Should there be a pill...

[Jasandjules]

That you can use to humanely end your pet's life once that time has come?

When my dog needed to be released, I had to wait for the vet to arrive for four hours. Once I'd made that decision it was a nightmare period of time (actually had made the decision the evening before). Whilst it was at home and she was quite happy and didn't appear stressed, it was still a complete stranger doing what had to be done. I would have been happier to do it myself I think.

So, do people think there should be a pill that they can give to their dog themselves to end their suffering, so saving either having to take the animal to the vet which frankly can not be nice for them? (I appreciate the risk that some people will randomly kill their dogs and whatnot)

[pacman1]

I could do with one of them for next door's dog.

[pacman1]

Actually, make that two, their cat sts everywhere.

[Turn7]

No, it would be abused .

Far better to have to have a vet involved.

I do appreciate where you are coming from though, but I think there are waaay to many people with animals that shouldnt be allowed them.

[Simpo Two]

I don't think a pill could work fast enough (unless you're thinking of cyanide like in the movies). By contrast an injection delivers a lethal dose in seconds. Also, a sick animal might not be able to eat, swallow or digest a pill. And the pill could be taken by a human, and you can't send people home with lethal injection kits. Non-starter all round.

[Marf]

Turn7 said:

No, it would be abused .

Far better to have to have a vet involved.

[Thevet]

There is no simple pill, and as already shown by the posts here, humorous or otherwise, it would go wrong. The process of accessing a euthanasia pill would be far longer than the 4 hour wait you unfortunately had. Cyanide etc is not a pleasant way to go, barbiturates require a rather large volume, immobilon is no longer made and is exquisitely dangerous for people. Euthanasia is not an easy process to endure, we always try to fit in with a clients wishes when we can but it isn't always possible. I do quite a few home visits to put pets to sleep, even though I don't do much small animal work, as my small anmal vets don't really like getting out of their comfort zone into a pet/client home. It is definitely a smoother process to put a pet to sleep in our surgery where there are better resources and backup, but I am absolutely sure the pets are not as comfortable out of their home. But, and it is a big but, if the process of putting the pet to sleep does not go so well, it is much harder to keep the pets distress to a minimum at home rather than in the surgery.
All in all, it is a difficult time for owners, pets and vets, we try our best to make it as peaceful as possible, but it can't always be achieved.

[Superficial]

I would not be able to administer a pill I knew would end my pets life. It's one thing to call a professional in to do, but doing it yourself is in another realm.

I also wouldn't want a pill available for animal hating scum to take advantage of.

[Mubby]

Marf said:

Turn7 said:

No, it would be abused .

Far better to have to have a vet involved.

also

[RB Will]

Even if the vet did not have to administer the pill there is no way it would be an over the counter thing anyway. So you would have to book your dying pet in to be checked by a vet to confirm it was dying then get the pill then take your pet home to take it. Easier for the vet to do it as nicely as possible.

I do have a horrible scar on my memory from when my last dog was PTS. She had a stroke and the left side wouldn't work. Could not stand or sit or move. Vet came to the house to do the deed. Said the dog won't feel any pain and it will be over quickly.
when the vet stuck the needle in my dog yelped like I had never heard before and flinched then nothing and 20 secs later it was all over.
I don't think I could have been the one to do it. Certainly not with my current dog (had this one from a pup unlike previous dog)