Mary Allen
For the majority of pet owners, our dogs become like family. It might seem awkward to some, but the truth is that these furry beings are becoming just as important as the human members of our family tree. Dogs have the unique ability to sneak into your heart and often have a lasting influence. For some this love begins in childhood, for others, it begins in adulthood when they are able to adopt or buy a dog of their own.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO PUT YOUR DOG TO SLEEP
When you are the sole owner of a dog, the bond can be as intense as it is immense. That’s why it’s so hard to decide when it’s time to put the dog to sleep. How can a person make such a difficult decision? When you have to weigh the pain of your dog against the pain of your loss, how can you even think straight? This article is designed not only to help you determine if your dog is ready to be euthanized but also to help you determine if you are ready to euthanize your dog. Read on to find out when and why it might be time to put your furry family member to sleep.
MEASURING YOUR DOG’S QUALITY OF LIFE BEFORE THE DOG PULSES
If you’re reading this article, you’ve obviously noticed that your dog isn’t doing well. Whether it’s because of age or a potentially life-threatening health condition, something is different. There are many ways to determine your dog’s quality of life. Below are some ways to measure your dog’s behavior before taking the next step.
YOUR DOG SEEMS TO SUFFER FROM CHRONIC PAIN
You have already taken your dog to the vet and had it checked out. It has been determined that your buddy has a chronic pain problem, but the prescribed treatment is not working. After you determine that treatment isn’t helping, take your dog back to the vet. The next step could be deciding that there is no other solution but to end your dog’s suffering. (dog put to sleep)
YOUR DOG HAS BREATHING PROBLEMS
If you find that your dog’s breathing is labored, it could be a sign of a much bigger problem. Whether the breathing problem is causing a cough or causing your dog to become inactive, you may need to consider ending your dog’s suffering through euthanasia.
YOUR DOG IS CONSTANTLY VOMITING OR HAS DIARRHEA
Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and weight loss. This can indicate a virus, or your dog is having a violent reaction to something he ate, but it can also indicate a larger problem. Brief vomiting and diarrhea will not harm your dog permanently. However, persistent vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms of a larger problem and can have dire consequences. Should the disease continue unchecked, your dog can become so dehydrated and lose weight that his body gives up. To avoid ongoing pain and suffering, you should speak to your veterinarian to determine if a procedure is necessary.
YOUR DOG IS INCONTINENT
This is a similar problem to diarrhea. However, incontinence does not necessarily lead to dehydration and weight loss. Incontinence is the inability to control your bowels or bladder. If your dog cannot hold feces or urine, it may be very ill or very old. Should you get to this point with your pet, consult your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
YOUR DOG WILL STOP PARTICIPATING IN HIS FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
It is advisable to memorize your dog’s usual habits when he is healthy. If you know that your dog enjoys playing frisbee in the park or chasing the cat around the house, then you know when your dog’s habits have changed. Write down all the things you know your dog enjoys doing; if he is no longer able to participate in these activities, consult your veterinarian. This can be a sign that your dog’s quality of life is severely declining and the only thing left to consider is euthanizing.
AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF YOUR DOG
Now that your dog has lived through his final moments, you can either take your dog to the funeral or leave his remains at the vet for cremation. This is something that you have previously decided on and discussed with your vet so you don’t have to deal with that difficult decision at this moment.
FINALLY
It may seem odd to some that pets (especially dogs) are treated like family. However, for those who have had the extreme pleasure of owning a pet, it seems pretty natural. As such, dealing with your dog’s euthanasia and being there in the final moments can be extraordinarily difficult.
Always remember that this decision should be made with great care and that it is made based on your dog’s quality of life. Ultimately, this decision is about ending your dog’s suffering; You are a responsible and mature pet owner as you go through this difficult process.
We hope this article on dog euthanasia has helped you determine the right course of action and prepared you for your dog’s euthanasia. We hope that he will spend his last moments with you and that you will give him the comfort that has been a great comfort to you for many years.