The True Cost to Put a Dog Down (Euthanasia for Dogs)

You can almost never find unconditional love outside of a dog. With their antics, cuddles, and puppy-dog eyes, dogs radiate happiness and bring joy to their owners. How do you feel when your dog jumps for joy the moment you get home or when you decide to take them to a park? Your furry best friend effortlessly keeps you smiling even when you don’t feel like it. 

You, like many dog owners, may wish that your pet could be with you forever. The reality, however, is much sadder.

Imagine how much time you’ve spent bonding with your dog over the years. Then, your dog gets older and you both have to deal with unpleasant side effects of aging. You must now consider your options for providing them with end-of-life care. Especially if they have cancer, joint problems, or even hearing and vision loss.

The quality of your once-active dog deteriorating over time is one of the few things in life that can break your heart. So, it’s never easy to come to the decision to put your dog to sleep. You don’t want to see them in pain, but you also can’t bear the thought of being responsible for their death. It’s a Catch-22 situation.  Despite the emotional stress involved, euthanasia prevents your dog from suffering unnecessarily. One of the most loving actions you can do for your dog is to take responsibility for a painless passing.

Along with your grief, you might be filled with inquiries about the procedure. Does it hurt your dog in any way? Can you watch it happen with your dog in the room? At what cost? It’s difficult to imagine, but knowing what’s coming can help you get through the challenging time.

Even though you cannot emotionally prepare for the news that your best friend needs to be put down, here is what you need to know to be financially prepared for the procedure.

What Does it Mean to Put My Dog Down?

Having your dog euthanized involves requesting that your vet carries out a surgical operation that will end your dog’s suffering mercifully. This may be advised if your dog is experiencing severe discomfort or has another illness that significantly reduces their life quality.

While it’s not an easy decision to make, euthanasia is considered the most humane option if your dog is unable to recuperate. Your veterinarian will walk you through all the options, so you don’t have to decide alone.

Should I Be There When My Dog is Euthanized?

The only correct response is the one that makes sense to you. Even if it hurts, your dog would probably appreciate your presence, but it’s your call. Also, you can get your veterinarian’s opinion.

However, keep in mind that many dogs will search for their owners in this situation. They might be scared by the surgery, so they will look to you for solace. Their final moments can become even more terrible when you are not around.

When Does Euthanasia Become Necessary?

Veterinarians recommend euthanasia after a careful evaluation of a dog’s health and quality of life. 

If your senior dog no longer takes pleasure in activities they used to enjoy such as playing with toys or going for walks, you should keep an eye out for signs of discomfort.

To make an informed decision, here are some honest questions to ask yourself.

• Is my dog in pain?
• Does my dog still express excitement over food?
• Can I invest my resources and time into a treatment plan that will possibly help my dog recover?
• Is it difficult for my dog to walk around comfortably?
• Is my dog able to do basic things like eat, drink, go to the bathroom or sleep?

Answering these questions while seeking professional advice can help you determine the right time to say goodbye to your beloved dog. 

You should also look out for signs including loss of appetite, labored breathing, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and prolonged pain that medications can’t relieve.

What’s the Procedure for Dog Euthanasia?

Whether you decide to do it at home, at a pet hospital, or at your veterinarian’s office, the procedure is relatively painless and quick. To start with, the veterinarian will go over the process with you. This is a perfect moment to tell the veterinarian if you have any wishes. You can request some alone time with your dog or let the vet know if you want to keep your dog’s collar or a piece of their fur.

More often than not, some dogs get anxious before the treatment. As a result, a powerful sedative is administered first to help them relax before losing consciousness.

Once the sedation has taken effect, the vet will administer a dose of sodium pentobarbital intravenously. This lethal dose stops the brain and heartbeat of your dog in a matter of seconds. This is something many people aren’t prepared for.

After your dog is put at peace, you might probably hear what sounds like a gasp; that is just air being exhaled by the lungs. For a brief period, the nerves can also twitch. Sometimes, the dog may defecate or urinate.

The staff at the vet will place your dog’s body into a container for transport if you plan to bury your dog. Your dog’s body will remain with the veterinarian (or be brought to the veterinarian’s office) if you intend to have your dog cremated. The veterinary staff will work with a cremation service company to finalize the plans

Keep in mind that it is illegal in almost all states to put your dog down yourself without necessary training and certification.

How Much Does it Cost to Put a Dog Down?

Nobody wants to consider the expense while going through the painful experience of losing a pet. However, the truth is that euthanizing your dog or cat will incur expenses for you.

The price of euthanasia can vary significantly depending on the size of your pet, your location, the services needed, materials used, and the hospital performing the procedure. There is no right or wrong choice; it all depends on your budget.

Dog euthanasia at a vet clinic or animal hospital typically starts at $50, though prices can vary by region. For as little as $100, your neighborhood animal shelter might be able to complete the procedure. A full-service veterinary hospital may charge $500 or more for a euthanasia procedure.

There’s the option of in-home euthanasia services if you’re willing to pay more. Your dog may feel more at ease and you both may enjoy your last few moments at home together when you are in a familiar environment. Also, your dog won’t have to endure the stress of moving around. 

Depending on how far you live from the organization and some other factors, an in-home procedure can cost anywhere from $170 to $400. It could even go as high as $1,000. To cut costs, you can ask a veterinary technician to carry out euthanasia in place of a veterinarian at your home. This is, however, only available in some states.

In addition to the cost of the euthanasia procedure, you will also need to account for the cost of cremating your dog if you choose this option. A private cremation is more expensive than a group cremation because your dog is cremated alone so that you can receive their ashes. You won’t be able to retrieve their ashes if they are cremated collectively. The price can range from $30 to $250, depending on the method you use.

Euthanasia is also offered by private businesses or veterinary clinics with a focus on hospice and euthanasia. These packages often include euthanasia as well as a public or private cremation. A memorial option like an engraved urn for your dog’s ashes might also be available.

Nonprofits like the Anti-Cruelty Society are typically less expensive than a conventional vet clinic. The Anti-Cruelty Society only charges $35 for end-of-life services.

Alternatively, you can decide whether to pay to have your dog’s body interred at a pet cemetery or keep it to bury yourself. The total cost of a cemetery burial, including the cost of a casket and the digging of the grave, can reach $750.

The supplies your veterinarian uses during the procedure also affect the cost. It may cost more if your dog requires an IV catheter or medications prior to being put down.

Conclusion

Losing their beloved dog is every dog lover’s worst nightmare. However, you can provide the best end-of-life care for your furry friend by learning about the diseases they may have.

Your veterinarian can also teach you how to spot subtle signs of pain and recommend the best medications to help maintain your pet’s quality of life.

As the time comes to put your dog down, you can prepare by being aware of the cost and discussing all available options with your veterinarian. With these, you can be comforted that you’re taking the best course of action for your beloved dog.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Reddogs/Shutterstock.com