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This is an emotionally charged question and there are many perspectives about this. In the end, the only person who can make the final decision is the pet's owner.

As a general rule of thumb, most people try to judge quality of life - can the pet make it to the bathroom (outside, litter box, etc.) without having an accident, can the pet eat and drink enough to sustain himself, does the pet play and interact with the family, etc. I have seen several people make the decision to euthanize (or not) based upon whether they would be reasonably happy to live in the situation their pet is in.

Most veterinarians will bring up the question of humane euthanasia when the pet is suffering and the veterinarian cannot relieve that suffering. This can happen after severe trauma (hit by car or fight wounds, usually) or when severe illness overwhelms the pet (cancer, organ failure, acute systemic infection, etc.).

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11y ago
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13y ago

Because pets might have disease that you might can't cure and if you let them touch you or bite you,then you might have to get rushed to the hospital and when you put them to sleep then you'll be save from your dogs health problem.

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11y ago

You'll be able to tell when looking into your dog's eyes. His/her eyes will look dull, meaning that his/her time is almost up. If you believe your dog is suffering more than living, it is time to say goodbye. It's never easy.

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12y ago

This is a very difficult question to face, but unfortunately most dog owners will face it at some point. Most veterinarians focus on quality of life for the dog: can he eat and drink? Can he control his bladder and colon so he's not having accidents in the house? Does he still like to play/take walks/interact with his owners? Is his pain manageable? When a dog is no longer enjoying life, he tends to withdraw from things - won't eat or eats much less than normal, spends more time laying around than usual, sleeps more than normal, isn't interested in being petted or chasing his favorite toy, etc.

If you are struggling with this question, I strongly recommend talking to your vet - he'll be able to help you put things in perspective and may be able to recommend support resources. Losing a beloved pet is just as emotionally difficult as losing a good friend or a close relative and the grieving process is very similar.

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14y ago

When their quality of life is not good anymore, you can determine this by...

# Asking your vet how much pain your animals is in, and if he can give you anything to help it. # Watch your animal. Can he get up? Can he go to the "bathroom" with out trouble? Is he eating? And so on.

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13y ago

Dogs should be put down when their quality of life is severely inhibited. This includes old age, (when many dogs develop serious health concerns ie. cancer, Arthritis, and organ failure), and dogs that have had traumatic incidents (like being hit by a car or abusive owners).

Severely aggressive dogs are put down quite often because it is very difficult to place them in a home where they will not be a harm to humans or other pets. If a dog has attacked and viciously harmed a person common procedure is to euthanize the animal.

Dogs can be put down humanely by a veterinarian when they are unable to enjoy their life, and when there is absolutely no chance of the dog recovering from a disease, or if he is ordered to be put down because he attacked someone. Here's a list that I learned that will help you decide.

Hurt: Is that animal always feeling pain?

Hunger: Is the animal eating, or is able to eat, or still enjoys eating?

Hydration: Is the animal drinking?

Hygiene: Is the animal cleaning themselves like they naturally like to do?

Happiness: Is the animal enjoying his life most of the time?

Mobility: Can the animal move on its own w/o great pain?

More Good Days Than Bad: (that pretty much explains itself)

That's what we use at the animal rehab center that I manage.

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12y ago

Well, as you know, dogs are living things. Dogs need to rest when they are tired, or when they have experienced any hectic activity. The easiest advice for you is, put your dog to sleep when you do (unless it's not a protective dog who protects his master at night)....:)

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12y ago

When it's lost it's will to live, and is suffering more than living. You'll know.

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12y ago

If an animal is in pain, or it is sick and dying from a disease, it is okay to put them to sleep, and keep them out of misery.

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Q: When is it time to euthanize an animal?
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Related questions

What happens when animal shelters become full?

It depends on the animal shelter, how they handle it when they get full. Some shelters euthanize or put to sleep more animals, even the adoptable animals. Other animal shelters only euthanize the unadoptable, untreatable animals, and they try to find additional foster homes for their current animals, and if necessary, stop admitting additional animals temporarily. If you ever turn over an animal to an animal shelter, be sure to ask what that shelter's policy is if they get too full or can not find a home for or locate the owner of an animal within a certain time. You may want to consider only turning in an animal to an animal shelter who won't euthanize them too hastily or unnecesssarily.


How much time does an animal have until it has to be euthanized in a pound?

You would have to call the actual animal shelter since they all have varying policies. Some euthanize in a week or less, others two. There are also "no kill" shelters in many areas.


Do Muslims euthanize animals - why or why not?

A terminally ill, mortally wounded, dying or elderly animal can be euthanized humanely according to Islamic law. It should be done in a way that does not cause further suffering or distress to the said animal and should be quick and painless as possible. The reason would be because it is seen as a way of relieving the animals suffering. People in the agricultural or husbandry industry may euthanize sickly animals for economic reasons too. There is no compulsion to euthanize a sick animal as euthanasia for sick animals is only an option. It acceptable to allow the animal to die a natural death in its own time too. If the animal has a curable illness or an injury that will heal, it should not be euthanised and allowed to become healthy again in its own time. If affordable one should give an animal that's under their responsibility veterinary care.


Where do you take your dog to be euthanized?

Most vets and animal shelters will humanly euthanize a dog.


Can you euthanize a cat in your own home?

No, you cannot. However, if your cat is far too sick or cannot move, you can ask for a vet to visit the house and administer the injection there. Never attempt to euthanize the cat yourself, as you can easily cause much pain and suffering to the animal.


Do vet techs put animals down?

A veterinary technician may administer the drugs to euthanize an animal, but they are working under the direction of a veterinarian.


Where can you get rid of a pregnant cat without killing it?

The local animal pound or SPCA will accept most cats. But animal control agencies may euthanize some collected animals in any case.


Does China euthanize?

yes, china been doin that since 1921,but until now euthanize is illegal, euthanize's executer will been accused as morder whatever the death agree or not


Is animal euthanasia good?

No. Animal euthanasia is not good and is wrong. Here are some reasons why: Animal euthanasia is not natural. Animal euthanasia discourages vets to find new cures. Animals should be cared for until they die naturally. Animal euthanasia discourages vets to actually care for the animals. We shouldn't TAKE the life of an animal. Think about this: if you were to euthanize a suffering animal (due to the cost of a cure for example) did you really love it? Because if you did, would you kill it or care for it? And you never know, your care could result in a healthy, loving pet.


Is it humane to drown an animal?

No. Drowning is often regarded as one of the most painful ways to die. If you need to euthanize an animal, a lethal injection or a bullet through the head (for horses) are the only humane way to do it.


Can a veterinarian kill a pet?

Yes, a veterinarian is capable and legally allowed to euthanize animals, including domesticated and companion animals. However, the veterinarian can only do so under two conditions: with express permission from the owner or when the veterinarian or the clinic is acting as the owner of the animal (such as when an unknown animal is brought in for emergency treatment - an animal hit by a car is a common example). A veterinarian cannot legally or ethically simply collect pets and euthanize them because he/she wants to.


How much Benadryl will euthanize a cat?

Benadryl is a medication intended for humans not animals. There is a risk of a slow and painful death if given to a cat or any other animal.