When Should You Put Your Dog to Sleep?

Almost any one who owns a dog has a special relationship with them. In our brain we know they aren't human but in our heart we are sure they are just like us. One difference between having a child and a dog is that we are almost always going to be confronted with having a hand in the dog's death.

When my wife and I got married back in 1973 we soon afterward bought an Old English Sheep Dog puppy. He was a little "nuts" but so were we. He grew up with us and was our family. We were unable to have kids for ten years.

Finally in 1983 we had our first son. However my wife was in the hospital for ten days and during that time I was forced to board our dog, Sherlock. Sherlock was never any good staying at the vet's. They would often have to dope him up and then he acted even nuttier. When I went to pick him up the doctor told me he could not in good conscience release the dog where a baby would be living.

I chose to watch as he put him to sleep. I vowed never again to go through the experience.

When should you put your dog to sleep?

There are three general areas for this consideration running from the "easy decision" to the very "hard decision."

When the dog is extremely ill it is time to consider euthanasia. Keep in mind this is not the same as putting a human "to sleep." This is not against the law and dog owners do not want to see their pet suffer. Plus in some cases certain illnesses can present a danger to the family.

When your pet has aged and had a change in personality it may be time to consider putting them to sleep. This technically was the case with Sherlock. However anytime a loving pet becomes aggressive, you risk the safety of others as well as you.

When you must get rid of your pet what should you do? I'm talking about when they are eight-years-old, not two or three. Can they adjust? Conventional wisdom says you make the mistake on the side of the animal. They have every right to try to make it with a different family if they are in good health and their personality is in tact.

This is the hardest time to make the decision.

Actually putting your beloved pet to sleep is something that should be discussed at your very first visit to the vet. Children can be greatly affected by your pet's demise. Should you tell them you put them to sleep? This is one of many questions your vet can help you with.

It is important to remember that the memory of a pet is a part of owning a pet. The last thing you want to remember is the animal suffering for months or being "put down" by authorities because they attacked someone.

Reference:

Personal Experience