Please watch one of the videos below. The process and experience are essentially the same for all our patients but there are some differences depending on size. If you’re having trouble viewing the video, please feel free to give us a call at 808-435-3006 or read the written explanation below the videos.
Smaller Dogs (under 26 lbs) or Cats
Larger Dogs (26 pounds or more)
Smaller Dogs and Cats (generally up to 25 lbs)
For very small dogs and cats, the doctor will usually offer a bit of oral sedative as a first step as these patients often don’t like the feel of the injection. If your pet is experiencing a lot of nausea or vomiting, let us know and we can adjust that plan.
All of our smaller patients go under full anesthesia before the euthanasia is performed. The doctor will give a combination of anesthetic and pain medicine by injection (this usually goes between the shoulder blades, near where a vaccine might be given). Depending on your pet’s size, physical condition, and anxiety level, it can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes for them to gradually relax into a deep sleep. The doctor will check to be sure they are completely under anesthesia before proceeding.
Once your pet is anesthetized, a second very powerful general anesthetic will be given for the euthanasia. For most small pets, this will be administered into the belly to eliminate the need for making repeated invasive attempts at placing an intravenous line into tiny veins. A large needle (if you have ever donated blood, it is about that same size) will be used – she will make absolutely sure your pet feels nothing and will warn you if you want to look away for this part. It will take another 5-15 minutes to take full effect (see under “all patients” below for what to expect).
Larger Patients (26 lbs and up)
The doctor will give a combination of heavy sedatives, anxiety medication, and pain medicine by injection (this usually goes between the shoulder blades, near where a vaccine may be given). Depending on your pet’s size, physical condition, and anxiety level, it can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to relax and become very drowsy. Some pets will doze off but still have some awareness of their surroundings.
Once your pet is sufficiently comfortable and relaxed, she will place an intravenous line to administer the euthanasia drug. Once the line is placed, she will pause and talk to you about the next steps before proceeding. A powerful anesthetic agent will be given. It usually takes 1-3 minutes for it to take full effect. See the next section for what to expect.
All Patients
Although the technique used for smaller and larger patients is slightly different, the medication is the same and it works the same way – just the time until your pet passes varies between methods (it takes longer for smaller patients).
The medication used is a concentrated formulation of pentobarbital. It works directly on the brain and induces a deep state of anesthesia. Next, the brain’s signals to trigger the breathing reflex are suppressed, and then the heart will stop beating a little while after that. It is impossible for this medication to work without first creating a state of deep sleep, so your pet is guaranteed not to feel any pain or distress.
You may notice some changes during the process. There can be an alteration in breathing patterns: speeding up, slowing down, or long pauses in between periods of several deep breaths. In a small percentage of patients, a deep contraction of the diaphragm can occur one or more times in the final moments, creating a very deep breath or two. Muscle movements around the paws, face, or other areas are not uncommon. Occasionally, the bowels and bladder may relax. All of these things are completely normal and don’t mean your pet is experiencing any discomfort or anxiety (remember, they are already sleeping peacefully by this point). Finally, it is very, very normal for the eyelids to be open in their completely relaxed state. This can be disconcerting to people who have not witnessed a death before, and it is nothing to be worried about.
Hopefully this information has helped prepare and reassure you. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to ask at the appointment or call us before the visit so we can put you at ease.