Older dogs and euthanasia

What happens during euthanization of my dog? Does it hurt?

Euthanization is, very simply, an overdose of an anesthetic. Because of the drug used (Phenobarbital), it is typically painless for the dog. The Phenobarbital is administered using a small needle and directly through the vein.

The dog will lose consciousness within a few seconds and, after about 10 seconds, her heart will stop and her brain’s activity will cease. One of the more painful aspects of euthanasia for the owner is the fact that the electrical activity in the body can continue for several minutes after death. Legs and some facial nerves can twitch while the body triggers the lungs to take a reflexive gasp. After ten minutes, this activity should stop. My dog is really sick.

What options do I have besides euthanasia?

You may not have any other options. It really depends on the situation. In certain cases, injuries and damage from disease are too severe to make keeping your dog alive a humane option. In other circumstances, your veterinarian may be able to effectively manage your dog’s pain through the use of medication and therapy. In the best cases, this pain management will work effectively and last long enough to allow your dog pass on naturally and with minimal pain. As you’ll soon read, though, choosing one of these options is not to be done lightly.

If your veterinarian feels that euthanasia the best choice for your dog, listen to his reasons, voice your own concerns, and try to come to a decision together. How am I supposed to decide whether or not to euthanize my dog? This is never a decision you should make on your own. The first person you consult should be your veterinarian, who can let you know the pros and cons behind euthanization, pain management through medication, and any other options he may see as suitable for your dog.

Beyond that, you have some deep thinking of your own - you’ll find a list of questions below that may help you make a more rational decision. If you have other family members, they should be involved in the decision-making process. In addition to being fair, this can help them better cope with the death of their dog later. Questions to Ask in Case of Severe Illness or Injury. Does the same illness keep recurring? Has your dog’s illness gotten progressively worse?

Does your dog’s illness still respond to therapy or medication? Is she suffering? Does the vet have a way of relieving the suffering besides euthanasia? If your dog survives its illness or injury, can you provide the time necessary to care for her? Will caring for her cripple your family financially? Use each of these questions as a means of opening discussion with your family members. Talk openly about the illness or injury and what would be best for both your dog and your family.

While you may want nothing more than to have your pet back in your home, her comfort should be your top priority. If keeping her alive means that she’ll remain in pain for the rest of her life, you may decide that it will hurt you more to see her suffer so much over time. If you believe your dog has a decent chance at recovery but that her medical bills will place you in a great deal of debt, consider the tension and stress financial issues can cause between family members. Your dog can sense this tension and take it on as her own, which means her health may ultimately suffer because you fought to keep her alive.

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