Putting your pet down is always a tough decision, especially when you are attached to it. Euthanasia is the best way to put your pet down without pain, especially when you notice it does not enjoy the quality of a good life. So, how do you know when to put a pet down?
The following are ten things to help you know when to put a pet down:
1. Chronic Pain
A pet experiencing chronic pain not even relieved by medication should be put down. This pain makes your pet experience discomfort and bitterly cry. This means your pet is no longer enjoying its quality of life due to its suffering. You can have a vet administer euthanasia to put your pet down.
2. Dehydration
Dehydration in pets can be caused by frequent diarrhea and vomiting, leading to the body losing more water than usual. Dehydration makes your pet look pale and exhausted. Sometimes, your pet becomes even more emaciated due to losing essential nutrients and water.
3. Lack of Appetite
Once your pet does not eat anything, it means its body will not have enough nutrients and vitamins to keep bodily activities running as usual. Lack of appetite can be caused by oral infections, digestive problems, organ failures, etc. Similarly, a lack of appetite makes your pet extremely weak and dull.
4. Reduced Activities
Once you notice reduced activities in your pets, such as playing, singing, eating treats, soliciting attention, and exercising, it has lost interest in everything that keeps its mind stimulated. General body weakness, pains, and discomforts usually cause reduced activity. At this point, your pet is suffering; the best way is to put him down.
5. No Movement
It suffers a lot if your pet cannot stand, walk, or even make sounds. Lack of movement in pets makes your pet lay on the corner of its cage doing nothing due to the failure of the body system. Instead of letting it continue to lose quality of life, it is better to put it down to avoid sympathizing with it.
6. Breathing Difficulties
A pet that is about to die can sometimes experience difficulties breathing. You will notice it is straining to breathe and sometimes produces wheezing sounds that show abnormalities. However, you can have a veterinary check on it, and if there is no medication for this condition, it is better to put it down to avoid letting your pet strain.
7. Calls of Distress
Frequent calls of distress can be a sign that your pet is experiencing severe pain. These distress calls make owners and family members sympathize with the pet, which can be so emotional that it makes people worry.
8. Unmanageable Aggression
Some pets become extremely aggressive due to the pain and discomfort that their bodies undergo. This aggression can be life-threatening to the lives of those around you. This is a sign to put your pet down to avoid further injuries to other pets and people in your household.
9. Life-Threatening Injury
If your pet gets a life-threatening injury, it is better to consider euthanasia to avoid further suffering. Injuries can lead to more bleeding, making your pet so pale, weak, and emaciated that it cannot do any other activity.
10. Mentally Declining
Some illnesses can cause brain damage that causes mental illness later on. Your pet becomes mad and does unusual and harmful things in its cage or even in your house. This is among the reasons to put yourself down to prevent further suffering and damage to your household.
These are also among the 10 signs to put your dog down on a good day.
Should I Put My Dog Down If He Is Still Eating?
No, it is best not to put your dog down while he is still eating. Eating is a sign of hope that your dog will be better someday. This is because food contains a powerhouse of nutrients and mineral salts, making the body’s systems usually operate. Also, it is best to monitor the eating pattern and frequency before considering euthanizing it.
Should I Put My Dog Down If He Can’t Walk?
Yes, you can put your dog down if he can’t walk, primarily when you know the injury or the pain cannot be managed by the medicines offered. In addition, if your dog can’t walk, it has reduced activities and cannot lead an everyday life, hence losing a good quality of life. However, if there are hopes that your dog will recover and walk again, do not put him down; at least wait to monitor its health improvement.
How Do You Know When to Put Your Senior Dog Down?
Usually, a senior dog can deal with old-age stress and illnesses. Therefore, there are signs that you will notice that will let you know when to put your dog down. One of the worrying signs is difficulty breathing. Once there are breathing problems, it means your senior dog must be straining and can sometimes suffocate and faint.
Also, failure to eat is another reason to put your dog down. Eating is a crucial activity that keeps your dog’s body in good shape and performing normal operations. Lack of appetite means your dog will become emaciated and weak, hence suffering a lot.
Lastly, if your senior dog does not enjoy the quality of life it used to, this is enough reason to put him to sleep with Benadryl. Primarily, it will have reduced activities, laying at a corner of his kennel, fewer vocals, etc. Nevertheless, before euthanizing your dog, it is essential to consult your veterinarian for advice on what to do.
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