2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Countryside Animal Hospital

2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »

Office Hours

Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Call Now!

502-222-4663

- Now accepting new patients
- Same day appointments
La Grange KY Veterinarian Euthanasia

Euthanasia

Our pets are beloved members of our family and it can be heartbreaking to see them unwell. Unfortunately there are some illnesses that pets are unable to recover from. In the case of terminal illness and/or debilitating pain or suffering, one of the kindest things that we can do for them is to relieve them of that burden by making the difficult decision to put them to sleep.

How do I know if it is the right time to consider euthanasia?

Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you when it is time to consider euthanizing your pet. However there are also some signs and symptoms that your pet is no longer experiencing good quality of life, and if you notice these then it would be advisable to contact your veterinarian to determine if euthanasia would be the most humane course of action. These signs include:

  • Chronic labored breathing, breathlessness and/or coughing
  • Chronic pain that cannot be controlled by medication (your veterinarian can advise if this is the case)
  • Frequent diarrhea and/or vomiting that leads to dehydration or severe weight loss
  • Inability to stand or move around
  • Disinterest in food or eating
  • Incontinent to the stage where they are frequently soiling themselves
  • No interest in communication with family members, treats, games or other previously enjoyed activity
  • Zest for life is non-existent

 

Euthanasia has the small benefit of allowing family members the time to say their final goodbyes to your pet. This is an emotional time and giving them the opportunity for final displays of love and affection with their pet will help ease them into the grieving process. It is especially important to prepare young children as this may be their first experience of bereavement.

Many veterinarians will allow you to be present during the euthanasia procedure so that you can comfort your pet as they enter their final journey. This is a personal decision, but it is recommended that young children are not present during this time.

What happens during the euthanasia procedure?

Understanding what happens during a euthanasia procedure before the event can be beneficial. Not only will you understand the medical process, but you can be comforted by the knowledge that your pet will be put to sleep in a completely painless and peaceful way. Your veterinarian will explain the procedure to you fully, but if you require further clarification of any elements of the process then we will be happy to provide this.

Smaller to mid-sized pets are usually placed on a table, whilst larger animals are most easily put to sleep on the floor. This also removes any discomfort your pet may feel by lifting. Ensure that you take their favorite sleeping blanket to give them added comfort during this time. A veterinary technician will usually hold your pet still to ensure that the procedure is done swiftly and smoothly. If your pet is unlikely to stay still for the procedure then the veterinarian may give him a sedative beforehand.

Most often an IV catheter is placed into a vein the front or rear leg of your pet. This ensures that the vein does not rupture when the euthanizing drug is injected. Your veterinarian will then use this vein to inject your pet with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital or another anesthetic drug. This causes your pet to fall into unconsciousness, before slowing and then stopping the heart altogether.

Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to confirm that the heart has stopped beating. For a few minutes after the process you may witness involuntary muscle twitching and breathing from your pet. The bladder and bowels may also release. These are perfectly normal occurrences and no cause for concern. You are then usually given the option to spend a few minutes alone with your pet.

Cremation or Burial

Ahead of the euthanasia process you will be asked whether you would prefer for your pet to be cremated or prepared for burial. Cremation is very popular. You can scatter your pets’ ashes in their favorite walking spot, keep them in an urn or arrange for them to be made into jewelry or a paperweight.

Alternatively you may wish to bury your pet. If you want to bury your pet at home you should check any local ordinances for restrictions. There are also pet cemeteries located across the US and your veterinarian should be able to advise you on the cemetery closest to you.

Schedule your appointment today!

Other Services

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Location Info

Building Front La Grange KY Veterinarian
Countryside Animal Hospital
2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
GET DIRECTIONS »
Office Hours
Mon: 7:30am-6:00pm
Tue: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Wed: 8:00am- 12:00pm
Thu: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Fri: 7:30am- 6:00pm
Sat: 7:30am- 1:00pm

Contact

Call Now!

502-222-4663

Our Team

Reviews

4.8
Based on 373 reviews
V H.
V H.
Super friendly and helpful staff! My two dogs, Jaxon and Luna, were always nervous at other vets but countryside has a comfortable environment that... allows them to relax and get the care that they need. Definitely would recommend them to anyone with a furry friend.read more
Teresa J.
Teresa J.
This vet has treated our animals for everything from normal check ups and nail trim to hit by car and on death's door without ever leaving us... wondering if we could find better care, The entire staff is beyond amazing and the level of care is second to none!read more
Typical T.
Typical T.
They are very kind and caring. Very professional and knowledgeable. Everyone there is friendly and supportive. Wouldn’t take my dog anywhere else... even tho it a 50 minute drive to get there—the care they give is worth the drive.read more
Porter S.
Porter S.
My dog Boomer has been with Countryside for 3 years and they take care of us every time we have been there. The Doctor explains everything to you... that will keep your pet safe and healthy. Prices are very reasonable and even though some people might think they are expensive, I say that you get what you pay for and that is that your pet will be happy and healthy. Thanks to all the staff for taking good care of our family member, Boomer!!!!!read more
Glisseal !
Glisseal !
Very expensive. Nice people but they insist that every dog needs certain things and you know very well none of your previous dogs never needed it.... Location is very convient.read more
Maria G. (Sunset G.
Maria G. (Sunset G.
Fast friendly service. Reasonably priced. But the best part is Dr.Rainey who is very informative and knowledgable and he doesn't try to b.s. you! He... actually saved us money by letting us know that the food we were purchasing for our cat, actually wasn't doing a thing. We were told by our other vet that it would and we were purchasing it from him. That sold me on Countryside Vets!!read more
C P
C P
Dr Rainey and staff are incredible! The best veterinarian clinic that I’ve ever frequented.I have a deep respect and appreciation for Dr Rainey and... the way that he approaches my pet’s health with compassion, merging East and West philosophies, delivering premium care for my Marley, that’s individualized and specific to his healthcare needs.It’s more than a clinic, it’s a hospital staffed with people who genuinely love and care for animals. Dr Rainey performed extensive surgery on my dog and it’s amazing how quickly Marley is healing and recovering even with other comorbities.Everyone at the office has been so kind and offered me a level of peace even through some difficult decision-making regarding my dog’s care. Their medical expertise is top notch. Honestly, I’ve never been to a vet that I trusted more.So if you’re looking for a holistic approach to your pet’s healthcare needs, you’ve found the right place. I am beyond grateful that I found them.The drive from Louisville is nothing compared to the level of peace they will offer you.They’re just wonderful. ❤️Contessa Pantojaread more
Carrie M.
Carrie M.
Dr. Rainey and his staff are very caring and knowledgeable. Sophie was always happy to go to her appointments. They took very good care of Sophie and... she had a dental surgery & everything went well the staff is very nice and accommodating and Dr. Rainey is very knowledgeable. Their prices can’t be beat! I highly recommend Dr. Rainey and Countryside animal hospitalread more
Heather D.
Heather D.
Dr. Rainey saved my kitty Bandit. No other vet has been as caring, attentive or professional and I've taken him to SIX vets in town. Most wouldn't... help him, tried to put him to sleep!!I will never go anywhere else with my fur babies Dr. Rainey is literally the best vet in the greater Louisville area. I'm always in and out on time as well and the prices are very affordable, especially because he accepts Care Credit. Thank you Dr. Rainey and his nice staff. LT Dan Bandit is able to eat and have his life back thanks to you!!!!!read more
Robin C.
Robin C.
Wonderful service, very acknowledgeable and kind to my animals. Dr Rainey is a great veterinarian and I trust him with my animals. He is now my... veterinarianread more
Cory C.
Cory C.
The team here is nothing short of amazing. They are caring, professional, courteous, and take pride in what they do. They are great with our... animals, and we won't take them anywhere else. So glad we found Countryside.read more
Jennifer P.
Jennifer P.
I’ve been to several local vets in the area and the people here are great! Very responsive and friendly. Answered all my questions! Will take all my... animals here for years to come! Thank you!read more
Audrey B.
Audrey B.
We took our new fur babies, Alleigh and Rosco, for their first shots and a general check-up. I was very impressed with the staff and the cleanliness... of the facility. The staff was very thorough and kind. I highly recommend them.read more
Cassandra P.
Cassandra P.
Dr. Rainey and his staff are always so nice and sweet. Very caring and they treat my fur babies like there own. Highly Recommend them. You can't... find any better vet than them. I lost my Companion of 13 years (Snuggles) and they were so supportive and sent there sympathy. ❤️ I truly can't put there practice into words. Absolutely love this Place and all the Staffread more
Renee B.
Renee B.
I brought my dog for acupuncture treatments Everyone there is very nice and friendly . Dr Rainey takes time to explain things in detail. He was... even able to catch a kidney issue that we had no idea she had.read more
S.Diane S.
S.Diane S.
My animals have received excellent care from Dr. Rainey and his compassionate, friendly staff at Countryside Animal Hospital and I can't recommend... them enough.read more
Chris A.
Chris A.
Everyone there is extremely professional and caring. We had to put our dog down, and they were very accommodating and polite. I would highly... recommend them.read more
Ashley W.
Ashley W.
Bailey loves her new diet! It has stopped her stomach issues and she is thinner and full of life! She eats salmon, green beans and sweet potatoes!!... This makes sense now more than ever with everything I have seen with dogs sharing similar dna to humans.read more
Rhonda F.
Rhonda F.
Rhonda FullerWe sought out a good animal vet and staff due to the severe abuse from Covid and the restrictions when we lost our last dog due to vet... clinic abuse. We prayed feverently and found Countryside Animal Hospital. We realize the vet does not perform major surgeries and this has been very important to us due to the ongoing Covid restrictions from other vet offices. We like the smaller clinic environment, and the assistant Amy is so good with our dogs. We appreciate Dr. Rainey and his care for our dogs.read more
mary W.
mary W.
Very reasonable surgical prices, kind compatonate staff. Truly cares about my senior dogs health and wellbeing! Just moved here from out of state... this is for sure my new vet!read more
candice L.
candice L.
We just moved to the area and hadn't established care with a vet yet. My English Bulldog had an urgent need to be seen and I brought her in to... Countryside Animal Hospital. Dr. Rainey was quick to assess that she needed emergent care at a vet hospital and recommended the best facility that could meet her needs quickly. Once released I took her back to help manage the chronic condition she was diagnosed with and couldn't be happier with his expertise! She is now doing well and his recommendations solved an issue that we didn't realize she had for years. I highly recommend Countryside Animal Hospital!read more
Mary Jo D.
Mary Jo D.
My dog is very anxious. The staff did well with him and our visit went better than I expected. Dr. Rainey and the rest of the staff are very kind and... take the time to listen to any concerns.read more
Robert O.
Robert O.
Everyone there is very helpful, friendly, and professional. I believe you are very thorough in the care you give SanDee. The only drawback is this... care is a bit expensive.read more
Christina G
Christina G
We came in because it was time to say goodbye to our sweet dog. The staff was kind and respectful. They explained everything about how our dog would... react and what to expect. For such a sad time for our family the staff were comforting, which we very much appreciate. I'd recommend them to anyone who is looking for a wonderful Veterinarian office for your fur babies.read more
L.W. M.
L.W. M.
My cat has a unique problem I wanted someone with a background in alternative treatments to look at. The long drive was worth it. I really... appreciated Dr. Rainey’s diagnosis and the care he showed my Daisy. Very warm and knowledgeable. His Tech, Moriah was also very friendly and helpful, also … I would highly recommend Countryside.read more
Adonya A.
Adonya A.
Recently came to Dr Rainey for our little guys congenital liver disease. Where previous vets/providers had us in a tailspin he immediately started... acupuncture and homeopathic care. It's been two weeks and we are seeing remarkable improvements. The staff are super friendly and Dr. Rainey is amazing!read more
Lola H.
Lola H.
I have been bringing my baby to Dr. Rainey since she was 8 weeks old. She still has a tiny bit of anxiety when she gets back to the exam room but the... staff and Dr. Rainey are great with her. She leaves there just as happy as when she arrived. I feel his prices are fair and affordable and Dr. Rainey and his staff have always been friendly and inviting every time we have come in.read more
Valerie K.
Valerie K.
Our lab was attacked by a pit at Morgan Park. 3" laceration, torn ACL. We went unscheduled to Dr Rainey. They took us right in. He made a rapid... accessment. Printed out details and estimate of what he may have to do. We agreed with his judgement left our lab over nite. Next day Doc calls. "Looks like minor surgery on the wound, pain pills and antibiotic, he should be fine." He was a new dog to us! Not only was Doc Rainey accurate with his diagnosis but he did exactly what he said he would do and charged exactly what he estimated it to be. So refreshing to have such an experienced vet with integrity. Great caring staff as well, thank you! Brian, Val & Lakerread more
Jackie C.
Jackie C.
Dr. Rainey and staff are awesome! They were able to give all vaccines needed to my normally scared, anxious dog without medicating her first, like... our previous vet did. He also did an amazing surgery on my cat’s back after she met up with a raccoon and her fur started peeling off. Excellent care!!read more
Sierra J.
Sierra J.
My dogs have been coming here for several years now. I love that they offer traditional approach or holistic. My dog was near death and acupuncture... got her back on her feet quickly. I've been coming back ever since. I'm very happy with their service and appointment availability. I'm able to come on Saturday so it doesn't interfere with work. The staff are super friendly and Dr. Rainey is very knowledgeable!read more
Melissa M.
Melissa M.
Dr Rainey is by far the best! He saved my baby girl Eclipse with careful monitoring from early onset of pneumonia. I’m glad I brought her in when I... did. She is in her senior years now. Dr Rainey has provided our family the best vet care for over 10 years. My family has lots of pets and could not ask for a better doctor. He provided the best care and prolonged my other pets life with what could have been shorter than it was. I’m grateful for the service and his veterinary knowledge with animals. Dr Rainey and his staff are kind and very professional and caring to your animals. Thank you for taking such good care of Eclipse and Zeke and all the other fur babies in our family. Much gratitude for all you do!read more
Robbin M.
Robbin M.
We took our new puppy to Countryside for her first visit. The staff was so friendly and welcoming to us. Dr. Rainey was good at explaining... everything to us. what was an issue with her and what things covered. Puppy had a issue next day, and they took her in immediately, no waiting. thank you.read more
Patricia O.
Patricia O.
Dr. Rainey is wonderful!He is quality over quantity and was very present at our consultation for our dog's health.He explained what he would be... doing, why he had to do it, and how he came to the conclusions.He educated us so that we didn't require blind faith but we understood the what's, the why's, the when's and the how's.He gave clear instructions with a calm bedside manner.I thought the costs were a bit pricey but about the same as any other vet.He didn't try to upsale us on unnecessary things.This visit was thumbs up!A+read more
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