Why Is The Euthanasia Of A Pet Often Referred To As "Putting Him/ Her To Sleep?

The word euthanasia comes from the Greek and translates to a good death – it’s also defined as a painless killing to relieve suffering. It would be so simple if your pet could drift into a better life in sleep, but that’s not always the case, so why is the euthanasia of a pet often referred to as putting him/her to sleep? Read on…

Putting an animal to sleep involves the administration of a sedative which enters the animal’s bloodstream and suppresses the function of the heart and brain causing instant loss of consciousness and pain sensation. The beating of the heart is stopped causing death whilst the animal is deeply asleep, which is where the term "put to sleep" comes from. The animal peacefully and instantly undergoes anaesthesia and passes into death without experiencing any pain.

Most euthanasia solutions are a combination of chemicals whose intent is to effect a quick and painless ending of nerve transmission and to effect complete muscle relaxation. When there are no nerve impulses there is no thought, no sensation, and no movement.

Putting a dog to sleep

Putting a dog to sleep humanely involves injecting the sleep away solution intravenously into a vein in the leg – all the dog will feel is the prick of the needle. This will be done after the sedation has taken effect in case the solution needs to be injected directly into other organs if the veins have collapsed. The dog will drift into a deep, peaceful sleep before the solution causes respiratory and cardiac arrest within 30 seconds.

The pet is unaware of any muscle twitches, or last deep breaths that may occur as these are simply nerve reactions that take place whilst the pet is unconscious. By checking for a heartbeat your vet will then confirm that death has occurred. This will be pain-free and peaceful carried out with the highest respect for your pet. You'll then be left alone to say your final goodbye.

Putting a cat to sleep

The main thing to remember about putting a cat to sleep is that the procedure is completely painless. A small pinprick of the needle may be felt as the sedative is administered, and in most cases, the effect will be instant. The second injection will only be given when your cat is in a deep sleep – this helps them to pass away gently without realising what’s happening – going to sleep for the very last time.

Your Home Visit Vets

You can arrange a consultation about pet euthanasia at home from care co-ordinators at your understanding vets practice. The mobile vet sent to you will keep your pet comfortable until they pass peacefully in your home surrounded by the family they love. A reputable veterinary practice will carry out pet anaesthesia based on the values of responsibility, respect, dignity, and passion.

You’ll be supported throughout the process, and won’t be expected to pay the pet euthanasia cost until the burial or cremation arrangements have been made.

My name is Lisbet Stuer-Lauridsen and I am the Managing Director at Cloud 9 Vets. My company provides a small range of in-home veterinary services allowing you to support and enjoy your pet in the best possible way.