As we age we all become more acutely aware of how the years fly by. For our beloved pet dogs, this time passes by seemingly at the speed of light. With each dog year roughly equating to seven human years their precious lives all too soon slip away. If you are a caring dog owner, you will do you very best to ensure that your dog is well, healthy and never suffers. This can mean that sooner or later you will be faced with the job of having your dog put to sleep.
As medical care for animals improves the average length of a dog's life has improved also. Dogs with heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disorders, amputated limbs and more can all have a good quality of life. We must remember though that every living creature has to die eventually. It is not easy knowing when it is time to put your dog to sleep but the advice below will help.
Veterinary assessment.
Most vets will offer a quality of life assessment for your dog. They will discuss the animal's quality of life, medication, diagnosis and prognosis with you in order to establish the best course of action. Of course, the ultimate decision will be yours. You know how the animal is on a daily basis and whether or not it still has some quality of life.
The family.
A dog soon becomes part of the family and will be greatly missed by all. Talk to the family members so that everyone knows what is going to happen. This can be a hard time for children. If necessary buy a book on this subject, which is aimed at helping a child to understand.
Signs and symptoms
Over the years, we all get to know our pets well. You will obviously notice some age related changes in your pet. Other signs may show that it is time for euthanasia. These may be total loss of appetite, severe weight loss, painful tumours or constant pain.
The dog.
Often a dog knows when its time has come. The dog may look at you almost pleading for release. Heed any signs and warnings and take the appropriate action. Sometimes euthanasia may be needed in a younger animal. This could be due to disease, illness or an accident. The dog's veterinarian will be able to advise.
Putting your dog to sleep.
Knowing this is the right course of action does not make it any easier. Your vet will try to make the process as calm as possible for all concerned. When you book the appointment make sure that your vet understands your requirements. The dog is usually injected with a lethal injection, which acts fast. In a matter of moments, your dog will drift away.
Many owners find it too painful to stay with the dog until the end. If you think that you will be too upset, settle your animal down say your good-byes and wait in the waiting area. In some ways staying with your animal until the end seems the final act of kindness to it. As long as you are not in too much of a panic this will help the animal settle and make the process easier. Remember though that if you get very stressed so will the dog. This will make it harder for the animal also. Some dog owners include their other dogs for this final goodbye but this is up to you.
After euthanasia.
These days you can opt to have your dog's remains cremated or buried. Both can be costly. If you have the pet cremated you can scatter its ashes at a familiar spot, bury them in your garden or keep them as long as you want. You may alternatively opt to bury your dog in your garden. The pet undertaker will collect your pet's remains from the veterinarian's surgery and contact you when it is ready for collection or delivery.
All of the above can be very traumatic to a dog owner. You must give yourself time to grieve. It is probably not a good idea to take another dog into your home immediately although some people find it does help. However, remember that you will never replace the lost animal, as all dogs are different and individual.
It is so easy to feel a traitor having had a pet you love put to sleep but, in your heart, you will know that you did the right thing. You will have countless good memories and the knowledge that you made your dog's last journey as easy as it could possibly be.
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