Euthanasia for your Dog

Our companion dogs provide friendship ad unconditional love like no other human. They are there for every celebration and sadness and likely know more of our secrets than anyone on earth. Thankfully they can’t talk. But they grow older and often develop medical problems that impact their quality of life. The most problematic part of the relationship that we have with our dogs comes in making the actual decision to end the life of the cherished pet. Often, we secretly hope that death will arrive on its own, and we are released from the pain and pressure of having to be responsible for the decision. How do you know when it is time?

Of course, there are no fixed or definitive answers to this question, except to say," You will know." There are some very strong indications that your canine companion is uncomfortable or in pain, along with your intuition that has bonded you across your life together, through good and bad, thick and thin. Appetite is a governing factor. For the most part, the dog will not eat with the same enthusiasm as when healthy. Their desire for food and water may decline or end completely, refusing even their favorite treats.

Your dog’s level of awareness and attitude changes are also beacons of what is happening. Behavior, which is closely related to awareness and attitude, may alter subtly over time or change quickly and dramatically. The ways your furry friend relates and responds to family members, as well as changes in toileting habits or sleep cycles are strong signals that there may be pain or discomfort. Perhaps your dog will be completely unaware of his surroundings, exhibiting the signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (dog Alzheimer’s disease).

Dogs that are experiencing discomfort may whine, whimper, or cry. They may be listless or restless, wandering aimlessly, or they may find a spot in the house where they remain for long stretches of time. Occasionally, your dog will seem confused by what is happening and may shiver, pant heavily, or have elevated respiratory and heart rates.

In unraveling the difficulties of ending your dog’s life, you will want to know how the euthanasia process works. Your dog practitioner should be able to answer all of your questions regarding the process beforehand. An IV injection of medication is prepared and inserted into a leg vein, after the area has been shaved. The medication commonly used is a highly concentrated dose of sodium pentobarbital that stops heart function, respiration, and all brain activity. Relief for your beloved companion happens within seconds. Most dog guardians choose to stay with their companion throughout the actual process so that they can say a final farewell. Generally if you request, your veterinarian will allow you to hold on to your dog as the injection is administered. Although, your veterinarian should prepare you ahead of the procedure, for what you might encounter following your dog’s death.

There are physiological processes that may be highly upsetting if you are not prepared. The dog’s bowels and bladder typically empty as the muscles relax. Muscle twitches and trembling typically occur directly after death. Depending upon how ill your dog is and the animal’s age, there may be more breathing even after the anesthesia has been fully administered. This is normal. Eyelids will remain open, there may be vocalization and the lips may pull back in what appears to be a smile. At the point of death, the dog may take a last gasping breath.

After your dog dies, know that there will be a period of mourning. Losing a dog is often more traumatic than losing a cherished person. There is frequently the fear that exposing your inner feelings about the loss will have you faced with ridicule. It is possible to find local pet loss support groups where among others who have lost their furry friends you will feel comfort and support. You will need time to deal with the tremendous emptiness that was once filled with your best buddy. Take your time. Everyone experiences the loss at differing rates and also the recovery time differs.

Remember that there are also ways to celebrate the times and life of your beloved canine.

Health and Illness in your Aging Dog
An overview of some of the common illnesses and ailment experienced by aging dogs.