This will probably sound really really bad, I may even get shouted at!

[dothawkes31]

We had to have Max put down suddenly last Nov 16th, it was a quick unexpected decision and I don't think Max was really aware of much as he was heavily sedated by the time we got back to the vets and he had a catheta(sp) already in his front paw. But he was in a cage when I got there and he had to be lifted up onto the vets table and I found it really unnatural and restrictive to cuddle him as the vet gave him the injection. It made it harder to go through, not being able to have him on my lap, he was a chubby staffy before that abut was always the one to sit with me more than Bingo.
Well anyway, we have to now let Bingo go too, his back legs have completely failed him and he cannot walk, but he is happy, not in pain, abit confused i suppose, he is eating and still wags his tail and seems quite oblivious, but what i am trying to get round to is how we can help him go without the vet being so climical and taking that last comforting hug from us. I wondered whether we could perhaps sedate Bingo with his phenobarbitol tablets that we give him for his epilepsy and let him go to sleep at home. I'm totally ignorant of the side effects this course of action would give him and I will ask the vet if it is reasonable to consider doing this for him at home and avoiding that intrusion. Am I wrong in thinking this way? Would the vet have any legal or professional obections? It's not something I have definately decided I can do or would go ahead with without the knowledge o the vet, but has anyone ever looked at a similar consideration?

[Jan1957]

dot, I think most vets now will come to your home to put your pet to sleep. I know mine does as a friend did it. Sorry to hear about Bingo. x

[boxtops]

Dot, I'm so sorry - what a hard time for you. Could you not ask the vet if they would come to you, so Bingo could be at home when the time comes? I think I saw a similar question not so long ago on AB and the questioner there was talking about the vet making a home visit. I would hope it can be done - I would feel the same about my cats, they don't like the vets at the best of times and I am sure they would rather go to sleep in the comfort of their own home. I'm sad for you, but you are being honest in looking for the best for your dog.

[Meg]

Dot, that is so sad. Your vet should be able to make a home visit, mine did last year when we reached the end of the road with one of my dogs. She fell asleep for the last time in the home she loved without having to go back to the vet's place she hated.

I'm not sure if your trying to ask if you should overdose Bingo on tablets, I think you need a vet to draw a line under things when you are sure the time is right.

Terrible situation to be in, I'll be thinking of you and Bingo, Wendyxx

[vulcan]

Dot, over the years a friend has had to have three alsatians put down. On each occasion the Vet attended at the house, this made it easier for all concerned. I'm sure yours will be sympathetic.

[welshlibranr]

such a sad atime for you dot, I don't think your vet will agree that overdosing Bingo is the way to go, but maybe you can arrange for him/her to come to your home, and that way you can cuddle Bingo on your lap at the end....................this is probably the best way...............my thoughts are with you dot, take care....................

[lankeela]

Dot, much as you feel you want to help him, please don't try to overdose Bingo, you have no way of knowing what a correct dose would be. You surely don't want to cause him to suffer unnecessarily. Ask the vet to give you a sedative if you think he needs it, or ask the vet to do a home visit. Please please think of your dog and not yourself. I know its a difficult time, but you are doing the best for him and the easiest way is to let the vet do his job professionally. We are all here to offer kind thoughts and words, we all have to go through it at some point if we have animals. Remember, better a day too soon than a moment too late.

[brenda]

Vets will come to your home to put your pet to sleep.It can be pricey but worth the money.My GSD, was put to sleep as we sat in a cuddle on the hearth rug.The fact that I was able to have my arms round him , I think helped to ease the process, he wasn't frightened at the end , and I felt a part of his passing.Am so very sorry to hear of Bingo..

[dothawkes31]

I hadn't thought about the vet coming to the house, I think that could be a better way of doing what has to be done, because Bingo is still very alert and he will not let anyone he doesn't know touch him, he always has to have a muzzle on at the vets, thouigh he can usually prise his way out of it with his paws within seconds. he caught one young vet quite sharply years ago and he's a;ways needed a muzzle since, I certainly don't want to see him in a muzzle again. I'll speak to the vetinary nurse after the weekend and ask what happens with home visits. Thanks for everyone's kind words and understanding x

[paddywak]

Che my first GSD hated going to the vets and when the I realised that there was nothing else for it I coldn't bear the thought of taking him there for <b> THAT</b> so Margaret came to the house and he went to sleep in his basket while I stroked him. Vets realise how upsetting this situation is for most people and are happy to come to your home to release your pet from his suffering

[wolf63]

Thinking of you and Bingo at this time - it is never easy to let a little loved one go.

Susan

[LoftyLottie]

So sorry Dot. This has happened so soon after your kind words to me at the beginning of the week.

I am all for the vet coming to the house. We have always done this with our pets. It costs more but it is so much nicer. Unfortunately, do to other circumstances we couldn't do this with Benji on Monday, but we all went to the vets with him, including our other dog, so he went with all his family with him.

xxxx

[woofgang]

dot, discuss it with the vet. Both our dogs have been PTS at home, its much better IMO and I think the vets agree. If your boy is iffy about the vet and a muzzle would be difficult, could you get a sedative or use the phenobarb with the vet's agreement so that he was "out" or sleepy before the vet's arrival?
My experience is that vets want to make it as easy and unstressful as poss for the animal, and secondly for the owners, they will be happy to do whatever they can to assist with this. You are being a loving and unselfish boss to Bingo and very brave thinking and planning for him...if anyone shouts at you then send them to me!!

[jules77]

Sorry to hear about Bingo. I am sure the vet will come out to you, but if you feel he will need to be muzzled, ask the vet for a sedative that you can give him before he comes out. We had to do this with one of ours as she could be a bit iffy with strangers coming in the house, and she was very relaxed. Thinking of you x.

[mollykins]

Giving too many tablets might just make him ill or prolonge the suffering if they do work rather than ahving it done quickly.