How long does it take to put a dog to sleep?

It takes about 20-30 seconds once the vet has injected the dog in a vein in its leg. The dog just falls asleep peacefully.

It may be more comforting to ask the vet beforehand for a sedative to give the dog an hour before the they come to the house, so that the dog is not alarmed by strangers around him, and is calm and sleepy.

Your dog has had a good long and happy life so don`t be too sad.

Relieving him of his frustration and possibly pain is the last and biggest act of love you can give your dog.

I had my own beloved old fellow (15) euthanised at home 2 weeks ago, so I know how you feel.

You may like this tribute to a beloved dogs last moments.

So....this is where we part, My Friend,

and you'll run on, around the bend,

gone from sight, but not from mind,

new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on, I'll find the strength,

life measures quality, not its length.

One long embrace before you leave,

share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,

but they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

take with you this...I loved you best

it generally takes about 5 minutes. By now Im sure this has already occurred. I am so sorry. But if you haven't gotten home yet, the vet will insert an IV in his front leg. They usually give a dose of propofol, general anesthesia, which will put your dog into a very deep sleep and he will relax and sleep. When he is asleep, the vet then injects the phenobarbital and within 2 minutes, this will end your dog's suffering. It never gets easier, and expect to be devastated for up to 6 weeks. Then day by day it gets easier and in a year, your memories will be of the happy times. I've had to do this so many times, I can't count. It NEVER gets easier, if anything it gets harder and harder, but I'm 58 and not exactly a spring chicken. Again, I m so sorry. You had to be doing something right to get him to 15.

I'm not sure how long it takes to put dogs to sleep, but i can answer your other question. Just think that your dog has had possibly the best life any dog could have. 15 years old is very impressive for a dog that lives no longer than 12 years! Knowing that your dog has lived a very happy life will make it easier for you. Try not to think about your dog. However, don't get a different dog. I wish you luck and i am sure you took very good care of your dog. He is going to die peacefully so don't worry :) GOOD LUCK X

I am so sorry. I've been there myself. My wife and I had to have one of our cats put to sleep last March. She was 15 years old and had become very ill. The doctor administered a shot to relax her and then another shot that put her to sleep. It took about 30 seconds, she didn't feel a thing. The vet checked her vitals and said "she's gone". We made arrangements with the vet to have her cremated by a local mortuary. We keep her in a small urn above the fireplace. My wife and I had never had a pet cremated before, but it just seemed like the thing to do with our kitty. It somehow made us feel better knowing that she was home. I don't know if this is something that you would consider but it was fairly inexpensive and it helped us with the mourning process.

I am sorry that you have to go through something like this. I had to put my dog to sleep a few years ago and to watch her go away without any more pain was a relief and it was sad to see her go. When we took taffy to the vet, he gave her something that would calm her first. with in about 30 seconds she went from sitting on the table to laying down almost asleep. we said our good byes and then we left. After we left is when he actually gave her the shot to put her to sleep, to where she wouldn't wake up anymore. It depends on the vet what they will actually do but i thought i would share my experience! I had taffy from 4 to the age of 18. it was really sad but I had another buddy at home to help make it better. no one will ever replace your dog, but they will always be remembered!