What To Do Before Putting Your Dog Down

Nervousness, anxiety, guilt, and uncertainty are all completely valid feelings when it comes to wondering what to do before putting your dog down. 

Maybe you need to balance work and family life with the potential loss of your beloved pet, or you just want someone to tell you what to do because you can’t think straight. 

In this post, we hope to ease your concerns by outlining what to consider and in what order when facing the potential loss of your long-time best friend.

How To Decide About Putting Your Dog Down

Decisions aren’t always easy, particularly when it comes to easing the pain or distress of your loving dog. You don’t want to lose them, but you knew when they came into your life that there would be an end to your precious relationship at some point.

And when that time comes, especially if it arrives abruptly through illness or injury, it’s that much harder to face. Even though you want them around for as long as possible, it’s not about what you want; it’s about what’s best for your dog.

How Is Your Dog’s Health And Quality Of Life?

Perhaps your dog has underlying health issues affecting their day-to-day life, such as pain from cancer or other progressive diseases, difficult or labored breathing, or bathroom problems. Think about how it might feel to live with such problems. 

Yes, we humans can get cancer and other disease treatments to improve our quality of life and extend our lives, breathe extra oxygen if needed, and have bathroom problems addressed. It’s not so easy for our canine friends to deal with these types of issues.

For your dog’s comfort, please consult with your veterinarian to assess your dog's quality of life and make an informed decision about whether pet euthanasia would be a prudent option.

Do You Choose At-Home Pet Euthanasia, or Your Vet's Office?

It’s a good idea to discuss with your veterinarian about pet euthanasia. Obviously, veterinarians want to keep your pet alive and well, but when that’s no longer in your dog’s best interest due to pain or quality of life, then the important decision has to be made.

Many pet owners who have moved house with their pet may still visit the same veterinarian they used at their previous home. This can make for a long and lonely ride home after a pet's euthanasia at that veterinarian’s clinic. Also, the clinic surroundings might not be such a comfortable and loving option as at-home pet euthanasia would be.

The cost of clinic or at-home pet euthanasia is similar, but the locations are so completely different. Consider where you and your pet would feel most comfortable during such a heart-wrenching, personal moment. 

Once your decision is made, let’s move to the next steps on what to do before putting your dog down.

Preparing Yourself And Your Family For At-Home Pet Euthanasia

So, you know that you’ll be saying goodbye at home, but you’re not really sure what to do to get ready. Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare physically and mentally for your pet’s passing.

Talk to Your Mobile Veterinarian

If possible, a few days prior to your appointment or even when scheduling, speak to your chosen mobile vet about the process of euthanasia, what to expect, and ask any questions you have. It’s best to ask questions beforehand, as emotions tend to take over later.

Gather Your Support Network

If appropriate, or if you’d like to, invite close friends or family members to be with you or available for mental and emotional support, either during the appointment or afterwards. It’s always nice to have someone you can turn to in times of need or stressful moments. If they know beforehand what’s happening, they can be prepared for your call or be by your side and help you process your feelings.

Should Children Be Present?

If you have children or want them present when your dog goes to sleep for the last time, be sure to explain the situation to them in an age-appropriate way and help them prepare for their loss. You know your children will miss their precious companion, and that it’s a life lesson since everyone meets their end at some point in time. You know your children and should decide whether they’re old enough to understand and process the situation.

Prepare For Your And Your Family’s Grief

Grieving is a normal process and takes more time for some people than others. Look for support from friends, family, a grief counselor, or group if needed.

Consider Memorials To Your Dog

Mementos like paw prints, photos, a lock of hair, or a nose print are great ways to remember your loving pet. Perhaps you can bring several pieces together to create a memory book to help you remember your dog.

Pre-pay If Possible

If you pay for the procedure before your appointment, you’ll avoid having to deal with paperwork and payment immediately after, while you’re still upset and processing your loss.

What To Do Before Putting Your Dog Down: Preparing Your Dog

Your dog doesn’t know what’s coming; they’re just happy to be with you. But particularly if you feel they’re still able to appreciate going places and doing things that aren’t too strenuous, why not have both of you enjoy as much of the time you have left together as possible?

Spend Quality Time

Shower your dog with as much love and attention as you can muster. Offer their favorite treats, play gently together, or simply spend time snuggling. Every special moment you spend together will form more precious and lasting memories for you.

Reduce Anxiety

Pay attention to your dog's anxiety level and try to minimize stress by creating a calm and comfortable environment for them. Try to avoid situations that might cause distress, discomfort, tension, or pain for your pet.

Create A Comfortable Environment

If your dog has a favorite blanket, bed, or toy, bring it to them or have it nearby. Make sure they have a cozy spot near you. If they can see you and feel your touch, they’ll be happy.

Daily Routine

Keep their routine as normal as possible to reduce anxiety. If they can still get around well enough to enjoy a light walk, just take them, don’t hold back.  Continue feeding them or giving them treats as you would on any other day.

Consider a "Bucket List"

If your dog is still mobile and not in serious pain, go ahead and indulge them in a trip to their favorite park or a car ride. It’s so adorable to see a dog with its head sticking out of a car window as it takes in all the smells its nose can handle.

Hopefully, we’ve covered everything here for you regarding what to do before putting your dog down. If you still have questions, you can visit our FAQ page or scroll to the bottom of the Home page for more FAQs.

If you still have questions, please feel free to call Dr. Amy at 720-203-7341, and she’ll answer your specific questions about your dog.

If you’d rather fill out a form, please contact Dr. Amy here.