Dog Euthanasia – Did I Do The Right Thing?

Euthanasia of your dog is a joint decision with your vet and your family, but it’s still one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever have to make. We know that euthanasia provides instant relief from pain and suffering, and the process involves peacefully falling asleep before death – so why do you feel so much guilt over euthanising your dog? Read more about dog euthanasia – did I do the right thing here…

The Decision

When you ask yourself did I put my dog down too early? – You need assurance from your vet that you took the decision to prevent further suffering and your dog’s quality of life had been fully assessed objectively.
Often the signs are clear when your dog is struggling to cope with:
Ongoing severe pain that can’t be manged with medication – your dog is restless and having difficulty breathing
An acute injury that can’t be recovered from – and there’s no treatment to be offered
Lack of appetite – or constant hunger and thirst indicating how uncomfortable your dog is
Bowel and bladder control – with incontinence that indicates organ failure
Everyday mobility – making your dog’s quality of life poor
Terminal disease – when a sudden and painful deterioration can happen without warning

Home Visit Vets

Your home visit vets are dedicated to advising and attending to you and your dog’s needs during these last few days. You’ll get that peace of mind you’re craving for as your skilled professional takes care of the euthanasia process.
Gentle dog euthanasia at home allows you to say goodbye as your dog goes to sleep peacefully in familiar surroundings with the family he loves. There’s no stress or pressure as the procedure begins – the first gentle injection will make your dog gradually drift off to sleep before the second injection is given intravenously through the front leg, or by catheter through the back leg.
You can make your own arrangements with regards to your dog’s burial or cremation, but you may prefer Cloud 9 Vets to discuss the options and take care of it for you. We provide all services with care and respect and we also provide documentation.
The cremating process ends with collecting the ashes, cooling them, and passing them through a cremulator that creates a fine ash. You can choose to take the ashes with you or have them spread in the grounds of the Chapel of Rest.

Ways to Cope with Grief

Grieving after your dog’s euthanasia is painful process as you struggle with questions over your decision. Losing a beloved companion is heart-rending and can have a direct impact on your physical and mental health.
Everyone grieves differently and the pain you feel may be deeper and sharper than you anticipate. You may go through stages of denial, anger, and depression before the final acceptance.
Make sure you get support from your family and friends with experience of your situation and loss. Alternatively, try social support networks or therapists. With time you’ll be able to learn coping strategies to help you return to a normal life without your dog.

Memorials and Keepsakes

You’ll never forget your best friend and there are simple ways you can honour treasured memories by:
Holding a memorial service to say goodbye
Finding a special place for your dog’s ashes
Making a scrapbook and writing an obituary
Plant a tree that’ll continue to grow where your dog lies
Creating a photobook of life

Dog Euthanasia – Did I Do The Right Thing?