What pain meds can I give my dog for comfort before euthanasia?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm very sorry to hear about Bundas, that sounds like a tough situation. The most humane way to euthanize a pet is with a veterinarian who can administer a sedative and a euthanasia solution to painlessly stop the heart. There are some veterinarians who can perform at-home euthanasias, which may be a good option for Bundas. While there are no sleeping pills for dogs, there are pills that can cause light sedation and a calming effect. I'm not sure what is available in Hungary, but I recommend asking your veterinarian about medications such as Trazodone, Gabapentin, Acepromazine or Melatonin. These medications can be combined to help "take the edge off", and reduce the stress of Bundas's last moments with you. I hope this is helpful!

Poor girl. Yes anxiety medication can be given and prescribed by your vet. There are no options for this over the counter. I would try Trazodone, which is an anti-anxiety medication that works quickly to calm pets for stressful events like this. Ask your vet if she can be given this, especially if they have seen her recently, prior to her being seen for humane euthanasia. I send all my best and I am sorry that your pet is reaching end of life terms, but it sounds like you are making the best decision for her considering her poor quality of life. Best wishes and take care.

Hi there. This is a great question, as I'm sure you want things to go as smoothly as possible for your pet's euthanasia. There are oral medications your vet can prescribe that will calm the dog, as you say - but none of these meds are strong enough to actually make the dog unconscious. However, many veterinarians opt to give an injectable sedative at the start of the appointment, which will make the dog completely relaxed and asleep within 10-15 minutes, prior to giving the actual euthanasia injection. This is how we do euthanasias at my clinic, and I do feel that it makes the process smoother and more peaceful for both the pet and the owner. You may want to ask your veterinarian about this option, if it's not something they routinely do.

I'm so sorry! It will not hurt to give her more pred but this is likely not going to make her feel any better. She really needs pain medication. If your vet gave you an opiate pain medication like tramadol, this is appropriate to give up to three times daily. More pred is likely going to make her pant more and could potentially make her feel nauseous--it is a steroid and not specifically pain medication.

I would not recommend withdrawal of heart medications as a means to home euthanasia it this would run the risk of increasing the signs and symptoms of her heart disease (fluid on the lungs etc) and would be distressing for her. Unfortunately it does sound like she is approaching that stage that a thoughtful and compassionate euthansia may need to be considered; see the attached link which can help to provide a framework between all of her caregivers as to when such decisions should be discussed https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf

Unfortunately there are no over the counter pain medications that are safe for dogs. I would recommend discussing with your veterinarian if there is something you can switch him to that is more cost effective and still approved for use in dogs. You can also check into online pharmacies or box stores (such as Costco) that offer pet medications at a lower price.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Levie. I am sorry to hear that he has reached the end of his life. It is obvious how well loved he is. You will need to make an appointment with his veterinarian for euthanasia. There is not a humane method for doing this with any over-the-counter medications at home. He will need professional care. I hope this information helps.