How Can I Euthanize My Dog at Home Without a Vet?
All dog lovers and owners around the world know the heart-breaking feeling when your beloved dog needs to be put down or has passed on. When your dog is very old, seriously injured or terminally ill it might be necessary to euthanize the dog. But how to euthanize a dog at home without a vet? Especially if you know your dog did not like vet visits.
Dog owners feel the need to make sure that their dogs spend their final moments in the comfort of the homes they knew for so long. Here is a brief explanation of what this entails to give you a better understanding and perhaps guide you in your decision-making process:
How to Euthanize a Dog at Home Without a Vet? - Steps To Follow
STEP 1: CONSULT YOUR VET
You will also need to bring your dog for a final vet check the day before
Speak to the local vet to find out what options are available. What basic skills you need to be shown before administering this process yourself and what medication and equipment will be required.
You will also need to bring your dog for a final vet check the day before or on the day of the procedure. This is important just to make sure the correct dosage of medication is given.
When you are at the vet, also discuss how you will dispose of your dog’s remains. Do you need the vet to come and remove the remains, or are you allowed to bury your dog at home?
STEP 2: PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
Also, make sure your kids are well prepared of what will happen and what to expect
This is a very emotional process. To euthanize a dog can be physically and emotionally draining on you and your family.
Discuss this beforehand with all family involved. Decide who you want to be at home with you for support.
STEP 3: PREPARING YOUR DOG
The next step is to take your dog for the final vet visit and check-up, get the relevant medication and prepare everything at home.
Make sure you have enough blankets or towels prepared.
When dogs pass on there is sometimes a bit of urine or stool that gets released after death. Having enough towels on hand can help you to easily clean this afterward.
Decide on where you want to do the procedure in your home. Remember it might be emotional for you to visit this room again in the future.
STEP 4: STARTING THE PROCESS
Most times to euthanize your dog will require from you to administer two sets of medication. The first one is an injection containing a tranquilizer that can be given into the muscle or the vein. It will help your dog to relax and to fall asleep.
This medication usually takes effect anything from 60 seconds to 15 minutes. This will give you time to say your final goodbyes.
Next step is to inject the intracardiac medication. This will stop the brain from functioning and will also stop the heart from beating. This medication can be injected directly into the vein or through a catheter in a vein in the arm.
This medication usually takes effect anything from 60 seconds to 15 minutes. And it must never be given to a conscious dog!
Barbiturates are usually given for the second injection.
STEP 5: FINAL CHECK
Your vet would have probably shown you how to check to make sure that your dog has passed away. After this is done, and when you are ready, you can contact the vet to collect the remains or make sure that your dog gets properly buried.
It is also usually very helpful and healing to celebrate the life of your dog. Treasure the memories and the times spent together.
How to Euthanize a Dog at Home Without a Vet? - IMPORTANT REMINDER!
Unfortunately, not all euthanasia processes always go according to plan and complications might sometimes arise. Make sure to keep an emergency number handy so that you can phone ahead for the vet if complications arise. It might also be wise to have your vehicle or someone on standby to quickly get you and your dog to the local vet hospital if needed.
Conclusion
Letting go of your dog forever is such an emotional experience and it is therefore understandable that a lot of people prefer to euthanize their dog at home without a vet. People grieve in different ways and not all of us want to cry in front of a vet or drive home all teary-eyed.
When choosing the above option, make sure you are well versed with your state laws and regulations, to find out what is allowed to be administered and by whom. Also make sure to get all the information required beforehand from your vet – make an informed decision!
This is a personal choice, and can only be made by you based on your personal wishes and the information at hand.
REFERENCES
1. Just Answer. Euthanize a Dog at Home Without a Vet. [Online]. https://www.justanswer.com/pet-dog/0dvbp-euthanize-dog-home-without-vet.html.
2. Mom Love Pets. How to Euthanize a Dog at Home without a Vet. [Online]. https://momlovepets.com/how-to-euthanize-a-dog-at-home-without-a-vet/.
