One of the most difficult things you will ever make as a dog owner is deciding putting your dog to sleep or not. When you own a dog, he becomes a part of you, your family, your lifestyle, and your life. He becomes an extension of you- a companion, a child. However, sometimes a dog becomes really sick that the only way to alleviate his pain and suffering is to put the dog to sleep. This is an awful, painful decision, but sometimes the only way to go. The following are some tips that you can do make the decisions of putting your dog to sleep a tad easier.
Understand the Reason behind the Decision
When you fully understand and recognize that the only way to help your pet is putting your dog to sleep, the decision will become a bit bearable. It will not diminish the sadness and pain, but it’ll be a start to lessen the grief. If the dog is a family pet, make sure that everyone understands why you must do this, even the kids. Help them understand and realize that you’re not hurting the dog, instead helping him.
Seek Help from Your Vet
Most likely, the option, suggestion or recommendation to put the dog to sleep will come from the vet (since he’ll be the one to determine how sick your dog is). So make sure that you keep your dog abreast of your decision and situation. Vets are animal doctors and they’re train to deal with the process, both physical and mental, of putting animals to sleep.
Make an appointment. Discuss burial options with the vet before the day itself so you won’t have to deal with it on top of your grief.
Decide Where You Want to Be
Some dog owners can’t bear to be in the same room when the vet put their dog to sleep, while others opt to be present during the process. Whichever you decide, make sure that you have a quiet, quality time with your dog to say goodbye before the fateful day, and a few moments with him after he’s put to sleep.
