peaceful, quiet, and dignified.

When Marilyn and I were sitting there crying and scratching Sam's ears, I remarked to her that Sam was the third dog I had to have put down, and it had not gotten any easier. She said "I have been doing this for over thirty years, and no, it has not gotten any easier for me either."

So, my two cent's worth, is it depends on the dog and their relationship with their doctor.