Euthanizing your dog is the most difficult decision you’ll ever make as a pet parent.
The moment you hear that word, your heart stops in its tracks, and you can hardly breathe.
Your world is crumbling around you, and you don’t know how to make it better for yourself or your family.
I know how you’re feeling, and I’m here to offers words of comfort and advice.
Nothing can take away the heartbreak, but I’m about to give you five tips to make things just a little easier for you and your dog and lessen the pain to some extent.
So, let’s see what you should know before euthanizing your pet.
5 Things to Know Before Euthanizing Your Dog
#1 It doesn’t hurt
The first question on your mind when the vet brings up that option is “Will it hurt?”
The word euthanasia comes from Greek, and it means “good death.” No, it won’t hurt at all.
First, your vet will inject your dog with a sedative to put him to sleep.
Then he will administer a second shot to stop his heart. Your beloved dog won’t feel a thing.
It will be just like falling in a deep sleep for him. If you can, try to be there for him as it happens to comfort him.
No judgement if you just can’t cope with watching him pass.
#2 Animals hide their pain well
Wild animals have to hide their pain, discomfort, or any signs of weakness. Otherwise, they would become vulnerable or prey to other predators.
This defense mechanism hasn’t disappeared in our furry, four-legged companions.
That’s why we sometimes realize they are sick when their condition turns critical. And it’s so hard to decide to end your pet’s life when you’re not sure if he is suffering or how much he is hurting right now.
Unfortunately, dogs can’t talk, so you have to rely on your intuition.
You are the one who knows your pet the best. If he isn’t acting like his usual self, and you notice a sudden change in his posture, appetite, and energy level, your pet is probably in a lot of pain.
Of course, it’s natural that you want to spend as much time as possible with your dying companion. But when you feel in your gut that your pet is suffering too much, it’s time to let go.
Quality of life is more important than quantity.
Remember that and don’t feel guilty about it.
#3 Make the day special
When you decide that the time has come, plan something extraordinary for your furry friend.
- Take him to his favorite places for one last time, or play all his favorite games one more time.
- Gather all your friends and family, and make one final celebration.
- You can also give your dog some special treats – something you haven’t allowed him ever, like ice-cream or pizza.
- Or prepare his favorite meal.
Make it a day that your dog will never forget.
This is hard when you know that you’ll be saying goodbye soon, but it will give you some good memories to keep you going.
#4 Get the vet to come to your home
A trip to the vet is always something dreadful and scary for your pet. And you don’t want him to be scared and afraid in his final moments.
That’s why you can ask the vet for at-home euthanasia.
It will probably cost you extra, but it will save you and your dog unnecessary pain.
Your Lucky is going to pass away in his home where he has spent his life surrounded by the people who have loved him. And you won’t have to wonder how to get home from the vet office when you’re feeling so raw on the inside.
Before the vet administers the injections, don’t remove your dog’s collar.
This action will confuse your pet. He won’t understand what you’re doing, and it might scare him. I know that it will be difficult to do this simple action after your pet has passed away. If you’re not feeling up to it, ask the vet or someone else to do it.
#5 Allow yourself to grieve
Remember – it’s ok to cry.
You’ve lost someone special to you, who have been a part of your life for years. Don’t bottle your feelings or you’ll feel worse in time.
Cry your heart out, let the world know that you’re hurting. And don’t be surprised if your vet cries with you. Even for professionals, it’s not easy to euthanize your pet.
You’re not alone in your pain so let your family, friends, and pets comfort you.
In time you’ll be ready to take another dog into your life. He/ she won’t be a replacement for the one you’ve lost, but it will fill the large hole left in your heart just a little.
I hope that you never have to make such a hard decision regarding the life of your pet.
But if it comes to that remember that you’ve done all you could and that you’ve given your dog everything he could have wished for – a loving family.
How did you deal with the pain of euthanizing your dog? Tell us in the comment and share your pain.
