Putting a dog to sleep is one of the saddest things that can happen to anyone in life. There’s never really a right time to say goodbye, nor does it get any easier the more suffering you experience as a witness to theirs. It’s a terrible thing to even think about for many people. All of the good memories don’t go away, but somehow it’s just not easy to let go despite a cycle of life notion.
Lots of information is out there advocating for humane pet euthanasia and hailing it as being the ultimate act of kindness. If this is true for you, then you should have an easier time making such a final decision. However, it’s not so easy for many pet parents. There are many people that feel like it’s one of the most painful decisions of their life. Pets can be very close to us, and often they are the best companions.
Pet Death and Dying: Basic Things to Look For
When a sick or old dog is nearing the end of its life, there may be clear signs that they are no longer fully present because of extreme pain and suffering that comes along with disease or aging. It’s okay to still feel love for the pet and it may never be easy for you to let go. Allow yourself some time to make a decision that makes the best sense for both you and your pet.
Near the end of life, dogs may refuse food and water, have issues with bladder and bowel control, lose the ability to movement or experience other disheartening sensations. They may stop wanting to take walks or lose the ability altogether. Toys may no longer capture their interest, and overall they seem to slip away.
Some dogs experience vomiting near the end of life. Pain from aging or disease can also be present. Pain management helps keep a certain level of comfort that will aid in making the death and dying experience an easier one to bear, but when this stops working a pet may express screams, whimpers, and cries if they even have the energy anymore to express pain. Knowing that they could suffer in such silence is no easier to deal with either.
What to Expect with Dog Euthanasia
A vet will usually ask you to complete a consent form to begin the euthanasia process. Some vets will make a house call for this procedure. It may be best to do this on a day with no other obligations such as work. Taking off may prove better than trying to just return to life as normal. The dog will get a shot to numb the area for euthanasia. This area will be shaved to enable access. Once the euthanasia is injected, the dog may feel a needle prick and then begin to feel sleepy as gradually the heart will stop in a few minutes.