Deciding when a dog should be euthanized is one of the most difficult decisions for pet owners. Although made on a humanitarian basis so that the dog does not suffer, this decision leaves his life in your hands. This decision is made based on a variety of factors, including checking whether the dog can still be cured of the disease, as well as whether the quality of life is still good. The decision to euthanize a dog should be made after you have received input from those closest to you and your regular veterinarian. However, in the end, the decision is yours.
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Method 1 of 3: Checking the Dog's Health
Step 1. Check the dog's physical condition
You may have to euthanize a dog that is unresponsive and has lost motor skills. Loss of the ability to move and lose weight drastically indicate that the dog is dying. When a dog loses weight and motor skills, the quality of his life will also disappear.
- Discuss the reasons for your dog's weight loss to a veterinarian. If there is a treatment that can cure and improve the dog's quality of life, you can try it. However, if the weight has been lost due to an incurable disease, you may have to euthanize the animal.
- Loss of movement ability can be caused by a variety of things. If you know the cause, get treatment right away. If you can't do anything about it, euthanasia may be the best way out to end the suffering.
Step 2. Consider your dog's happiness and quality of life
If your dog appears to be suffering and can't do the things he enjoys, you may want to consider euthanasia. This unhappiness can be caused by pain, or aging. Consider your dog's happiness when making a decision.
If you're having trouble deciding whether your dog is happy or not, make a list of the things he's liked throughout his life. If he can't do it anymore, you may have to euthanize
Step 3. Pay attention to the dog's ability to eat and drink
If the dog refuses to eat or drink, it is a sign that he is dying. You can provide food and water with an IV, but this is often a sign that the dog's entire system is starting to fail.
You should discuss your dog's inability to eat with your veterinarian. If the dog can be cured, follow the treatment procedure. If not, maybe it's time you let him sleep in peace forever
Step 4. Check if the dog is able to control his bodily functions
Seriously ill dogs often cannot control basic bodily functions. This includes daily physical functions. If this occurs in a healthy dog, you do not need to euthanize the animal. However, if the loss of body control stems from symptoms of a severe illness, euthanasia may be the best option for him.
- A noise or two caused by the dog in the house is not a serious problem. However, if the dog is unable to go outside to urinate or leaves feces everywhere, he is no longer in control of his bodily functions.
- If the dog can't control the ability to defecate or urinate, it's a sign that his body functions are starting to decline.
Step 5. Check to see if the dog is in pain
If your dog is in pain and suffering, relieving the pain is the best thing you can do. If you're lucky, you can get rid of it with medication and the help of a veterinarian. However, if none of the methods of treatment work, euthanasia may be the best option.
- Checking for a dog's pain can be difficult at times. Does he often seem shaky or unsteady? Does it not respond well to touch? Does he moan and mumble? Does he seem uncomfortable or panicked? These can be signs that your dog is in pain.
- If your dog has to depend on medication to stay alive, this may be a sign that you need to consider euthanasia options. Relieving her pain was more human than letting her suffer and taking drugs constantly.
Step 6. Consider your dog's behavior
Making the decision to euthanize your dog is difficult, but it is much more difficult to make that decision based on his behavior. If you are about to euthanize a dog for aggressive behavior or other related behavior, do everything you can to fix the problem before making a decision. If you've done it and euthanasia remains the best option, at least you did your best.
- A certified dog handler can help you determine if your dog's behavior can be changed. He or she can recommend medication or exercises to treat the problem.
- Make sure his behavior is not caused by a medical disorder. Dogs can be stubborn due to disease. Get your pet checked by a veterinarian to make sure there are no serious health problems in the dog.
- Contact a professional dog trainer. Look for a professional trainer who has experience training dogs with the same personality problems as yours.
- Try finding a new home for the dog. If you can't do anything to change your dog's behavior, find him a new home and owner who is willing to take care of him.
Method 2 of 3: Making a Decision
Step 1. Discuss the euthanasia decision with your veterinarian
The vet will self-assess the dog's quality of life before performing euthanasia. This means the doctor will have to provide a variety of other treatment options before recommending lethal injection.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions, for example, about the process that will be carried out and the reasons why euthanasia is the best option.
- If the vet doesn't think there is any treatment that can help the poor animal, he or she usually says that euthanasia is the most humane solution.
- Ask something like “Can I accompany her through the procedure?”, “Will she feel any pain?”, “How long will the process take?” An experienced veterinarian will explain the process in detail to you.
Step 2. There is no need to rush
Take some time to think about the options you have. Making the decision to euthanize a pet dog is a difficult matter that needs careful thought. Think about your dog, his pain, and the quality of life he has. Use this as a basis for consideration when making decisions.
Sometimes, you don't have much time to think. If your dog is in a critical situation, you may need to make a decision quickly
Step 3. Discuss this with your family and friends
Discuss the situation with those closest to you. Ask if they have experience with this, and how they have dealt with it. Those closest to you are usually able to calm you down and help you make difficult decisions.
- Children who are at home should be notified that their pet will be leaving soon. How to do it is up to you, but consider how they feel about their pet.
- You can say, “Sam has been sick for a long time. We certainly don't want him to be in pain. So, the doctor will give medicine to relieve the pain. Sam is going to die, but it's for the best for him."
Step 4. Spend time with your dog
After making the decision to euthanize, spend quality time with him. Take this for a walk to his favorite place or do an activity he enjoys, if you can. This is the right time to make good memories with him before saying goodbye.
If your dog is seriously ill, you can spend time with him in silence. Just caress her body gently and lovingly. Give him his favorite food and pamper him as much as you can
Method 3 of 3: Lethal Injection of Your Dog
Step 1. Make an appointment
Most people who euthanize their dogs because they are old and seriously ill usually make appointments in advance. This way, they can spend quality time with their pet before the procedure. This method also allows the family to say goodbye. You can also use this time to rethink the decisions you have made.
Sometimes, if your dog is taken to the vet because of severe symptoms, you may not be able to manage time to euthanize. If the dog being taken to the vet is in extreme pain and torture, you should immediately make the decision to euthanize the dog so he doesn't suffer
Step 2. Complete payments and logistics preparations ahead of time
Even if there are many veterinarians who ask for a fee after the procedure is complete, the payment for the euthanasia procedure should be paid off as soon as possible. Address these needs first so that you can grieve without being disturbed. This includes setting up a procedure for handling a dog's corpse, as well as paying for lethal injection and cremation, if you choose that option.
Euthanasia is a relatively inexpensive procedure. However, if you can't afford it, discuss your financial situation with the vet. It may allow you to pay later or make referrals elsewhere
Step 3. Decide if you want to be with your dog in his final moments
The vet will usually ask if you would like to accompany the dog. This is a personal choice made based on various factors, such as whether you are emotionally strong enough to witness your dog's lethal injection.
- Before making a decision, ask the vet in detail about the procedure to be performed. Often, euthanasia is performed by lethal injection using high doses of an anesthetic that puts the animal into a deep sleep until its heart stops.
- Usually, the vet will give a sedative to a dog who seems scared or nervous.
- If you decide to attend, treat your dog with love. Caress her body and give her attention until the last moment.
