In domesticated animals, this process is commonly referred to by euphemisms such as "put down" or "put to sleep".
Methods
Animal euthanasia
How do you euthanize an animal?
Euthanasia is most often accomplished for pets by injection of a death-inducing drug. Your veterinarian may administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following injection of the euthanasia drug, your pet will immediately become deeply and irreversibly unconscious as the drug stops brain function.
Cats seem to have the ability to know that they are going to die. A sick cat will often begin seeking out places that are comfortable to them yet away from their owners.
The least expensive way to put a dog down is by approaching veterinary service companies, charities, and local veterinarians to see if they can provide euthanasia at a discount or even for free. If you are in a particularly difficult financial situation, make that clear to the provider. It never can hurt to ask.
It may take a minute or two for the heart to stop. The doctor will listen carefully to your pet’s heart to ensure it has stopped before pronouncing him or her gone. After that, there is no danger of your pet waking up. This is a very common fear for pet owners.
Veterinarians are trained to make these experiences as painless and peaceful as possible. Realize that your dog may react to the sedative that is given before the euthanasia. Their eyes may start to jitter as they become very dizzy. Generally, they need to lay down or they will lose their balance.
Do dogs know when they are going to be put down?
Answer: Fortunately for us, dogs do not understand they are going to be put down and what happens after they are given the injection that puts them to sleep. I assume that dogs who are put down though feel loved or at least feel reassured by our presence if we are close to them, pet them and talk to them.
- Acceptable Methods of Euthanasia (AVMA guidelines) Overdose of isoflurane (see “Isoflurane Euthanasia” above) Barbiturate overdose. CO2 exposure. …
- Methods of Confirmation of Euthanasia. Bilateral thoracotomy. Vital tissue harvest (inclusive of heart, lungs, and/or brain) Decapitation.
A veterinarian may recommend euthanasia, which is a humane death, when other options to reduce pain and distress are no longer helpful. Euthanasia may be recommended when you least expect it, such as if your pet is diagnosed with a terminal illness or if they’ve been in a debilitating accident.
Stay by your pet in their final moments, and provide comfort however you can. For those who find it too difficult, there are other options. Many vets have stepped forward and said that they are honored to comfort pets in their final moments, and will do so if their owners cannot.
You will notice your cat becoming more lethargic, sedentary and refusing to move. Their weakness will be very apparent in their hind legs, and they will also sleep a great deal more than usual.