Euthanasia of a dog

Putting down a beloved four-legged friend is the hardest decision a dog owner can make. However, it is important to remember that this is often the most humane decision an owner can make if the animal is suffering from an incurable disease or experiencing pain.

When can a dog be put to sleep?

Dogs may be euthanized when:

• a veterinarian clinically examines them and determines that the animal is suffering from an incurable disease or severe trauma;
• the dog is aggressive and poses a threat to other animals or people;
• taking into account the regulations of the animal shelter and the decision of the person in charge, if it is impossible to adapt the animal or return it to its owner.

To understand when it is possible to euthanize a dog, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian. After assessing the dog’s condition, the veterinarian will suggest the best way to help it fight the incurable disease.

Is it possible to euthanize a healthy dog?

If the dog does not have an incurable disease, has not suffered serious trauma, is not aggressive, and does not pose a danger to itself or its surroundings, it cannot be euthanized. The owners of each animal they wish to euthanize must provide written consent, but the final decision on euthanasia is made by a veterinarian.

Putting down an aggressive dog

If you have questions of this nature, we suggest contacting the appropriate individuals regarding gaps in the dog’s training to ensure that the animal is being kept in accordance with animal welfare laws. If the dog is healthy but aggressive, we recommend trying to correct the animal’s behavior with the help of training school specialists, and only when the specialists assess that there is no help and the dog is dangerous both to its surroundings and to itself should you consider putting the aggressive dog down.

How is euthanasia performed on dogs?

Putting a dog to sleep is a painless procedure. After signing a consent form, the dog owner is given medication that induces general anesthesia. Once the anesthetics take effect, the dog is given medication that affects its breathing and heart activity, causing it to stop. Pentobarbital is the most commonly used medication for euthanizing dogs.

During euthanasia, the animal may move, salivate, urinate, or defecate. These are not signs of pain. These are normal actions that occur when all the muscles in the body are completely relaxed. There is no need to be alarmed. Euthanasia for dogs is a painless procedure during which the dog simply falls asleep.

Putting a dog to sleep at home

The Begemotas Veterinary Clinic can come to your home to ensure a peaceful farewell to your four-legged family member. Upon arrival, the veterinarian will provide the owner with all the necessary information about the procedure and ensure that the suffering of the sick dog is ended humanely in the familiar surroundings of their home.

The cost of euthanizing a dog

The cost of euthanizing a dog varies depending on the weight of the pet and the amount of medication used. We invite you to consult with our specialists so that they can accurately determine the cost of euthanizing your dog.

Dog cremation and price

Every dog owner has a different decision on what to do with their dog’s remains after euthanasia. Some take their four-legged friend with them to bury, others leave them at the clinic. At Begemotas Veterinary Clinic, we offer animal cremation services.

Dog cremation is the process of turning a dog’s body into ashes. We offer cremation services in cooperation with our partners (Augintinių krematoriumas in Tauragė). If you decide to cremate your dog, the staff at Begemotas Clinic will take care of everything. If you decide to take your pet’s ashes with you, they will be given to you in the urn of your choice, along with all the cremation documents.

The cost of cremating a dog depends on your dog’s weight and the type of urn you want.

Euthanasia and cremation of dogs at the Begemotas veterinary center

Begemotas Veterinary Medical Center is a veterinary clinic where you will always find sympathy, comfort, and help in making the most important and best decisions regarding your pet’s health. The professionalism of our veterinarians and the wide range of services we offer will help to clearly and quickly determine the causes of illness and possible treatment methods. We always strive to establish a strong connection with the owner and their four-legged friend so that everyone feels safe and calm.