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.

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Countryside Animal Hospital

2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
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Reviews

4.7

Based on 435 reviews

Jennifer T.

I was not an established patient however they were extremely wonderful, caring and kind. They worked me in first thing in the morning. Dr. Rainey... knew exactly what to do for our little Kobe. They answered all of my follow up questions/concerns. As long as I have furbabies this is where I will be taking them. I just cannot say enough great things about them. Thank you all so much for taking such wonderful care of our mischievous little Kobe. We will see you all soon…but not too soon of course 🥰read more

Angela D.

Was able to get in the same day for an appointment! Staff is pleasant and friendly. Dr. Rainey took the time to explain my dog’s condition. He... answered all my questions and concerns. Would definitely recommend this veterinary clinic!read more

Bethany K.

They are absolutely wonderful here! I used to go to Lagrange Animal Hospital and they were SO rude- especially the main lady veterinarian, just... unnecessarily nasty, and their prices just kept going up for basic services. The pet rewards points system at Countryside is super helpful- I have only been coming here about a year and have had several free services (grooming, anal gland expression, etc.) using my points. The ladies here are very nice and Dr. Rainey is kind, easygoing, and knowledgeable. I 100% recommend this veterinary clinic! They are like a hidden gem.read more

Sonya G.

All of my pets receive excellent care at Countryside Animal Hospital. I love having a very experienced vet so I know my pets’ care is in good hands.... I also love the staff who always make me feel very welcomed when I enter with my pets. Their infectious smiles and caring natures make you feel like you are family. I highly recommend this vet for all of your pets’ care and needs!read more

P M.

On vacation and my pup got bit by something, causing a lump and swelling. Office scheduled me quickly (next morning). Vet was kind and gentle with my... little girl. Gave her a shot of cortisone that helped. Office Staff was extremely friendly. Pricing was a bit higher than our usual vet, but much more reasonable than typical animal hospitals @$125. Would definitely go again for treatment if needed.read more

Christina G

We are so thankful to Dr. Rainey and the care his giving to our baby Jasper. We found out he had kidney failure and Dr. Rainey is doing everything so... we can keep him around a little bit longer. He and his team are wonderful and really care about our fur babies! We are thankful for the care he's given both our boys Mr. Lu and Jasper!read more

Lynne G.

Country Side Animal Veterinary is great. The staff is polite and efficient. The clinic is clean you have little to waiting to be seen. Everyone is... very friendly and polite. The care my Nemo received was awesome. Nemo isn't exactly easy to deal with and Dr. Rainy was great He was kind and caringread more

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

Timothy S.

Great staff, who were kind, patient and skilled in working with our dog—he gets very anxious during visits to the vet. Doctor took the time to fully... explain all options for treatment and was very up front about costs for all procedures.read more

Will F.

10/10 would recommend to other pet owners. As a local business owner in La Grange I can appreciate a reliable place where my family and I can take... our pets. Reasonable pricing for our pets needs as well.read more

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

Brian 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

Chaz F.

The staff at Countryside are so kind and take excellent care of our pets! They truly go above and beyond to make sure our pets are comfortable during... visits and help answer any questions we have.read more

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

Dona K.

Dr Rainey and staff are wonderful. My dog has had a recurrent ear infection, I have been to numerous vets and for the first time in a few years my... dog is infection free. Thank you Countryside!!!read more

Joel W.

These guys are by far the best vet I have been to in my 30 years of having pets… they are EXTREMELY accommodating, and very reasonably priced… I... would DEFINITELY recommend them to anyone looking for a vet!!!read more

Candice W.

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

lisa B.

I love my new vet and his staff!! I live in Louisville but so worth the drive!! Dr Thomas shows you what's going on face to face instead of having a... middle person (vet tech) come a tell you what the Dr said like other clinics that I've been to. He gave life back to my baby Lil Nemo and I am so grateful for him and his staff, they are amazing too!! 10 out of 10 I do recommend!!read more

L.W. M.

Dr. Rainey is a gift to animals and the people who are their companions. One of the last of the non-corporate veterinarians, his knowledge and... empathy determine he is one of the best we have worked with as stray/feral cat collectors in our neighborhood.It is a long drive for us to take our cats, but we will gladly make it for his care. His staff are friendly and accommodating, always finding a way to fit us in on short notice.We are blessed to have Dr Rainey and Countryside as our cats healthcare provider.Lem and Maura Masonread more

Jackie M.

Our Lab was in such bad shape from allergies that we thought we were going to lose him. Dr. Rainey was wonderful and gave us practical advice to get... his allergies under control. Since then Countryside has worked with us to make sure he is in optimal health, including getting his weight down. Everyone there has been so kind. Countryside really knows animals and their prices are reasonable.read more

Rosemary G.

Dr. Rainey has correctly diagnosed our cat, Diva, with two different conditions this year alone. He has given Diva the proper treatment and she's... responded very well. We are so fortunate that he is able to be Divas doctor, and the staff there has treated her so well. We won't go anywhere else.read more

Melissa M.

My kitten Martica is my emotional support cat and is very dear to me. He is 11mo. Old. Country side animal hospital has taken care of him for me all... his lil life. Very specific though he has been treated on 2 seperate occasion for illnesses once for a double severe ear infection..Dr. Rainey aka The Magic Man had him feeling better and healed in no time flat and helped us eliminate his allergen. Also more serious he was also treated for aspirations pneumonia w complications from meditation he recieved at blue pearl hospital after hours treatment Dr.Rainey kept him overnight gave him fluids and ran every necessary test gave him shots he could tolerate very well fixed his diet and saved Marticas life. He also provides safe cat treats cat toothpaste and brush and his shampoo right in the office for easy convenience. Magic Man aka Dr. Rainey and his staff..ms. Candy. Ms. Sophia and everyone there are the greatest! I would NEVER take my Martica anywhere but there i learned the hard way..but Dr.Rainey saved the day as always!!read more

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

James W.

Dr Rainey and his staff are always courteous and welcoming. Dr Rainey always takes the time to explain the processes when caring for our animals. We... use countryside for pet healthcare, baths, boarding, and teeth cleaning. They are great with all of our dogs!!read more

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

Barbara G.

We took our GS in for a second opinion and got more information than ever before. Dr Rainey gave us some herbal supplements along with a pain med... and it had worked wonders on our girl. She’s acting like her playful self again.read more

Larry V.

We took our new Barbet puppy for his first Veterinarian visit this week, which was awesome. The staff was friendly, and Dr. Rainey shared much good... information about puppy health. It has a small-town country feel, and I love that!! I look forward to having them care for my new Barbet, Moses, for a long time. Thanks to everyone at Countryside for making us feel comfortable.read more

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