The decision to euthanize your dog due to old age or illness is the hardest decision a pet owner will ever face. However, dog euthanasia is a humane way to help your dog avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of its life. This blog post will explore when dog euthanasia is humane when it is wrong, and how dog euthanasia works.
How Does Dog Euthanasia Work
Daily Paws defines dog euthanasia as “the medical procedure of ending an animal’s life with medication.” A veterinarian or certified euthanasia technician performs dog euthanasia. Laws vary from country to country. In the United States, laws vary from state to state.
According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, “Animal shelters, animal control agencies, and humane societies in several states may obtain a permit to possess the chemicals used for the euthanasia of companion animals, in addition to veterinary clinics. States often have established procedures for storing the chemicals, and some states require a licensed veterinarian or certified euthanasia technician to be on staff for a permit to be issued.”
Also Read: Types of Mental Illness in Pets and How Pet Parents can Help
When done in a veterinary clinic as a medical procedure, dog euthanasia is usually done by injecting two drugs into the dog’s bloodstream. The first drug is a sedative, so the dog will experience a calm, relaxed state. Many dogs fall asleep from the sedative. The second drug is sodium pentobarbital, which stops the dog’s breathing and heart rate.
Many pet parents worry that dog euthanasia is painful for dogs. They also fear that their dog will be scared during euthanasia. This is one reason many veterinarians give a sedative or tranquilizer before administering the sodium pentobarbital. The purpose of the sedative is to help the dog experience as little fear as possible and to minimize any knowledge of what is happening.
Deciding When It’s Time for Dog Euthanasia
Most pet parents struggle with determining when dog euthanasia is appropriate. Dog euthanasia is humane when a dog is in extreme pain or is no longer living a good quality of life.
Usual signs that a dog is no longer living a good quality of life include: they are no longer interested in eating, have problems standing, begin to have frequent bathroom accidents in the house, experience difficulty breathing, and are showing signs that they are in pain.
Deciding whether or not your dog’s quality of life has decreased enough to justify euthanasia is extremely difficult. Most veterinarians will offer insight into whether or not they think the dog is ready. It is normal for pet parents to wonder if it is time for euthanasia for many months or weeks. You may visit the veterinarian to assess your dog’s specific condition.
In some instances, irresponsible dog owners will request that a young, healthy dog be euthanized. Dog euthanasia is wrong in this instance, and there are many alternatives instead of ending the life of a young, healthy dog. Unfortunately, many young, healthy dogs are also euthanized at animal shelters due to overcrowding and underfunding.
Also Read: Must-have Supplements for Senior Dogs
Home Euthanasia Versus Euthanasia at the Veterinary Clinic
In recent years, many veterinarians have started to offer at-home euthanasia services. This option can provide more comfort to both the dog and the owners. When a dog is at the point in which euthanasia is needed, it can be painful for them to get in and out of cars and into the veterinary clinic. Some pet parents cannot physically pick up their dog if the dog can no longer walk on their own.
Additionally, your dog feels happiest and most content in its own home. At-home euthanasia spares them the fear and uncertainty of going to the veterinary clinic when they are sick and in pain. Instead, they can peacefully pass on while sleeping on their favorite blanket or dog bed with their owner by their side.
However, some pet parents do not want the memory of their pet passing away at home. Others cannot afford the cost of at-home euthanasia. Your veterinary clinic is still a humane option, especially when you have a veterinarian you and your dog both know, like, and trust.
In Conclusion
Deciding when to euthanize your dog is an important decision to get right. As a pet owner, it is critical to avoid euthanizing your dog too early while they are still enjoying their life while at the same time sparing them excessive suffering if they are in pain. As hard as it is to decide, it is even worse for a dog to pass away from natural causes, especially if they experience a traumatic event like heart failure, lung failure, or a seizure. Even though it is heartbreaking to make this decision, it is the ultimate act of love to your dog to spare them pain and suffering and to be by their side throughout the entire process.
Resources:
https://www.avma.org/advocacy/state-and-local-advocacy/state-laws-governing-euthanasia
https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/end-of-life-care/pet-euthanasia
