Dog Euthanasia

To define in a common parlance, the process of putting someone to sleep 'forever' or act of giving a painless death is known as euthanasia. This process is surrounded by grounds of controversies with respect to humans. It is also something which many pet owners have to make up their mind for, When pets get severely ill, with hopes of recovery close to nil, euthanasia is one option which could help them get rid of their pain. However, the decision completely rests with the owner's discretion. Some might feel that the illness can be somehow managed and the life of their beloved pets could be prolonged. While, some may not be able to bear the suffering of their dogs and may decide to liberate them from their pain.

The Euthanasia Process for Canines

As, I said, the process is easy and painless and more importantly humane by nature. The owner would have to give his consent for the execution of the process by signing certain documents. Choices would be present, such as, the owner might be present while his pet is undergoing euthanasia or he may choose to be absent and see the pet after the procedure. There is also on option wherein, the owner might see his pet before the process and may choose to never see him again. However, the decision of how should the remains be treated, will be made by the owner.

Coming to the process, dog euthanasia is performed by a veterinarian. An overdose injection of a barbiturate anesthetic is administered intravenously on the pet, which would make the animal go to sleep and without any pain the dog will pass on in its sleep. This process is rapid and takes place within seconds. In some cases, the pet might give out a low and brief cry, which happens due to the loss of consciousness. It is not any indication of pain, however.

After the administration of the injection, the heart of the animal will start to slow down gradually and cease to function. This will further cease any circulation in the body and the blood pressure will start falling. Breathing will no more be a normal scene and when the circulation to the brain halts, then that would be the time when the pet will fall asleep for forever. During the process, the animal will usually be covered after having given the injection. This is to avoid the owner from getting severely disturbed due to certain physiologic responses, which typically occur after the animal has passed away. Such responses may be involuntary muscle contractions or respiratory gasps, loss of bladder or bowel control.

Carrying out the process of euthanasia at home is considered to be an appropriate choice, when it is not feasible to move your dog to the hospital. The vet might visit you after regular office hours and so, an after-hour visit fee becomes a consideration. As I mentioned, after the euthanasia, there will be responses like involuntary emptying of bowels or bladder. So, consult the vet regarding the required settings. It is also advisable to discuss with the vet about sedating the pet before carrying on with the euthanasia. Usually, this helps the process to go smoothly and without exerting any stress on the pet.

Many may argue about the pros and cons of euthanizing dogs. Well, do they really matter when it is about your pet's suffering? Your pet may be suffering from a severe illness or a birth defect which is incorrigible even with the help of any surgery, or with medicines. I mean, helping the pet to get back to a normal life is close to impossible. In such a case, what is the major repercussion? The animal has to compromise with the quality of his life and die painful deaths everyday of being alive. Finally, the day comes when the animal can no longer hold on and has to let go. So, many believe that euthanasia, though a difficult decision, is a favor which people can do to put their pets out of their misery. However, to make up one's mind for such a process is not as easy as putting the thought of doing it in black and white. So, as always said, the decision lies in the perception of the dog's owner; whether he wants to cut the miseries of the animal by giving him a painless death or does he want to prolong his life with the thought that the pet deserves to live as long as he can!