After this week we have decided Pogo has too many problems and has become a danger to himself and others. The Prozac has no effect on his aggression when running at large. We are boarding him and were told he escaped. He ran across the road and began harassing a schnauzer. The owner of the schnauzer happened to catch Pogo when the attendant ran across the toad to catch him. Pogo turned his neck around to try and bite the person holding him. If she hadn't had a good hold, she would have been injured according to the attendant. What if this had been a kid grabbing him? So, I've made my decision. My question is, with Thunder there was a single shot where he simply fell asleep. Should ask for a sedation shot to the hip in Pogo first as to keep him from struggling and making this more stressful than necessary? Thank you for any guidance. You know this is a very hard decision for me to make but it's one that must be made to ensure everyone's safety.
Honestly, I would let the vet know about the agression and let them handle it. They deal with this kind of stuff every day. I am so sorry to hear you have to do this, however I think it is the right decision.
You have to do what is right for everyone involved, including the dog. It's never an easy decision. I've had it done both ways.....a single shot and also where they gave a sedative first and then the final shot. If he's going to struggle I'd ask for them to do the sedative first. Will make it easier for both of you.
So sorry you have to make this decision. Sounds like it's the right one though. When the time came for my dog with aggression issues, I asked the vet for something. I just didn't want him to feel stressed. I don't know what it was, but the vet said to give it to him 30 minutes before (it was a pill). Said he would still be able to walk, etc., but be relaxed and sort of out of it. I don't know if it was the heart condition and being sick, but he was pretty much asleep after getting him in the car. I honestly don't think he was aware of much after that. I think I will request something like this in the future, maybe not so strong, but I think he was much more relaxed and everything was easier.
I'm so sorry. I think the sedative first would be easier for all involved, but it does make the process last a bit longer as you have to wait for the first shot to take effect.
i'm so sorry for what you are going through. i haven't read other threads if you've posted about this issue before, so not sure what the problem is with your dog. But, if it is applicable, i have a cat who gets very wiggy and acts out. We tried everything. Vets seemed to think that either prozac, clonicalm, or buspar should work. They didn't, they only made him very aggressive. The only thing that has calmed him is daily diazepam, which is valium. i only mention that in case this might be an option for you. The last times i have had a pet euthanized, they insert a catheter in a vein, generally in the arm. The first injection is to calm the animal, and they go to sleep. This happens very quickly. Next they do the shot that actually stops the heart. They then push saline to get all the medication through. Again, so sorry you have to deal with this. It's never an easy decision.
How heartbreaking. I am so very sorry. When we had to put down our three year old dog for epilepsy caused severe aggression, I knew it was the right choice, but I was very afraid that he would struggle and suffer in his last moments because he was not ill in the way that makes people and animals physically weak and mentally out of it. We talked with our very helpful vet about our concerns, and he went above and beyond. Unlike for surgery, your dog can eat beforehand. You don't want to give them anything too different that could upset their stomach, but ours got a burger (no onions or toppings) and then treats right til the end. Our vet sedated, then spread out a rug for our dog to lie down on the floor upon. We were able to stroke him on the floor as the vet delivered the final shot into a pre-inserted IV. It was extremely peaceful, and he was curled up, relaxed, as if asleep. There was no yelping or fear as can happen. It was such a hard thing to do, but he died as peacefully as he could have.
So sad but the best thing to do. I think your vet can provide a pre-med so the dog is more peaceful and relaxed. It takes a really loving owner to do these things when they must be done. I know it's small consolation, but good for you for doing the right thing.
I believe our vet always does a sedative shot first, he did with our donkey. I am so sorry this has happened to you, but it sounds like you tried other things first and you are keeping the well being of others in mind.
