Unfortunately it is not often that a pet dies painlessly in their sleep- much though most owners wish this would happen. Death tends to be a slow and distressing process and it is far kinder to intervene and ask a vet to put your pet to sleep (euthanase it) when the time has come than let your pet suffer a prolonged and possibly painful death. It is therefore a sad inevitability that one day you are likely to have to decide that your dog needs putting to sleep.

For many owners the thought of making this decision is painful and worrying. Most owners feel that their dog should be put to sleep once their quality of life has deteriorated and there is no veterinary treatment that can help to improve this. Your vet should be able to support you in making this decision. Please Contact Us if you have any queries or worries.

Saying goodbye – options for euthanasia

The life expectancy of a pet dog is much longer than that of a wild dog. The breed of dog also has a significant influence on lifespan. On average, a giant breed dog may live for around 8 years, a large breed for 10-12 years and some dogs survive into their 20s. At some stage it may become obvious that your dog’s life is drawing to a close. It is then that you will face a painful and difficult decision about whether your pet should be taken to your vet and put gently and painlessly to sleep.

When is euthanasia necessary?

Euthanasia (often called ‘putting to sleep’) is the term used by vets for the process of preventing the suffering of an animal which is too old or 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 thing to do for your dog.

Consider euthanasia if they are:

  • Suffering untreatable pain from a large tumour.
  • No longer able to eat or drink normally.
  • Unable to breathe properly because their lungs and heart are diseased.
  • No longer able to empty their bowels or bladder without pain or they are incontinent.
  • Unable to stand or move normally.
  • So blind or deaf that they cannot cope with everyday living.
  • If the emotional or financial demands of caring for your dog are more than you can manage.

What will happen?

Your vet may shave the fur from a patch of skin on one of your dog’s front legs and insert a needle into a vein. An overdose of a drug which makes your dog lose consciousness (and ability to feel pain or fear) will be administered. It will be asleep in a very short time (usually a matter of seconds). Breathing and heart beat 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 completely 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 be able to hear a familiar voice. You may be comforted by knowing that your old friend suffered no pain and met a peaceful end. However, if you are frightened or anxious your dog may sense this and may also become upset.

Should it be done 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.

Who decides that the time is right for euthanasia?

It is you who must decide whether or when euthanasia is the right thing for your dog. Your vet will be able to advise you on what the options are and make a sensible recommendation but he/she will not make the decision for you. It is rare that a decision has to be made on the spur of the moment, so it is much better to make your choice after talking it over with your vet and with other members of your family. It is important that all members of the family are involved in the decision making process and that they are all in agreement. Do not exclude children from this. Talking with them before the decision has been made may help them to come to terms with it.

How will I feel?

It is perfectly natural to feel grief after losing a pet and there is no shame in feeling strong emotions. Sometimes the first response to a pet’s death is anger or guilt in that more could have been done to save them. The depth of friendship with a dog may be greater than that of many human friends and a period of mourning is quite normal. However, people experience grief in different ways and there are no hard and fast rules about what you will feel. 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 is important, especially your children (if you have any).

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 yourself come to terms with the change in your lives. Children frequently get over the loss of a pet much more quickly than adults.

What happens to my dog’s body?

Your vet will explain what can be done with the body of your dog. They 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 make sure that the body is buried at least 2 feet (about 600 mm) below the surface. If your dog is cremated, it is usually possible for your vet to arrange for you to have its ashes returned but you must inform them of your wishes at the time of euthanasia.

Should I get another pet?

After the experience of losing a dog some people say they never want to own another pet. However, many others 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.