What Drug Is Used to Put A Dog to Sleep – How Does This Drug Work?
The first question that should be asked is why do you want to know what drug is used to put a dog to sleep? As blunt as this may seem, it’s not under your jurisdiction to make the decision of ending your pet’s life, unless of course he/she is incurably ill or aging.
Even then, you need to speak to your vet first, get your facts checked and the condition thoroughly examined, and then decide.
As for when the time has come, either at home or the vet’s clinic, you ought to be prepared in the sense that knowing some important facts does help when it comes to dealing with the process and also accepting it as a part of your precious dog’s life.
Medicine to Put Dogs to Sleep
Vets administer medications with a controlled capacity. The most commonly used drug is sodium pentobarbital. This particular substance works on its own or it’s combined with another medicine called phenytoin sodium. Both fall under the category of euthanasia drugs for canines, and they’re administered intravenously.
Let’s talk a little more about sodium pentobarbital for dogs. This one’s a short-term barbiturate anesthetic drug. It came into the picture back in 1931. And how it works for euthanizing the animal is, firstly an extra dosage is given to activate the effect of anesthesia. And then there’s that quick setting of unconsciousness.
Phenytoin sodium is also one of the most effective dog euthanasia drugs. It slows down the central nervous system, which lowers blood pressure and then leads to cardiovascular collapse (meaning the heart’s electrical activity is stopped). And this effect occurs very naturally during the deep stage of anesthesia brought on by administering pentobarbital.
Did My Dog Know He Was Being Put to Sleep? How Does It Work?
This euthanasia solution has a bright blue or pink color, which is how vets differentiate it against other drugs. And it’s administered intravenously, into the front leg vein of the dog. Once administered, the medication becomes a part of the animal’s blood circulation.
The first effect takes place in the brain, more specifically in the cerebral cortex. The outcome of which is immediate unconsciousness (less than 5 seconds). And the dog becomes unconscious, which is a state where there’s no sense of awareness plus the sensory perception ability is also lost. So the dog has been ‘put to sleep,’ and it’s deep sleep.
The next thing that happens shortly after that is the onset of a quick coma-like condition – reduced blood pressure and heart rate, reduced body temperature, and weakening or slowing down of respiration. In turn, causing cardiac arrest. So first is the cerebral failure and then cardiac activity failure.
And how long does this entire process take? Anywhere between 15 seconds and a minute. As soon as the drug is injected or while it’s being injected, the dog drifts into unconsciousness.
Euthanasia In Dogs – When Is It the Right Decision?
You or I can’t possibly have the right answer to this question. But a vet does. As a pet owner, it’s obviously under your control whether or not you should let your adorable little pooch, who may be either really very old or sick, live or not. However, it’s only after consulting with a professional, certified veterinarian do you reach this point in the first place.
Every condition or scenario is different from another. Likewise, even the reason behind a decision such as this varies.
But whatever it is, you have to keep nothing but your dog’s health in mind. Do what’s best for him/her. And to be honest, what’s best is talking to the vet and laying out all possible options. And then choose an approach or solution that aligns with your pet dog’s overall well-being.
Your Dog’s Quality of Life Is What Matters the Most
How many physical problems does your furry companion have? Write them down. Include issues like loss of appetite, pain, mobility limitations, etc. Also consider digestive concerns such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and the like. Basically, any symptom that seems out of the ordinary with regards to your dog’s both physical and mental state.
How about his/her behavior? Does your dog feel confused or lost? Does he/she bark excessively? Or act too destructive or aggressive?
This should give you an idea of your pet’s quality of life. And then relay these problems you’ve listed to the vet during the appointment at the clinic. The medical professional will examine the dog to find out what the source of the concern is.
If it has anything to do with his/her physical health that can be fixed with the help of anti-inflammatory medication or CBD product, then great. But if not, then talk things over, at length, with your vet to come up with a solution most favorable to your dog’s current health and condition.
Putting A Dog to Sleep with Sleeping Pills – It’s a BAD idea!
Euthanizing a dog with sleeping pills is NOT a good idea AT ALL.
When you refer to sleeping pills, you should know that this term is pretty generic. Meaning sleeping pills cover various kinds of medications. Now the most common of the lot is pentobarbital – the one that’s used for euthanasia. It’s barbiturate with quick-acting properties that is also a part of the anesthesia procedure and for treating seizures.
A lower dosage of this medicine slows down blood circulation and breathing while a higher dose stops the heart altogether. Many doctors administer (inject) pentobarbital mixed with some other tranquilizers.
Let Your Vet Guide You Through the Process of Putting Your Dog to Sleep
Dogs, just like us humans, are mortal beings. So there will come a time when you will have to say goodbye to your old-time furry friend. When your dog is seriously ill, old, or in too much pain because of some long-term and maybe even an incurable medical condition, there’s no other choice but to pull the plug, however hard it may seem.
However, there’s a proper way to go about it, which is something that only a vet you trust should guide you through. There are dog euthanasia drugs for this process to take place without your little pet feeling any pain or discomfort.
Just make sure you stay with your dog at the time of such a heartbreaking stage of his/her life to reassure them by gently stroking their fur and talking to them in a soft, loving tone.
