Content warning: This webpage contains references to end-of-life procedures which may be distressing for some readers.

Euthanasia

At Guide Dogs, we understand the special connection you have with your guide dog, built on years of trust, companionship, and mutual respect. As your guide dog reaches the end of their life, we're here to help you navigate this loss and ensure they pass away with dignity.

Most guide dogs will have retired from their working roles before reaching this stage, although there can be exceptions in emergency situations. In every case, we focus on providing the necessary support and care to ensure a peaceful transition.

A senior black Labrador relaxes on their dog bed.

Knowing when to say goodbye to your guide dog

Deciding when it's time to say goodbye can be extremely hard. It requires monitoring your dog’s health and behaviour for signs that their daily experiences are more uncomfortable than joyful.

You may wish to note down your observations on a calendar to help you come to a decision. It’s important that you discuss your observations with your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist. They can help you evaluate your dog's quality of life and guide you through the decisions ahead.

Some key signs to monitor for include difficulty eating, drinking, sleeping, or moving around, and showing less interest in people and activities they once enjoyed.

If your dog is in pain or discomfort, and medication isn’t enough to provide more good days than bad days, it might be time to think about putting your dog to sleep.

Getting to the appointment

If you’ve made the difficult decision to book your dog's euthanasia appointment, it's important to carefully plan your visit to the vet.

Sometimes, the decision to euthanise will be an emergency, so it’s important to have considered a means of getting to your vet quickly just in case.

To make the journey comfortable for your dog, consider their physical condition and what will provide the least stress and discomfort when deciding how to get there.

Some vets offer home visits for euthanasia, and it may be worth asking if this is an option.

Additionally, arranging for a friend or family member to come with you to provide support during this difficult time can make a big difference.

A guide dog owner pets her retired guide dog, as they sit in the living room.

Preparing for goodbye

Preparation for this moment varies because goodbyes can sometimes be unexpected. You might want to speak to a trained volunteer at Blue Cross, who can help with feelings of shock and sadness.

Planned euthanasia is equally hard and can take its toll emotionally, even when you know it’s in the best interests of your dog. While trying to remain composed can help comfort your dog and keep them calm, it’s natural to be sad and upset.

The euthanasia appointment

The euthanasia procedure is typically carried out at a vet clinic at an arranged time, unless your dog is already hospitalised or under anaesthetic.

The clinic will provide a calm environment, sometimes letting other visitors know that you’re saying goodbye with a candle or a sign.

You’ll be able to bring friends or relatives into the room while the procedure takes place, should you wish.

The vet will talk to you before they begin and give you a chance to ask any questions you may have.

Although exact details will vary, this is typically what you can expect:

The vet will administer an anaesthetic to your dog, either via injection or an intravenous catheter. A catheter is a is a small tube which sits inside the vein. Some vets will prefer to place the intravenous catheter while in a different room but will always return your dog to you before administering the anaesthetic for euthanasia.

Sometimes, vets may administer sedation to your dog prior to placing a catheter, particularly if your dog is very nervous or is becoming stressed. This will start to make your dog sleepy within around ten minutes.

An anaesthetic is then given in a high enough dosage to stop your dog’s heart.

Your dog will start to feel sleepy. Unconsciousness usually follows within seconds, and the heart will stop beating within a minute or so.

Death occurs at the point that your dog’s heart stops beating. You might notice a twitch, gasp, or even a tail wag after your dog has passed away – these are natural reflexes that occur after death, so don’t be alarmed. After your vet has confirmed your dog has passed away, you’ll be given privacy to say goodbye in your own time. Some vet clinics have a separate exit for you to use should you not wish to walk back through the waiting room.

Remembering your guide dog

Commemorating your guide dog is a personal choice. The vet will talk to you about what you’d like to do with your dog’s body, whether it's cremation or burial. If you choose burial, there are dedicated places for pet burials, or you might choose to bury them at home. Please check the environmental considerations and legal requirements in these circumstances.

Many owners opt for cremation, which means you can keep the ashes in an urn or scatter them in a memorial garden or somewhere special. Equally, you might want to keep a lock of their fur or create your own keepsake. Many vet clinics will offer to clip a patch of fur for you to keep, or make impressions of their paw prints.

Financial assistance

Guide Dogs cover all veterinary costs for dogs, including fees associated with euthanasia and the return of your dog's ashes. Whilst we're unable to cover the cost of a casket, we’ll make sure you have options for commemorating your guide dog.

Who to talk to

At Guide Dogs, we're here to support you through every stage of your guide dog's life, including the end and saying goodbye. We understand that losing a guide dog can be a difficult and emotional experience, and we’re committed to providing you with the guidance and support you need during this time.

If you have any questions or need support, please don't hesitate to contact your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist or reach out to the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Service.

Get in touch

Call our Guide Line to speak to an expert who can provide information and advice - we're here to help. We're open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

information@guidedogs.org.uk

0800 781 1444