No one wants to have to put their dog down, but unfortunately, it’s a part of life that sometimes can’t be avoided. The procedure is very simple nowadays. It involves two injections. One puts your dog in deep sleep and slows down its heart rate. The only pain your dog may feel during the procedure is the first pinch of the needle. After that, everything is painless, and the transition is smooth. But how much does dog euthanasia cost? The average price of dog euthanasia ranges between $45 and $300. We’ll explain everything in this article.
How Much Does Dog Euthanasia Cost?
The average price of dog euthanasia ranges between $45 and $300. And in some cases, there may be additional costs that the dog owners should be aware of such as cremation and disposal after your dog has passed.
The typical price for euthanasia is affected by many factors including cremation, in-home services, and the purchase of aftercare services.
If a veterinarian visits your home to perform the procedure, it will cost you extra to have them travel to your location (consider gas costs to your area). You might find a fixed price for travel to your chosen location as part of a package deal. The cost for a vet to come to your home to perform the procedure is usually between $75 and $150.
Vets administering euthanasia services may charge extra for medical equipment in certain situations. It’s best to ask the vet about any additional costs for euthanasia to ensure that all costs are stated upfront. The vet should inform you of any additional costs before you use any specialized or extra equipment. This will allow you to approve the added cost before it is done.
Additional Costs to Consider
Cremation
You can cremate your dog after it’s been euthanized. In fact, many dog owners choose to have their pets cremated immediately after death. The cost of cremation can vary depending upon the dog’s size, weight, or other factors.
If you choose to have a “communal” cremation, there are discounts available. This is because your dog’s cremation will be conducted with other dogs (or other animals) and you won’t be able to take it home with you. Instead of having the ashes placed in an urn that you can take back home, they’ll be disposed of. Also, some owners choose to simply bury their dog in their backyard, which is cost-effective and more personal.
Gravestones and Memorials
Like with humans, there are many options available for dog owners who want memorabilia to remember their dogs. This includes gravestones, monuments, or gardens that can be made specifically for them. Also, you can even find shops that specialize in selling items to remember your dog’s passing.
To honor their dog, many dog owners order framed photos and paw prints to be made into pendants or memorial plaques. These items can cost anywhere from $50 to over $400 depending on the ornament and the level of customization.
When Is Dog Euthanasia Usually Recommended?
Dog euthanasia isn’t an easy choice for pet owners to make. For many people, pets become non-human family members over time, and coming to the realization that they may need to be euthanized can be a tough pill to swallow. So how do you decide when it’s time to euthanize your dog?
A quality-of-life assessment is often helpful for taking a good look at all aspects of a dog’s well-being. If a dog’s quality of life is declining, many owners would rather euthanize them instead of having them suffer on a daily basis. In this case, it can be the best option for your pup.
It may seem crazy to some but a “when to let your dog go checklist” can help to face the facts and not make an emotional decision. These are the questions you need to ask when considering your dog’s quality of life and whether it is time to euthanize your pet. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help with this decision.
Does the Dog Eat and Drink Normally?
Does your dog have a healthy appetite every day? Is it able to consume water without choking or other issues? With certain illnesses, you may need to put in a feeding tube to ensure your dog gets enough nutrition. If your dog isn’t drinking or eating enough, consult your veterinarian first. Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, so IV fluids may be required. If the illness is prolonged or terminal, euthanasia may be the best option.
What Does the Process Look Like?
An intravenous (aka “IV”) injection is typically used to euthanize pets. This injects a chemical called pentobarbital quickly into the animal to stop its heartbeat. Although pentobarbital was once a popular anesthetic agent for pets, euthanasia is now performed using this drug. A vein is the best way to administer the solution to a dog or cat, but it can also be administered through a body cavity, although this will take longer.
The vet may place a catheter in the dog before administering the euthanasia procedure, depending on the circumstances. The IV catheter allows for easier venous access. This makes the procedure quick and painless for the pup – it also helps to minimize complications. To ensure that your dog is relaxed, calm, and comfortable, the vet may also sedate it.
Is the Dog Physically Hurting?
Is the dog experiencing chronic pain or discomfort from illness, pain medication, or other therapies? Does he have trouble breathing? Chronic pain could be characterized by persistent whining, panting, and inability to get comfortable.
Can the Dog Still Enjoy Interactions?
Is your dog happy? Does it want to interact with you, your family, and other pets in the house? Does it still enjoy mental stimulation and active play? Or is it becoming more withdrawn from the world and showing signs of anxiety? Dogs are social creatures and will interact with others (unless they’re depressed or ill). If your dog doesn’t engage in interaction, it’s likely that it’s unhappy and may be suffering.
Is the Dog’s Mobility Getting Worse?
Are you able to take your dog on walks, or take it outside to relieve itself? Is the dog able to walk and get up on its own? Do you notice your dog stumbles a lot? Are medication and other therapies not helping your dog’s arthritis or chronic joint pain? It’s best to consider how your dog’s daily mobility issues can affect its happiness.
Does the Dog Have Issues Urinating or Having Bowel Movements?
Does your pup regularly urinate and defecate? If not, your vet should be contacted immediately as it can be a sign of a serious health issue – especially in older pups. Many dog parents consider euthanasia due to incontinence, especially if their dog is older or terminally ill.
Are There More Good Days or Bad Days?
Consider whether your dog has more bad days than it has good days. Your dog’s quality of life will be severely affected if the bad days are more frequent than the good ones, particularly if he has several bad days consecutively. Bad days can include lethargy, diarrhea, immobility, incontinence, or more severe issues such as vomiting and seizures. If your dog is not feeling well on a daily basis, it may be time to consider euthanasia.
Ask Your Vet
Many pet owners find it difficult to decide when to put their dog down, after all, they’re like family. Your veterinarian cannot make this decision for your dog, but it can help you to talk through your dog’s current state of health and recent quality of life. So, ask the vet about any additional treatment options and get their opinion on whether alternative procedures or additional therapies would be worthwhile for your dog’s well-being. A vet can help give you an indication of the prognosis for your dog’s health and how it will progress.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dog Euthanasia?
Yes. In many cases, pet insurance will cover euthanasia if it’s for humane reasons such as terminally ill conditions or old age. However, it depends on the insurance company you use as well as your particular policy. It may be best to double-check before you’re left with unexpected costs.
Conclusion
Although dog euthanasia is not an easy decision for pet owners, it may be necessary to keep your dog from suffering. The costs can range from $50 to over $300 depending on the location of the procedure, additional options, or memorabilia included in the services. It’s crucial to prepare for the costs of the procedure and to consider your dog’s quality of life before making this decision.
- Related Read: Dog Health Care Routines
Featured Image Credit: La Su, Shutterstock
