The unthinkable has happened---your beloved pet has bitten someone. Maybe it's not the first time this has happened. Often in such cases a witness will call the police and local law enforcement will take your dog away to be euthanized. But perhaps your dog bit a family member and no one else knows about the transgression. You've tried obedience and behavioral training, but it hasn't assuaged your pup's aggression. Now you have to make the difficult decision to euthanize him.
-
Take Her to the Vet
-
Letting your veterinarian put your dog to sleep is one of the most humane methods of euthanasia. Your vet will insert a catheter or needle into your pet's front or hind leg and inject a drug into the vein, according to the Pet Education website. In most cases, vets use phenobarbital, which puts your pet to sleep within seconds (unless she has poor blood circulation). You may wish to say your goodbyes before, during, or after the procedure. Select a Friday for the procedure to allow yourself the weekend to grieve before returning to work. Select a Monday to surround yourself with coworkers to comfort you. Make sure someone is with you to drive you home if you feel you won't be able to.
Euthanize Him at Home
-
Some vets will euthanize your dog at home, where he can be surrounded by friends and family members. If your vet won't, the Dummies website recommends that you search the American Association of Housecall Veterinarians database to locate a vet in your area who will visit your home for this purpose. Be aware, however, that your pet can be more aggressive in his own home than in a vet's office since he is on his own territory and may resent intruders, according to the Pet Center website. You may wish to sedate him before your vet arrives. If you choose to have your vet euthanize your dog at home, you'll need to consider these issues: Are you willing to pay extra for an after-hours visit from your vet? Will your dog need to be restrained before your vet can insert a needle or catheter? If so, who is willing to do it? How and where will you bury your dog's body?
Additionally, make sure your dog is sitting on a towel, blanket, or easily cleanable surface since he will most likely lose control of his bladder and bowels when he dies.
Shoot Her
-
Shooting a dog is a quick and humane method of euthanasia, provided it's carried out safely and properly. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) approves this method only if you are unable to use a more traditional form of euthanasia; if your local firearms laws permit it; if the shooter and the weapon can produce a quick death with a single shot to the dog's brain; and if the shooter uses a penetrating captive bolt gun. A captive bolt gun can provide enough energy to penetrate a dog's skull to cause immediate loss of consciousness and subsequent death. Only those people who are skilled in using firearms, who have a captive bolt gun, and who are able to restrain the dog to ensure proper placement of the bolt are allowed to practice this form of euthanasia.
-