How To Painlessly Euthanize A Dog At Home?

You can euthanize a dog in 3 different ways at home: using Tylenol PM, using Benadryl, and using a regular sleeping pill. While these medicines work effectively, it is unwise to carry out the procedure without consulting a vet.

Putting down a beloved pet dog is one of the most painful things to do as an owner. Sometimes, there is no choice but to do so if the dog is suffering, and some owners think it is best to let them have their last sleep at home. So, if you plan to do the same, you must know how to painlessly euthanize a dog at home.

It is not an easy topic to discuss. But to ensure you know everything about euthanizing a dog at home, I have prepared the article with all the essential information. So I urge you to read everything carefully before trying anything by yourself.

Related Reading: Top Reasons Dogs Run Away To Die [BEHAVIOR EXPLAINED]

When To Euthanize A Dog?

It is never up to you to decide when to euthanize your dog. An experienced vet will be able to tell that after running tests on your dog. Vets usually suggest euthanizing if there are no other options left. And these are when your vet is likely to suggest euthanizing your dog.

Chronic Disease

Most animals live a shorter life than humans. And sometimes, they end up with terminal illnesses for various reasons. And once the condition goes beyond treatment and the dogs begin to suffer more and more, the vet suggests euthanization.

Aging

Age is cruel to everyone, even dogs. As the dogs get older, their vital organs weaken and fail one by one. To some owners, it is the best way to let their friends go before they suffer more.

Aggressive Behavior

If anything triggers the dog’s aggressive behavior, it becomes challenging to bring it back to its original state. Though a vet’s advice and prescribed sedatives often calm them down, euthanizing is done when the situation goes out of hand.

Painful Suffering

A dog can suffer immense pain due to birth defects, vital organ damage issues, or accidents. If the condition is not treatable, the only way to put the dog out of its misery is to put it down.

How To Painlessly Euthanize A Dog At Home?

Euthanizing is a comparatively painless process for letting a dog cross the bridge. And here is how you can perform it at home, but with a vet’s help.

Step 1: Prepare Yourself

It never gets easier no matter how many times you think about such situations. So before anything, make sure you are mentally prepared to go through the entire procedure and ready to be present. 

Step 2: Prepare An Area 

It is best to let it happen in a quiet room where your dog will be calm. You can lay a bed where your dog usually feels comfortable and carry the procedure there.

Step 3: Euthanize

If a vet is there to euthanize the dog, they will inject the dog with the required dosage or feed the dog the medicine. If you are euthanizing the dog, make sure to consult a vet for the correct dosage administration before giving it to your dog.

Step 4: Confirmation & The Followings

A vet usually checks on the dog to confirm its death or tell you how long the medicine will take to be effective. Once the death is confirmed, you can say goodbye one more time before taking the dog for burial or cremation.

Benefits Of Euthanizing A Dog At Home

While euthanizing the pet means putting it out of its suffering, doing the process at home benefits you both mentally and financially. These are why euthanizing a dog at home is a good idea.

You Say Goodbye At Home

Home is the most comforting place for the dogs and the owners. So at the final moment, it gives all of you a sense of warmth and ease when saying goodbye.

More Convenient

Euthanizing a dog at a clinic is a longer process. Besides, it is tough to go through all the professional processes during such a vulnerable time. So doing it at home is more convenient, and the process is pretty quick.

Cost-Effective

If you euthanize your dog at home, it spares you from all the medical charges and costs. I know it is not something one should have in mind during such a sensitive moment, but if you cannot carry all the clinical costs, euthanizing at home is the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I euthanize a dog with over-the-counter medicines?

Yes, you can always use over-the-counter drugs to euthanize your dog at home. You will be able to get sleep pills or Benadryl at any drug store for purchase. But you must not purchase such drugs for your dog without consulting a vet first.

Q. Is it cruel to put down a dog?

Relieving a pet or animal from suffering is not cruel. When you put a sick animal to sleep, you are doing it a favor by not letting it suffer longer. So it is not a cruel act, even though some people would say the opposite.

Q. How can I help my dog pass away?

You can start by preparing the place your dog will take its last breath and make sure the room is calm. Try to talk to your dog in a calm and assuring voice so that they can relax. And most importantly, hold and pet them as much as you can and let it all happen.

Continue Reading: Why Do Some Dogs Kill Their Puppies? [6 Weird Reasons]

Final Verdict

Euthanizing a pet is not an easy decision to make. But it is the best thing to do as a pet owner rather than watching your loving friend suffer long. That is why knowing how to painlessly euthanize a dog at home becomes helpful, especially during these COVID pandemic days.

But before you take the final steps, make sure that you are mentally prepared and ready to say goodbye to your dog. Because no matter how tough it feels, abandoning your dogs at their final moments is the cruelest thing you can do.