Is it standard to sedate pets before euthanasia for humane reasons?

Question

My Cocoa was euthanized today and me being unfamiliar with the entire process thought that she was given a sedative. It wasn’t until the actual drug was administered and she choked and dropped in my arms ( she was standing up) , that I realized that she wasn’t given one. It’s safe to say I’m traumatized and in distress from the entire procedure. Should sedatives be given during euthanasia? Opinions please. Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 12 years and 5 months old | 45 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry for your loss of Cocoa. I know this is a very difficult time for you and I'm sorry the euthanasia procedure traumatized you. There are many ways to perform euthanasia. Typically, I would say most vets, including myself, give a sedative prior to euthanasia however, it is not mandated by any law that this be done. I suggest you speak to your vet directly about the procedure he/she performs as perhaps there was a miscommunication between them and their staff assuming a sedative was already given prior to them performing the euthanasia?? I really think that they need this feedback so they can review their euthanasia protocol and change it in the future for other owners if they don't typically use a sedative prior. Again, so sorry for your loss.

Is it standard to sedate pets before euthanasia for humane reasons?

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