Vet addresses a difficult question every pet owner fears — does euthanasia hurt in their final moments?

Dr. Banks works with a team of doctors to ensure that every pet facing euthanasia is treated with dignity.

PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO

(L) Veterinarian euthanizing a puppy at the animal hospital, (R) Doctor consoling a pet owner. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Hispanolistic, (R) thianchai sitthikongsak)

One of the difficult decisions every pet owner eventually faces is euthanasia. Whether due to an underlying disease or old age, the procedure evokes intense emotions that are difficult to deal with. On that note, a vet has addressed the most asked question pet owners have before their pawed pals are euthanized. Pet hospice vet, Dr. Faith Banks, who goes by @dr.faithbanks on TikTok, sought to offer clarity to owners concerned about their pets feeling pain during euthanasia. She explained the careful consideration and process that usually leads up to the final moments of a pet under her care.

A dog getting treated at a vet clinic. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Manu Vega)

Dr. Banks, a mobile hospice vet, claimed that in-home euthanasia makes up the majority of her work as a veterinarian. She works with a team of doctors to ensure that every pet facing euthanasia is treated with dignity and a painless end. She shed light on the common questions from pet owners who have wondered about the pain associated with the procedure. “The short answer should be, ‘No, it doesn’t hurt,’” the vet said. According to her, every pet should be “deeply sedated” before the euthanasia drug is administered, at least in her service. She emphasized the importance of anesthesia before the procedure by weighing the risks that may cause the pet immense pain before the drug takes full effect.

A family with their dying dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Justin Paget)

“The reason for that is because, if the euthanasia drug is given into a vein and the vein blows for whatever reason, it’s very painful if the pet is awake,” Dr. Banks said. This is possible even when the pet may be lightly sedated in addition to a possibly "exaggerated reaction” due to the pain. The vet and her team do not proceed without anesthetizing the pet with an intramuscular injection. To make sure the pet does not feel even the tiniest sting of a needle, the doctor tries to distract them with toys, treats, head scratches, and kisses.

A young woman holding a sleepy cat in her arms (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Evrymmnt) — A young woman holding a sleepy cat in her arms. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Evrymmnt)

As the anesthesia sets in, the experts then find the best route to administer the euthanasia drug. It may depend on factors like the type of animal, the pet’s position with the owner, underlying diseases, and the veins. “But if that pet is anesthetized, and if there could have been a painful event, because some of the drug went outside of the vein, they don’t feel it at all,” the vet concluded the post with 1.8 million views.

According to the Roundwood Pet Hospice, the decision to sedate a pet before euthanasia depends on the vet. It has both pros and cons. While it may reduce anxiety and manage pain, it acts as an extra step to the process with the potential for other complications. Pet owners took to the comments to discuss the vet’s expert insight. “My boy was sedated first. He felt no pain, but God, the pain I felt. I lost my entire heart that day,” said @theskyeroney and @starrbridgewater405 noted, “I think we feel the most pain saying goodbye to them.”

You can follow @dr.faithbanks on TikTok for more vet advice.