Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the toughest things to go through. If you find yourself faced with making this impossible decision, there are some things you can do to make the process a little bit more bearable. Read on to see our 12 tips about things you should do before putting your dog down.
The 12 Things to Do Before Putting Your Dog Down
1. Talk With a Vet
The veterinarian has probably been with you from the time your pet was a puppy until now, so they’re just as invested in your dog’s health as you are. Speaking with a veterinary team about this awfully hard decision can provide some valuable insight and comfort. A vet can use their findings from physical exams and diagnostic testing to give a timeline of your pup’s disease progression and prognosis. However, only you can decide the right time to say goodbye to your dog.
2. Assess Their Quality of Life
You know what your dog is like on their good days, and if you find that your pup is having more bad days than good ones, you need to consider their quality of life. No one wants to see their pets suffer, but sometimes they can have periods of back and forth with their health where they seem normal one day and then are bad again the next. You might consider keeping a journal of your dog’s signs and comfort level to better judge their quality of life.
- Do they appear to be in pain?
- Are they having a hard time getting around?
- Are they eating and drinking normally?
- What are their bathroom habits like?
- Have they had any behavioral changes?
- Are they experiencing any joy in their daily life?
You can find a more detailed assessment on the MSD Manual’s website, known as the HHHHHMM Scale.
3. Give Them a Treat
Depending on your dog’s condition, they may have no appetite or may have not eaten for days leading up to their last day. However, it might be a good idea to try to encourage them to indulge in one of their favorite foods on their last day. Some owners like to give their pups things that have previously been off-limits, such as chocolate or a big, juicy burger, just before putting their pet down. Remember, the last thing you want is for your pet to suffer the ill effects of these foods in their last moments, so it’s best done on the drive to the euthanasia appointment.
4. Have a Photoshoot
If time allows and your dog’s condition isn’t an emergency, organizing a photoshoot would be a lovely way to commemorate your time with your pup. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can take your own photos at home with your phone. Or, if money is no object, hiring a professional photographer is another option. They can come to your home or whichever location means something to you, your family, and your dog.
5. Have Their Favorite Comforts Nearby
Whether the euthanasia appointment is booked at the veterinary clinic or your home, you should have their favorite items nearby. The “props” available to you at your appointment can bring a sense of calm and comfort to your dog. Bring their favorite blanket or a toy they’ve loved for years. Since the procedure will happen while your dog is lying down, you might consider bringing their favorite dog bed.
6. Massage Them
Giving your dog a massage is a great way to help them relax and ease some of the pain they may be feeling.
Start at the top of your pup’s nose, where an acupuncture point associated with calming and healing is located. Using very gentle pressure, run your thumb from the top of the nose over the head and go back and forth slowly.
Ear rubs can also be very therapeutic. Use your thumb on the inner portion of the ear at the base of the ear flap. Leave your index finger outside of the ear. Again, using a very gentle amount of pressure, stroke out toward the end of your dog’s eat and finish off with a little pull.
7. Talk to Your Dog
We know they can’t understand you, but telling your dog what they meant to you and going through all your fond memories with them is a great way to spend your last hours together. You can thank them for being a faithful pet or say goodbye in whatever way feels right to you.
8. Know What to Expect
If you’ve never had to euthanize a pet before, some things about the process may be quite shocking for you. The vet should go over what to expect during and after the process, but if they don’t, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Did you know you can speak to a veterinarian without having to travel? Just head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
9. Consider At-Home Euthanasia
Going to the vet can be extremely stressful for some dogs and may make your pet’s last few moments unnecessarily stressful. Many veterinary clinics now offer at-home euthanasia, providing pet owners with a way to say goodbye to their beloved fur babies in a familiar and private setting.
The clinic can also arrange aftercare for your dog’s remains, so you won’t have to worry about doing it yourself.
10. Make Arrangements & Prepay Beforehand
Most veterinary clinics handle payment for euthanasia discreetly and before the procedure. If yours doesn’t offer, please request to pay beforehand. This will allow you to slip out of the clinic afterward without having to wait in line or see other pet owners in the waiting room with their animals.
Your clinic should also discuss aftercare options before the procedure takes place. Making these big decisions beforehand allows you to make a well-informed decision and gives you the freedom to spend your pet’s final moments loving on and caring for them.
11. Take the Time You Need
Euthanasia is a huge decision, and if you need to ask questions or just take a minute before, during, or after the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask the veterinary team.
After the injection of the euthanasia medication, the vet will check to see if your dog’s heart has stopped beating and their soul is set free. If you’re at the clinic, they’ll give you as much time as you need in the room alone with your pet. Some people stay for a while to hold onto their pet’s last moments for as long as possible, while others leave quickly to grieve in the comfort of their homes. There is no right or wrong way, and you have to do what feels best to you.
12. Get Support
Losing a pet is an extremely difficult time, but you don’t have to suffer alone. There may be pet loss support groups in your area or grief hotlines you can call when you need to talk to someone. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you may also be able to connect with virtual support groups if there are none offered where you live.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to say goodbye to your beloved family member is extremely hard. It’s important to give yourself as much time and space as you need to grieve. We highly recommend joining a support group or reaching out to your friends and family members during this difficult time.
It’s important to remember that you’ve given your dog the best life possible, and even if they can’t physically be with you forever, they’ll always be in your heart.
Featured Image Credit: Dragon Images, Shutterstock
The 12 Things to Do Before Putting Your Dog Down
