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Standard Poodles -Facing Euthanasia
Euthanasia – not a subject Poodle lovers or pet lovers for that matter like to think about. You’ve regarded your Poodle as a family member, friend and companion. Sometimes you forget you are talking to a Poodle and talk to him like you’d talk to anyone else. You’ve spent many years and shared many memories together. Then the dreaded time comes when you may have to consider putting your dog to sleep. Can you really do it? How do you know when it’s the right time? Knowing If It’s Time Most cases of pet euthanasia involve health problems or old age. In the last 16 years, I’ve had to euthanize four dogs. The first two were English Cocker Spaniels. They lived to be 14 years old, but were going blind, deaf and could barely walk. Most recently, I’ve had to put Charley, our brown Standard Poodle down due to kidney failure and Bob, our Apricot Standard down due to Leukemia just this February. Each time it was a heartbreaking experience and not an easy decision, even though it was the kindest thing we could have done for them. So, when is the right time to consider euthanasia? I believe it is when you’ve explored all options available for the well being of your Poodle. Sometimes it is a financial decision due to a limited budget. Sometimes it is an incurable disease that may cause your Poodle pain and suffering or maybe it is just that your Poodle has lived a long and fulfilled life, but is not getting around very well or is deaf or blind. What to expect Scheduling the time of your appointment for euthanasia is usually a matter of choice. Most vets are very flexible. We always chose the latest appointment in the day when all the patients had gone. You can have it scheduled the first thing in the morning also. Some vets will come to your home or even perform the procedure in your car. Whether you choose to be present when your Poodle is euthanized is your choice. Some owners would rather not be present and want to remember their pets last moments when they were alive. We chose to be there when all of our dogs were put down. I’m not sure if it was to make our dogs feel more comfortable or to make us feel better. Either way, it was a heart wrenching experience. When the euthanasia solution is going to be administered by the veterinarian, an assistant may help to hold your pet. It depends on you whether you want to hold your pet while the euthanasia solution is being injected. We held all of our dogs until their last breaths. If your Poodle is nervous or apprehensive, it can be given an intravenous sedative before the actual solution is given. We had this done with all of our dogs and I think it is much better, as they were already asleep when the solution was given and there was no struggling or panic. After administering the solution, it takes six to twelve seconds before the pet takes a deep breath and grows weak, then lapses into a deep sleep. In its unconscious state, the pet may continue to breathe, and then the muscle movements will stop. Once the procedure is over, you need to discuss the proper handling of your pet’s remains with your veterinarian and your family. Alternatives on burial and cremation will be provided by your veterinarian. It is your right to take the remains of your pet home, or you can leave your pet with the veterinarian for cremation or burial. Ask what will be done after your pet is put to sleep. You may want to purchase a pet urn for your pet's remains or a nice pet memorial to remember him by. I hope you won’t have to face the decision of euthanasia of your beloved Poodle anytime in the near future. Pet Loss is never an easy experience, but when that day arrives, I hope I have given you some insight as to what to expect.
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