Older pets? O.K to euthanize them at home?

I can only speak for myself here, but I agree with the 'old' way.

I have had to euthanize two of my dogs, and shot both.

I am able to treat them kindly - they don't know what's coming. I pet them, speak to them, comfort them.

At the vet's office, they smell the anxiety and illness of the other animals, and I think they'll know that nothing good is about to happen.

If you do intend to shoot your dog, be sure you know how to do it correctly. I'll not publish this here, but if you want pointers, email me.

I don't know what old expression to which you refer, but "The Notebooks Of Lazarus Long" by Robert A Heinlein says "When the need arises-and it does- you must be able to shoot your own dog. Don't farm it out- that doesn't make it nicer, it only makes it worse."

This assumes you have the correct weapon and knowledge to do the job right. And the guts.

You may need to check local ordinance about the discharge of a firearm in your neighborhood, and any local animal cruelty laws in affect, particularly if this may draw the attention of neighbors. A trip to the vet may be alot less bother in the long run.

Personally, if the above problems are resolved, a properly placed bullit can be kinder than the prolonged suffering involved in the trip to the vet, the anxiety of being in the vet's office, for you and your pet, etc.

Why people think an injection is more humane after the stress of the trip to the vet, waiting your turn, strange animals in the waiting room, is beyond me. I've done it both ways and it really depends on the situation. If it's a situation that can be planned, for a time when you don't have to carry your dead pet out past all the kids getting shots for their new Christmas pets, it can be a real relief to not have to pull the trigger yourself. But, yes, law allowing, you should be able to do the job yourself if it needs to be done.

I live in a farming community where it is often neccessary to put an animal down simply because it has become useless. I am NOT a farmer and for me it is only a matter of ending unrelievable suffering. My old horse has been "useless" for about 8 years. I have no intention of putting him down as long as he can enjoy life and has a "good" look in his eye. But if he suddenly fails and the vet can't come until the next day, I will shoot him, rather than let him suffer, and I will do it myself. I can, for him. I will. He will not suffer for one second longer than necessary. I think anybody responsible for a life can do no less.

For those who would compare this to a human life, there are legal and moral repurcussions, wills and estates, that preclude any effort at the kindness of relief from suffering and personal will involved.

Those of us who "own" a creature are under a special obligation to make these decisions out of kindness and resolve. You must come to conclusions of your own based on circumstance and ability.

I don't recommend shooting a pet if you are trying to euthanize it, but having it done at home by a vet is definately possible. I work for a vet who regularly does house and farm calls (we treat small and large animals) and I've observed with vet who, while they don't regularly do them, will come to a home to euthanize a pet. They understand that it is a difficult time and are usually willing to work with the owner to make it as comfortable as possible.

Lots of vets will come to your home if a pet needs to be euthanized. And if you shoot a pet, there's a chance it will survive and suffer...not a good plan.

That is horrible. You should let the old dog/cat live out his/her life completely. Unless it is in terrible pain, the animal should be allowed to die on its own.

Shooting any pet is cruel and illegal. If you absolutely have to euthanize then a certified vet is the only one that can do that.

it should be euthanized by a vet...some will come to your home to humanely euthanize it in your home. do not kill your dog just because it is old. i have perfectly healthy 13 yr. old dog.

How cruel! That would be awful, and you would definately get arrested for doing it. Oh my gosh, I cant think of anyone that would want to do that! I would say take it to the vet OR just live with your pet until it go up to pet heaven, ok? Oh, and I hate your nickname too.

it is now illegal in most states to euthanize ur self. i would take it to the vet to be euthanized cause someone might turn u in. if it is old and suffering then u should euthanize.

I wouldn't reccommend it, if you bring them to the vet, they die painlessly, if you shoot them...ouch. Answer me this. Would you rather die while you sleep, or being shot by a close friend?? And if you do shoot them, it very well may survive and just suffer even more.

Killing your own pet, even to end it's misery is a FELONY. No matter how you do it. Take it to the vet. Why are you wanting to kill your pet anyways?