Putting a dog to sleep during lockdown.

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I guess the same applies to horses at this time too.

I had my horses shot by local hunt, the social distancing would not be an issue as they take the horse from you anyway.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My horses are usually put down by the knacker, same applies, I hand over and walk away. Worse with dogs though, I like to hold them to the end.

 

[Moobli]

I have shamefully only been with one of my dogs when they have been put to sleep but that was because he had bloat and I didnt know what was wrong when I took him in and I found it devastating The others I have only been able to go as far as the consulting room and then said goodbye and left them. Ive always felt terrible but at least thought I havent upset the dog at their last moments by sobbing all over them. I have an elderly "creaking gate" dog and am hoping that I wont have to take him in and say goodbye in the car park, I think that would be worse than at least going into the vets with him.

ETA I am actually in tears reading this thread.

We all do what we think is best. I couldn’t bear not to be there at the end, telling them what a good boy/girl they are and feeding them a special treat if they’re up to it. But I can usually keep my own emotions under control until they’ve gone. Then I fall to bits.

 

[Goldenstar]

I have a very very old girl it’s panicking me she will have to die away from home without me there.

 

[AdorableAlice]

I have a very very old girl it’s panicking me she will have to die away from home without me there.

Perhaps it is worth calling your practice and discussing your worries and fears. They may well be able to help reassure you.

 

[Griffin]

I had my cat PTS about a fortnight ago. He had been ill, so it was not totally unexpected but his deterioration was quick, so we ended up at an early morning emergency appointment. He hated vets, so my vet sedated him and then brought him out to the car park on a longline so I could hold him as he passed. The boot of the car was facing a building, so no one could see anything and the vet had put him on a puppy pad so any wee and poo was kept in one place. I think this was a pretty fair compromise.

 

[MagicMelon]

I would call around vets as they all seem to have different rules in place right now. One might home visit etc. I would definately try this as I too would be absolutely horrified to not be with any of my animals for it. They'd have to home visit if it was for a horse? So I dont really see the big difference with smaller animals - surely if you took the animal outside it minimises contact.

I've been with all my animals during being PTS. The only bit I cant stand about and watch is them being buried afterwards (my horses are buried in my field etc.). I couldnt imagine not being with them.

 

[Muddy unicorn]

I had to have my lovely old cat PTS on Thursday as she had bladder cancer and suddenly deteriorated. Our vet is allowing owners to come into the practice for euthanasia. I had to wear a mask and gloves but was able to stroke her and talk to her. She was sedated first and then had an overdose of anaesthetic and she drifted off peacefully which was a relief and I managed to hold it in until she’d gone. The vet and nurse were very kind and reassuring. I couldn’t have borne it if I’d not been there for her at the end.