What do they do with euthanized pets

Try to settle up the bill in advance. The last thing you will want is a tearful wait in the lobby to pay your bill after your pet is gone. Most importantly, take the time to say goodbye. Talk to your dog, touch your pet, and express your love however you can. You and your dog will find comfort in this.

In dogs and cats, euthanasia usually involves the intravenous injection of a solution of pharmaceutical agents that will quickly stop the heart. In most cases, this solution is predominantly made up of pentobarbital, though some euthanasia solutions also contain phenytoin. The solution is usually a pink, purple, or blue tint and may be slightly thick. The most effective way to administer the solution is through a vein. Injection into a body cavity will often work, but not as quickly.

Your vet may prefer to have an intravenous catheter placed in your dog. This will allow easier access to the vein and make the injection process quick and painless for your dog. It may also help decrease the chance of complications during the injection. Your vet might administer a sedative to your dog prior to administering the actual euthanasia solution.

This will allow your pet to be extremely relaxed and sleepy before the next step. Finally, the euthanasia solution is injected into your pet's vein, where it rapidly travels throughout the body. Within seconds, your dog will become unconscious, experiencing no pain or suffering.

Breathing will slow down and then stop over the next several seconds. Cardiac arrest will soon follow, resulting in death. Typically, a peaceful death occurs within 30 seconds of intravenous administration.

Once the solution has been administered, your vet will listen to your dog's heart to confirm the death. Your vet will let you know that your dog has passed on. At this time, your vet will probably step out of the room to give you a few moments alone with your dog.

This is an emotional time, and the veterinary staff will provide plenty of tissues and privacy. You are in a safe environment where everyone understands what you are going through. Stay as short or as long as you are comfortable. If you have already made aftercare and payment arrangements, you can simply slip out when you are ready. Be aware that your dog's body may release urine, feces, and possibly other bodily fluids upon death.

The firm also handles larger animals like deceased horses and livestock. In some cases, the remains of appropriate animals are processed into feed for livestock, pets or even shrimp.

At the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter 18, animals visited last year and 13, were euthanized, said city spokeswoman Heather Gray. State law requires animals brought to a shelter be held at least 72 hours, before being euthanized. If the animal is brought to the hospital, veterinarians often chose a quiet room where the pet will feel more at ease. Sometimes a mild sedative or tranquilizer is first given if the animal appears anxious or painful.

Frequently an indwelling catheter is placed in the pet's vein to ensure that the euthanasia solution is delivered quickly. The euthanasia solution is usually a barbiturate- the same class of drugs used for general anesthesia.

At a much higher dose, this solution provides not only the same effects as general anesthesia loss of consciousness, loss of pain sensation , but suppresses the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. As the solution is injected, the animal loses consciousness and within minutes the heart and lungs stop functioning.

Since the pet is not conscious, they do not feel anything. Most times, the animal passes away so smoothly, that it is difficult to tell until the veterinarian listens for absence of a heartbeat. The eyes remain open in most cases. Sometimes, the last few breaths are what's termed "agonal", meaning involuntary muscle contractions but again, the pet is not aware at this point.

After the animal dies, there is complete muscle relaxation, often accompanied by urination and defecation.