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 When is euthanasia necessary?
Euthanasia (`putting to sleep') is the term used by vets for the process of preventing the suffering of an animal which is too old or too sick to have a happy and fulfilled life. It is never an easy decision and many owners understandably delay making it for as long as possible. Pain is not the only form of suffering; quality of life is important too and there are a number of situations in which euthanasia is the kindest option. Consider euthanasia if your dog is:
- suffering untreatable pain or discomfort from cancer
- no longer able to eat or drink normally
- unable to breathe properly because its lungs and heart are diseased
- no longer able to empty its bowels or bladder without pain
- incontinent
- unable to stand or move normally
- so blind or deaf that it cannot cope with everyday living
What will happen?
Your vet may shave the fur from a patch of skin on one of your dog's front legs and will then insert a needle into a vein. An overdose of a drug which makes your dog lose consciousness will be administered. Your dog will be asleep in a very short time. Breathing and heartbeat will stop a few seconds later. If your dog is fearful or aggressive it will often be given a sedative before the fatal injection is given.
Will my dog suffer?
The process is painless. In its last moments your dog may give a gasp. Your dog is asleep and the sound is caused by a muscular spasm, which is perfectly normal. Other muscles in your dog's body may also twitch and, as its body relaxes, its bowels or bladder may empty.
Should I be there at the end?
Discuss in advance with your vet whether you wish to be with your pet when it is put to sleep. It may be less stressful for your dog to be held in your arms and to hear a familiar voice. Knowing that your old friend met a peaceful end may comfort you. However, if you are frightened or anxious your dog may sense this and may also become upset.
Should it be done at home or at the vet's surgery?
Vets usually prefer to see their patients in their own clinic where all the equipment and trained staff they need are close at hand. However, euthanasia is a special situation and if you want to have your animal put to sleep in its own home then most vets will do this.
Who decides that the time is right for euthanasia?
You must decide whether euthanasia is right for your dog. Your vet will be able to advise you on what the options are and make a sensible recommendation but will not make the decision for you. If possible, make your choice after talking it over with your vet and with other members of your family, including children.
How will I feel?
It is natural to feel grief after losing a pet. Sometimes the first response to a pet's death isanger or guilt that more could have been done to save them. However, people experience grief in different ways and there are no hard and fast rules. It may help to have someone to take you home after your dog has been put to sleep so that you do not have to return to an empty house. Talking to friends and family, including any children, is important.
How will my children cope?
Losing a pet is often the first time that a child becomes aware of death. It is usually best to be honest with a child and explain the truth as clearly as you can. Children may want time to say goodbye to their pet and seeing the dead body may help them understand what has happened. Marking the occasion with some kind of memorial such as a burial can be very therapeutic. Talking about the happy times you shared will often help them and you come to terms with the change in your lives.
What happens to my dog's body?
Your vet can arrange for your dog to be cremated, or you may choose to bury the body yourself. If you want to bury your dog in your garden, check with your local authority that this is allowed and make sure the body is buried at least two feet below thesurface. For many different reasons, burial of the body is not recommended. If your dog is cremated, it should be possible for your vet to arrange for you to have its ashes returned.
Should I get another pet?
It is advisable to give yourself time to grieve before taking on another pet, although many people find that getting another dog helps them deal with their grief. The relationship you build with another pet will never be the same as the one you had but can be equally rewarding |
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