Should You Put Your Dog to Sleep?
Sometimes it is a clear decision. Sometimes a dog is in so much pain, so wounded, or so old that the only and best option is to put him to sleep. Most of the time, though, the decision to euthanize a dog – who is a treasured, loved part of the family – is not easy.
There are no easy signs, and the definition of “good quality of life for a dog” is different for every pet owner. Plus, as one veterinarian told me, it’s often difficult to tell whether a dog is in pain or suffering. But, there are a few signs it really is time to put your dog to sleep.
How this veterinarian decided to put her dog to sleep
“My shepherd/cattle dog cross, Eddie, had a multitude of problems and I couldn’t decide if it was time for euthanasia. Then, one day he tore his cruciate ligament. He had already previously torn the ligament on the other knee and although it was healed he had severe arthritis in that knee. With both knees injured, Eddie was unable to walk. My decision to put my dog to sleep was finally made for me.
I went to my office and collected the supplies I needed for euthanasia. Eddie was such a good boy as I shaved his front leg and placed the needle in his vein. I will never forget the look of love and trust he gave me as I made the injection. Then, the life just went out of him and he was gone. Once he had passed away, his buddy Joey (my other dog) came in the room but he did not seem to care about or comprehend what was happening. Then, my two cats came in and I swear they suddenly had a look of glee in their eyes as Eddie was very much a cat tormentor!”
How long does it take for a dog to die after being euthanized?
Within seconds, your dog will become unconscious, experiencing no pain or suffering. Breathing will slow down and then stop over the next several seconds. Cardiac arrest will soon follow, resulting in death. Typically, a peaceful death occurs within 30 seconds of intravenous administration.
Numerous studies in Spiritual Psychology … shows that dogs do indeed have souls, and once a dog bonds to a human, its soul attaches to the human’s soul and upon death, goes where the human soul goes. … They imply that animals may have the “breath of life,” but not an immortal soul in the same sense as man’s.
So, do I cry during a euthanasia? Yes, sometimes this vet cries.