Dog euthanasia time frame?

I had a dog with cancer that I had to have put to sleep 5 years ago.

The truth is that some dogs do die peacefully however you should be prepared that due to your dog having cancer that sometimes it takes longer for the process to fully take effect and for your dog to pass over the bridge.

In some situations, not all, but it is better to be prepared than to witness something you never knew might happen.

Depending on the type of cancer and how far along it is the medication may take longer to fully work.

With my dog, it took several minutes for him to pass away. No one had told me it might take longer than a few seconds and I was absolutely devastated and heart broken.

So although most pass away within seconds there are rare instances where it can take longer. Your dog may twitch, moan, howl and even sit up. Being that there is a medical issue to make it easier on your dog as well as yourself ask the vet to give your dog a sedative first to relax her, makes her sleepy, and then administer the overdose which will help her fall deeply into sleep and pass more comfortably.

I am terribly sorry for your loss as I myself just had to have a pup put to sleep on March 5th at 8 months old. Regardless of the age and illness it never gets any easier.

I hope I didn't upset you more than you are with what I have written but I think you should know anything and everything that you and your dog may be subjected to.

Remember you are doing the kindest thing for her, stopping her suffering.

I am so sorry. I know exactly what you're going thru right now and I'm just so sorry for you and your loved one. To answer your question, it will only take moments, literally. Once the vet administers the drug she will be gone in just seconds. BUT it is a peaceful process and she won't suffer. She'll just go to sleep. He'll check her heartbeat and tell you she has gone, but you will already have known this. Gosh, my heart aches for you. We went thru this sad, heartwrenching ordeal just over 4 months ago for our 13 plus year old golden girl. We were with her when she left us, I don't know if you're planning on being there with her when she goes, it's a personal decision but I can tell you they don't suffer. Just know that they don't suffer or struggle and she'll be free from pain. Think of your happy memories with her when she is gone and don't remember the illness, that's just too sad. God Bless your dog and you.

I went back with my dog, they gave her a shot to relax her, then put in an IV. After that, I held her head and they injectioned the drug....she was gone in less then 30 seconds...from start to finish it took about 15 minutes.

It takes all but a few seconds, that is if they do it IV. You can do it a different way and it will take more than a couple of minutes. I know someone who did that so they could spend their last few moments with their dog. Sorry for your loss!

If I remember correctly it only takes a few moments and she will be gone. Less than a minute I think. Sorry for your loss.