F.A.Q Puppies & Dogs

How do I know when it is the right time to have my very old dog put to sleep?

Euthanasia of a beloved pet is always difficult, and it is a decision that usually only the owner of the pet can make. Talking to the vet will help you reach the best decision, but the vet's job is not to make the decision, but to help you make it. A useful book is 'Absent Friend' by Laura and Martyn Lee, published by Henston (ISBN 1 - 85054 - 089 - 6). On page 68 there is a proposed criteria for euthanasia, written by vet Andrew Edney, which is:

Is the animal:

• Free from pain, distress or serious discomfort which cannot be effectively controlled? 
  Able to walk and balance reasonably well? 
• Able to eat and drink enough for reasonable maintenance without much difficulty and without vomiting? 
• Free from tumours which cause pain or serious discomfort and are judged inoperable or otherwise untreatable? 
• Able to breathe without difficulty? 
• Able to urinate and defaecate reasonably frequently without any serious difficulty or incontinence?  

Is the owner:

• Able to cope physically and emotionally with any nursing or medication that may be required?

Please see our bereavement pages for more information about this subject.