One of the hardest decisions that the owner of a suffering pet has to take is putting their dog to sleep. This article discusses the process of euthanasia and provides information about the average cost involved in it.
Putting a dog to sleep is never easy. It is one of the toughest decisions one has to take as a pet parent. Pet owners toiling with this idea have queries regarding the actual process, which is given below.
Process of Putting a Dog to Sleep
Euthanasia is a very simple and pain-free process. You can take your dog to the vet’s clinic and get it done. In case you want your dog to begin his final journey in his own home, you can even ask the veterinarian to visit. In most cases, the dog is given a shot of a sedative tranquilizer. This helps relax the dog and makes him unconscious. This is because like humans, animals too can sense an impending doom and may get scared or agitated. When they are unconscious, the process becomes easier for both owner and pet.
The dog is then given an overdose of barbiturate, generally to stop the heart and respiratory muscles. This can be either given by an IV catheter or an injection. You will find some of the muscles twitching, or the dog gasping or passing urine or stools. This is all part of the process and you do not have to worry. The brain is dead within a few seconds and the dog doesn’t feel a thing. The muscle twitches and gasping do not indicate suffering or pain. It just shows that gradually, all the body processes are shutting down one by one. You need to stay calm and collected. It may be very difficult to watch your dog go, but you have made the right choice.
Cost of Dog Euthanasia
When you weigh it in terms of emotions, the cost is way beyond expensive. However, in terms of money, the injection overdose costs around $40 to $50. You also have to take into consideration the doctor’s charges that may be about $150 to $250 on an average. If you call over the veterinarian for a home visit, the charges may be a bit higher. You will also have to consider the cost of burial, that may be a bit higher than the vet’s fees. So, the average cost may be between $250 to $450 depending on the veterinarian and your requirements.
Dealing with The Grief
Dealing with a pet’s death is the hardest part of owning one. You need to sit down with your family and take a unanimous decision of euthanasia. Children may find it very difficult to understand why they have to let go of their companion. Speak to them and allow them to spend as much time as they want with the dog. Take the decision only when the dog is very old, or ridden with a painful disease like cancer, kidney failure, paralysis, etc. Mentally prepare yourself that this is the right decision to take.
Many pet owners who can no longer afford the expensive treatment can also think about euthanasia. This is a right decision, especially if your dog is suffering from a life terminating disease. If you cannot be brave enough, ask a family friend or neighbor to go over to the vet and get the process completed. Hold your dog close to you when the vet is preparing him for the injection. Talk to him, calm him down, and let him know how much you love him.
Once the process is complete, overcome your grief. Understand that it was best for your dog. Remember all the happy memories you shared with your pet. Give him a decent burial or last rites. He deserves the best for being such a faithful companion and friend to you all his life.
