What can I expect to see as my pet passes away?

Because pets will be heavily sedated prior to the final injection, the signs of transition to death are typically very subtle. Your pet may take a couple of quicker breaths or sigh heavily before they stop breathing altogether. Sometimes they may snore or pant, but this is simply a response to the drug and not a sign of pain or distress. Depending on where the injection is given, a pet may take between a few seconds and a half hour to pass away. Most of the time, an animal will fall asleep and his/her heart will stop within about 30 seconds, but in some cases we may want or need to choose a slower, more gradual passing. After death, urination and/or defecation are common, and sometimes some twitching can be seen. These effects will quickly subside.