How To Be At Peace When Preparing For Your Dog’s Euthanasia?

Written by:

Myrah Abrar
Myrah Abrar

Author: Myrah Abrar

Myrah Abrar is a computer science graduate with a passion for web development and digital marketing.

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Updated on: 12/24/2022

things to do before putting your dog downPhoto by RJ22 from Shutterstock

Dealing with loss is never easy. Grief is more than an emotion; grief is a process through which we can overcome trauma. It is unlike any other feeling that comes and goes because memories can make it hard to forget the ones we love.

It is all right to grieve for a loved one; however, being sad for a long time is not good. Part of coming to terms with loss is celebrating life. Be it humans or animals, everyone has a legacy they leave behind.

Being at peace is not about being sad and miserable; experiencing those emotions is entirely normal. However, understanding that your dog is in a better place and free of pain is the key to moving on.

Making The Tough Decision

Owning a pet is not always rainbows and sunshine. A pet is a huge responsibility; you have to take care of them in every way possible, and they depend entirely on you for necessity. Through these trials, you bond with your pet and receive unconditional love in return.

As lovely as that sounds, as a pet owner, you will have to make decisions you may not want to. Decisions regarding your dog’s health can be especially tough, and the toughest is the option to see them suffer through an incurable condition or let them go.

There are many misconceptions surrounding euthanasia. First, it is not as common as many people believe it to be. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), euthanasia rates have decreased drastically.

Additionally, euthanasia is a humane way of ending your pet’s suffering. The most typical manner in which euthanasia takes place does not hurt your dog. Most veterinarians follow a standard procedure detailed on the Auburn Animal Hospital website. The process starts with signing the authorization documents, and you need to confirm your consent.

Once the formal documentation is completed, you may stay or leave. You can choose to stay or leave. Your dog will receive an intravenous injection of anesthetics. The dose is much higher than the recommended amount, and this is because the idea is to put your dog to sleep forever. The injection will cause the vital signs to slow down and ultimately result in the heart stopping beating.

It is a relatively painless process because your dog will be asleep. Remember, euthanasia is a last-resort option and is a consideration only in situations with no hope for your dog to get better. Your dog is in so much pain and discomfort that an early release is a better option.

How To Be At Peace When Preparing For Your Dog’s Euthanasia

Dealing with death is never easy. Losing a member of your family takes time and adjustment. It is a time when your dog needs you more than ever. It would help if you prepared your dog for the impending eventuality.

Here are some ways you can prepare for your dog’s euthanasia so you and your beloved pet can be at peace:

1. Consult Your Vet

Making a big decision is never easy. Discuss all possible options with your dog’s vet. It is worth discussing your dog’s condition in depth. The idea behind the process is to allow you to understand why euthanasia might be the only viable option.

It is essential to know about your pet’s condition. Talking to the vet will help you put your dog’s suffering into perspective. The vet will also explain the process of euthanasia to you in detail. This might sound difficult, but knowing this information is essential to help you cope later. Once the process is over, you will know that your decision was in your dog’s best interest.

2. Do Your Research

More is needed to consult the vet. You need all the emotional support you can get as a pet owner. Aside from researching and reading up on euthanasia, it helps to get in touch with others. Connect with friends, family, or strangers on social media, and learn from their experiences.

You never know; you may end up getting some great advice about how to deal with the pain and sadness of parting ways. You may discover a completely new perspective that you had not considered perhaps.

People who have gone through the ordeal have lived through it and come out from the other side. They are a great source of wisdom.

what to do before putting dog downPhoto by @hadiphotography494

3. Groom Your Dog

Once you have finalized the date and booked an appointment, make sure your dog is physically prepared. Clean your dog by bathing it. Get their hair and nails trimmed.

Just as you dress up any other family member for their funeral, you have to get your dog to look their best. Be careful not to aggravate whatever condition they are suffering from. If your dog cannot take a bath, try to clean it with a wet sponge instead.

Even in parting, your dog must know that you love them and care for them. It will also allow you to care for them one last time.

4. Dedicate An Entire Day To Your Dog

Make your dog’s last day with you special. Give them your complete attention. Do everything they like and give them their favorite food. Take them out if they like it. Just be aware of their condition as well. You want to minimize their suffering after all.

During the day, allow your dog to live their best life. It is time to make memories so you can remember your pet through these fond moments. You will look back and know that your dog went away happy.

Spend all your spare time with your dog because before long, it will be too late. This is what makes euthanasia so much easier than suddenly losing your dog. With euthanasia, you know the exact moment you will be parting with them, and you can prepare for the eventuality beforehand. Sudden death is more heartbreaking because it may leave you with regrets.

RELATED: Ways on How to Remember Your Dog

Saying Goodbye And Moving On

moving on after dog euthanasiaPhoto by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

Coming to terms with your dog’s death is not something that happens overnight. You need to give yourself time to heal. One of the things that can surely help is holding a formal funeral for your beloved pet.

Funerals allow you to celebrate their life and legacy. It provides closure, and you can recount the best moments you spent with your dog. Burying or cremating your dog’s remains is a great way to achieve peace since you will know you have put your loved one to rest yourself.

Once you have given your dog a proper goodbye, it may soon be time to get a new companion. Do not think of getting a new dog replacing your old one. You may want to consider cockapoo adoption. Cockapoos are extremely friendly and loving, making them the perfect companion.

There are many cockapoo breeders, so make sure you get a healthy puppy. This way, you can bond with your dog for a longer period. A puppy will also require more attention and care, which will help you get distracted.

Honor your late dog’s memory by recounting their fond moments. Has their picture been framed so you can always look at them when they were healthy and happy? Moving on is easy when you know that you made the best decision for your dog.

Finding Peace

Dealing with death is never easy. It is not something to look forward to for sure. Be it a human or an animal, losing a part of your family can leave a void that can be hard to deal with. Sadness is a necessary part of the grieving process.

It is impossible not to feel those emotions when deciding what to do with your dog. The most important thing to do is to put the interest of your dog front and center. Many people think euthanasia is selfish. This is far from the truth.

Euthanasia is a selfless act. You could have your dog around for a longer time; however, wishing to end their suffering is more important. It is not cruel to let your dog leave this world a little early just to ease the pain.

It is heartbreaking, but it is better than being prepared for the inevitable rather than losing them suddenly. We all understand that we will eventually all have to say goodbye to our pets. It is the harsh reality of raising and loving an animal. So, value every second you are with them.

Dogs are the best pets. They are loyal, lovable, friendly, and obedient. Caring for them is not just about feeding them, playing with them, and taking them to the vet. It also includes making decisions that are in their best interest.

It is hard to think of euthanasia benefit your dog, but it does reduce their discomfort. Ironically, it is one of the ways you can save your dog. This thought alone should give you peace in your decision.

READ MORE: Dog is Dying of Cancer and How to Deal With Pet Loss