In This Chapter
- Treating common puppy and adult health problems
- Helping the senior Beagle
- Knowing what’s an emergency — and what’s not
- Bidding a fond farewell
Treating Puppy Problems
Beagle puppies are almost always in the best of health, but
occasionally a problem befalls one of these little gals. Beyond the usual cases
of worms and such, a Beagle under the age of 1 year may encounter one of the
following conditions.
Cherry eye
This condition results when the tissue that holds the
tear-producing gland in the dog’s third eyelid weakens, causing the gland to pop
out of place and become visible at the inner corner of the eye. The gland looks
like a cherry: round and bright red. The condition isn’t painful — at least not
initially — but without treatment, the tear gland can become irritated or
infected, or even cease to function. For that reason, you should put in a call
to your vet as soon as possible if your Beagle develops this condition.
Chondrodysplasia
Chondrodysplasia is a big
name for a relatively rare disease that keeps a Beagle very small. The
condition prevents the bones and vertebrae from growing properly, resulting in
deformed vertebrae and legs, and joint pain. Some people call the affected dogs
“dwarf Beagles.”
The disease usually shows up when
the puppy is 3 to 4 weeks old. Affected puppies don’t develop as quickly as
their littermates, have trouble moving, and appear to be in pain. By the time
the pup reaches 6 months of age, the growth plates of the bones have matured
and the puppy becomes more comfortable. However, she may limp when she walks,
her legs may be deformed, and her back and neck appear abnormal. An X-ray taken
when the puppy is no more than 2 months old can illuminate the bone
abnormalities that are the hallmarks of this disease.
Chondrodysplasia has no cure, but
medications can relieve the pain that comes with the arthritis that results
from this condition.
Puppy pyoderma
Sometimes a Beagle puppy develops
what looks like mild acne on the hairless area of her abdomen. This condition
is called puppy pyoderma, and it usually results from the presence of Staphylococcus
bacteria.
Puppy pyoderma is not a serious
condition. Your vet can prescribe special shampoos to treat the belly zits and
speed their exit. In severe cases, he may also prescribe an antibiotic.
Handling Adult Health Challenges
Generally, the period between 1
and 8 or 9 years of age finds your Beagle in her prime. She’s not as vulnerable
as she was when she was a puppy, and she doesn’t have to cope with the
frailties of old age. Still, some maladies can befall the young and middle-aged
adult Beagle. Here’s a sampling of the most common.
Allergies
If your Beagle constantly
scratches herself or if you just can’t seem to get rid of her ear infections,
she may suffer from an underlying problem: allergies. Just like people, Beagles
and other dogs can
Treatment for allergies depends
on the severity of the problem and the cause. Minor problems may be
controllable with simple antihistamines and dietary adjustments, such as adding
fatty acid supplements. More severe problems require diagnostic testing. Depending
on the results of the tests — which, in the case of food allergies, can take up
to four months to perform — your vet may recommend a complete change in diet or
even allergy shots.
Allergies can’t be cured, but in
many cases they can be controlled — with time and patience. The result,
however, will be a much more comfortable Beagle.
Dental problems
The vast majority of dogs over
the age of 3, including more than a few Beagles, have some sort of dental
problem: bad breath, inflamed gums, and yellowing teeth. A veterinarian can
take a look at your dog’s teeth and confirm a diagnosis of dental disease.
Treatment of dental disease starts
with a full cleaning that is performed while the dog is under anesthesia. The
cleaning includes not only removing the tartar (the brown and yellow stuff)
from the teeth, but also extracting any teeth that have become loose. The vet
may also prescribe antibiotics to fight off any infections that the dog’s
dental disease may have caused.
Tip
You can prevent dental disease from occurring in the first place — simply by brushing your Beagle’s teeth every day. See Chapter Sprucing Up Your Beagle.
Hypothyroidism
Most of the time, the Beagle body
does just what it’s supposed to do, but occasionally the inner workings go
awry. For example, if your middle-aged Beagle starts putting on weight for no
apparent reason, becomes lethargic, and starts losing hair on both sides of her
body, she could suffer from hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when
the dog’s thyroid gland produces insufficient levels of thyroid hormone. The
skin may become scaly-looking and rough to the touch, and become infected
frequently. Chronic ear infections and skin allergies also could signal the
onset of this condition.
A blood test can confirm the
veterinarian’s diagnosis. Daily doses of synthetic thyroid hormone can control
the condition and allow your Beagle to live a completely normal life.
Idiopathic epilepsy
Epilepsy is fairly common among
many dog breeds, including Beagles, but very often the cause is unknown. Such
epilepsy is called idiopathic epilepsy, and it’s believed to be genetic
in origin.
The first epileptic seizure
usually occurs between 6 months and 4 years of age. A seizure usually starts
when the dog falls on her side (unless she’s already lying down). The head and
neck arch, and the mouth opens wide. The limbs extend fully and begin to move
in a jerky manner. The dog may lose control of her bowels or bladder, and she
may froth at the mouth. The seizure probably will last about two minutes,
although it can continue for longer. Afterward, the dog sleeps for about 20
minutes. When she awakens, she may walk aimlessly and be extremely hungry or
thirsty.
If your Beagle has a seizure,
your best immediate course of action is no action at all. Just leave her alone,
unless she is near a flight of stairs — if that’s the case, move her to a safe
place. And keep kids and strangers away; even the nicest dog may bite during a
seizure because she’s scared, confused, or just completely out of it.
Your vet needs to see your Beagle
if she has more than one seizure or if the seizure is accompanied by other
symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Your vet will perform an extensive
examination and lab tests to determine if the seizure has an obvious cause, such
as a brain tumor. If nothing turns up, epilepsy is likely and the vet can
prescribe medication such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide, both of which
can control seizures.
Intervertebral disc disease
If your normally active Beagle
suddenly stops, yelps with pain, and refuses to put weight on a paw, she may
have developed a condition that’s quite common to this breed: intervertebral
disc disease.
The disease results when a disc
— the gelatinous cushion (like a jelly doughnut) between two vertebrae —
ruptures. When the rupture occurs, the vertebrae no longer have a cushion, and
the ruptured disc material may protrude and press onto the spinal cord. Depending
on where the rupture occurs and its severity, the dog could experience
paralysis in some or all of her legs. If you notice your dog exhibiting
symptoms of this disease, your dog needs to see her vet as soon as possible.
At minimum, a myelogram —
an X-ray of the spine after a dye has been injected into the spinal fluid — is
needed to determine whether
The treatment for disc disease
depends on how severe the problem is. For relatively mild cases, a month of
strict confinement to a crate (the dog can’t leave the crate except to
eliminate) plus administration of an anti-inflammatory medication may help. For
more severe cases — or if the problem recurs — surgery to relieve the pressure on
the spinal cord and remove the disc is the treatment of choice, followed by
several weeks of crate rest.
Easing Your Beagle’s Golden Years
The Beagle enters her senior
years at around 8 to 10 years of age. Why the range? Because every Beagle is an
individual. The care she’s been given, her genes, and her luck all play a role
in determining not only her lifespan but also when she enters the twilight of
that lifespan. Rather than assume that your little hound is a golden oldie at
an arbitrary point in time, see if she’s showing signs of impending seniorhood.
Those signs include:
- Slowing down: Aging dogs aren’t all that different from aging people — both species move more slowly than when they were younger. As your Snoopy-dog enters her golden years, she’ll probably take more time lying down for a nap, getting up from that nap, and getting up and down the stairs than she did when she was a youngster. She also probably won’t want to chase a ball or retrieve a Frisbee for as long as she used to.
- Getting grayer: Gray or white hair, especially around the eyes and muzzle, is a strong indicator of seniorhood.
- Having accidents: Many aging Beagles appear to forget proper potty protocol. The causes can range from simply having an aging bladder to developing a condition called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which I discuss in a later section of this chapter.
- Being “out of it”: The senior Beagle who seems to get lost in her own backyard or ignore you when you call her may simply be showing her age. At this point in time, many dogs lose some of their hearing or vision, which can cause them to act disoriented.
- Freaking out more often: Loud noises, such as fireworks and thunderstorms, may not have upset your Beagle during her youth, but that could change once she hits seniorhood.
Warning!
Although all these developments may herald the onset of canine old age, they could also signal the presence of serious illness. Don’t attribute any of these changes to mere seniorhood; have your vet check your Beagle over.
Checkups are, in fact, a great
way to help your Beagle’s seniorhood be truly golden. Start by stepping up her
wellness exams. Most vets want to see your aging Beagle twice a year rather
than once a year once she’s truly an oldie-but-goodie. The reason: Frequent checkups
give your vet that much more opportunity to uncover any possible problems.
In between visits, keep a careful
eye on your senior Snoopy-dog for any changes in her physical demeanor or
behavior. Some of those changes can mean the onset of diseases or conditions
that are common to senior Beagles. Here are a few.
Arthritis
Arthritis is most commonly
found among older dogs, although it can strike a dog of any age. When the
cartilage that covers the bones becomes worn, the bones that form the joints
rub up against each other. The joints become inflamed, and painful arthritis
results.
The arthritic Beagle has more
trouble getting around than the more
agile Snoopy-dog does and may have trouble lying down for a nap or getting up
from one. Negotiating stairs and taking walks may become challenging.
To confirm a diagnosis, your
dog’s vet needs to examine the affected limb(s) and the rest of the body. He
may also take X-rays of the affected joints. Fortunately, remedies for
arthritis abound. They include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These range from common aspirin to state-of-the-art meds such as Rimadyl and Deramaxx.
- Nutritional supplements: Glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate are examples. They come in tablets, liquid, or injectable form.
- Acupuncture: The traditional Chinese healing method employs specially placed needles to bring the body into proper balance.
- Dietary adjustments: Reducing the amount of food your dog eats helps pare poundage from an overweight Beagle and thus reduces strain on the joints.
- Surgery: Your vet may suggest this in certain cases.
Tip
Giving your arthritic Beagle moderate exercise can do a great deal to alleviate arthritis pain. One or two daily walks, regular swims, or other gentle, regular exercise can help a stiff, sore Beagle stay a little more limber and reduce her discomfort. Most importantly, keep your dog slim enough so you can feel her ribs. A sleek physique lessens strain on the joints.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the most common
diseases to strike dogs of any age. According to the Animal Cancer Institute at
the University of Colorado, one in five dogs will develop cancer during her
lifetime. Those odds rise considerably when a dog ages. The Veterinary Cancer
Center at the University of Colorado reports that 45 percent of all dogs over
the age of 10 die from cancer.
The signs of canine cancer are
similar to those of human cancer. They include:
- Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
- Appetite loss
- Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
- Offensive, unexplained odor
- Persistent lameness or stiffness
- Sores that don’t heal
- Unexplained weight loss
In addition, seizures, unresolved
vomiting, and a change in demeanor can signal the onset of cancer, particularly
if one or more symptoms in the list above also are present.
What about health insurance?
In theory, pet health insurance sounds like a
great idea. Just like with human beings, health insurance for pets allows you
to prepay some of the future veterinary costs that your Beagle is likely to
incur. However, theory and practice aren’t always identical. Before you sign
up for any health insurance plan for your little hound, look carefully at the
deductibles and reimbursement rates, and crunch some numbers. Check, too, for
strange conditions or exceptions. For example, at least one major health
insurer covers the cost of spaying or neutering but not the cost of the
anesthesia required for either procedure (no, I’m not kidding).
Your objective here is to make sure that you
don’t end up paying more for your Beagle’s health care than you would if you
hadn’t signed up for insurance at all.
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Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
One of the many ways that humans
and dogs are similar is that both can acquire a disease in which proteins form
plaque deposits on the brain. These deposits cause a wide range of behavioral changes,
including apathy, anxiety, confusion, disorientation, and a changed sleep
cycle. In human beings, the condition is known as Alzheimer’s disease; in dogs,
the disease is called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
To diagnose CDS, a veterinarian
may perform blood tests, urinalysis, testing of thyroid and adrenocortical
hormone levels, and CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Two treatments can help delay the
effects of CDS.
- Anipryl: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this drug specifically to help reduce the symptoms of CDS.
- Prescription Diet Canine b/d: Hills Pet Foods, which manufactures the product, says this food is designed to combat the effects of aging on the canine brain, even when those effects are as extreme as CDS symptoms can be.
Diabetes
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss despite an increased appetite
- Cloudiness of the eye
Blood tests and analysis of a
urine sample confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is the same as for humans:
injections of the insulin the body can’t produce by itself. The condition can’t
be cured, but a lifelong program of medication, nutritional management (to
reduce or maintain weight), and regular exercise can enable the diabetic Beagle
to live a long, healthy life.
Remember
Even if your Beagle is disease free, you need to adjust your routines to your little hound’s age. If the stairs are getting to be too much for her, pick her up and carry her. If her eyesight is failing, reconsider whether you want to rearrange your furniture. If her hearing is on the wane, start teaching her how to respond to hand signals as well as audio cues (Chapter Housetraining Your Beagle shows you how). If her metabolism is slowing down and she’s starting to look a little pudgy, adjust her food regimen accordingly.
My Beagle Is Sick! What Should I Do?
No matter how careful you are
with your Snoopy-dog, the time will come when she’s clearly not feeling well.
But even though your Beagle may exhibit symptoms of illness that frighten you,
not all of those symptoms signal the presence of a life-threatening or even serious
condition. In this section, I identify signs of illness that require an
immediate trip to your vet or emergency clinic, signs that require a phone
call, and signs that may not signify illness at all.
Call the doggy ambulance
There’s no such thing as an
ambulance for dogs (at least not that I know of), but the following symptoms
should prompt you to get your Beagle to your veterinarian or emergency clinic
immediately.
Breathing problems
If your Beagle seems to be having
trouble breathing, she needs to see her vet right away. She could be suffering
from life-threatening heart or lung problems, pneumonia, heartworms, anemia
(perhaps caused by an undetected internal injury), or obstructions in the
Changed gum color
If your Beagle’s normally pink
gums turn white, blue, yellow, or red, get her to a vet pronto. The various
colors may indicate anemia, shock, breathing problems, liver or gall bladder
disease, blood poisoning, severe infection, or heat stroke. Unexplained
bruising of the gums is an emergency, too.
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is the
condition that results when a dog is overheated — and an overheated dog is a
dog whose life is in danger. She’s likely to be panting to an extreme, have a
dark red tongue and gums, and be extremely lethargic. She also may be confused,
experience shallow or rapid breathing, vomit blood, and collapse.
Have someone else phone your vet
while you cool down your dog. Immerse her body in a tub of tepid to cool (but
not icy) water, spray her with water from a hose that’s not been out in the
sun, or apply cold wet compresses to her face, neck, feet, and armpits. After
the soaking, get her to a vet so she can be treated for any problem resulting
from the excessive heat.
Warning!
Never, ever leave your Beagle in a parked car when the outdoor temperature is 70 degrees or more, not even in the shade with some windows rolled partway down. The interior temperature can exceed 100 degrees in a matter of minutes and kill your little hound.
Hypothermia
If your Beagle has cold legs or
rigid muscles, shivers deeply, and acts lethargic, she may be experiencing hypothermia,
the opposite of hyperthermia. Wrap your dog in blankets, put her in your
car, and hot-foot it to your vet’s.
Tip
Your Beagle’s coat is too short to protect her against extremely cold temps for very long. If you’re going to be out on a frigid day for more than a few minutes, put on her doggy coat or sweater.
Obvious trauma
If your Beagle experiences any
clearly traumatic event, such as a fall or being hit by a car, she needs to see
a vet right away, even if she seems to be OK. She could have a life-threatening
internal injury.
Persistent vomiting
A Beagle who vomits frequently
over several hours — particularly if the vomitus contains blood or foreign
material — may have a major malady. The many possible causes include ingesting
a foreign object, poisoning, pancreatitis, kidney disease, cancer, or inflammatory
bowel syndrome. Some of these causes are lifethreatening, while others aren’t.
But only a vet can tell you why your dog can’t keep anything down, and to do
that, he needs to see her. For that reason, persistent vomiting qualifies as a
symptom that requires a vet’s immediate attention.
Tip
If you think your dog’s problem is caused by poisoning, have someone call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The specialists there can determine what antidote your Beagle needs, and the caller can forward that info to you and your vet. A phone consult to the center costs $55; you can pay with plastic. The phone number is 888-426-4435. More info is available at www.aspca.org/apcc.
Significant bleeding
If your Beagle bleeds from
anywhere so extensively that the bleeding continues even after a pressure
bandage has been applied for 15 to 20 minutes, she needs to see a vet right
away. Bleeding that spurts or pulses outward for any length of time also
requires a vet’s immediate attention.
Tip
If you accidentally cut the quick of your dog’s nail while trimming, don’t panic and don’t call your vet. Just check out Chapter Sprucing Up Your Beagle.
Staggering
Is your Beagle walking as though
she’s had several beers too many? If so, she may have ingested antifreeze — a
potentially fatal dietary indiscretion — or have a metabolic problem. Get her
to a vet pronto.
Sudden collapse
A Beagle whose legs suddenly
buckle underneath her needs to see a vet pronto, even if she remains conscious.
She could be suffering from heart problems or the worsening of an illness.
Sudden eye change
An eye that suddenly becomes red,
changes color, or shows a change in the size of the pupil needs prompt
veterinary attention. Possible causes are glaucoma, which leads to
blindness if not treated promptly, or another eye condition called anterior
uveitis.
Give your vet a heads-up
The symptoms listed here may
signal problems that are potentially serious but not immediately
life-threatening. Your best response to these problems is to call your
veterinarian as soon as possible. If you first notice any of these symptoms
after hours, though, it’s okay to wait until morning to make the call.
Appetite changes
If your Beagle bypasses her meal
more than a couple of times, she could have a serious medical problem. The same
is true if your dog suddenly starts eating much more food than usual. Increased
food intake is a common symptom of diabetes, a condition that often befalls
older dogs.
Bad breath
Hoochy poochie breath is no
laughing matter, despite all the joking references to “dog breath” that we
hear. Your foul-mouthed Beagle may have dental disease — discussed earlier in
this chapter — or other problem such as diabetes, kidney disease, sinus
problems, or a problem with her immune system. All require a vet’s attention.
Behavioral changes
A sudden or extreme change in
your Beagle’s behavior or personality can indicate that something physical is
amiss. A disoriented older dog may have
cognitive dysfunction syndrome or may belosing her eyesight or hearing.
Lethargy and depression can signal the presence of many dangerous conditions.
If your dog’s personality has
changed significantly, check on your own for any physical signs of illness —
but also call your vet. Share with him what you’ve discovered to put your
Beagle on the road to recovery that much faster.
Body odor
A Beagle with BO is not
necessarily normal. Unless your dog has rolled in something gross, her
stinkiness could result from seborrhea (which also causes hair loss,
flaking, and greasy skin), an infected wound, or cancer. In any case, she needs
a vet’s attention.
Constipation
A dog who goes for more than two
days without taking a dump may simply be constipated, or may have an intestinal
blockage caused by a foreign object or a tumor. Call your vet.
Diarrhea
All dogs get the runs sometime,
often more than once. Such instances usually result from a dietary goof or a
tummy bug. A 12-hour fast, followed by a bland diet of hamburger and rice, usually
gives the digestive tract time to recover. But if your Beagle’s diarrhea lasts
for more than a day, put in a call to your vet. Call sooner if she exhibits any
other symptoms listed in this chapter.
Hair loss
Doggy baldness is not normal. If
your dog is losing so much hair that she’s got bald spots, she could be
suffering from one of several conditions. Call your vet.
Lameness
The Beagle who favors one leg
over the others needs to see her vet as soon as possible. This condition isn’t
a dire emergency, but it could reflect serious problems that range from
arthritis to bone cancer. A dog who favors one leg, then the other, may have
arthritis or a heart valve infection. Either way, she needs to see her vet.
Lumps and bumps
If you find a lump under your
Snoopy-dog’s skin, call your vet as soon as possible during business hours, and
make an appointment for him to see your four-legged friend. But don’t panic:
The lump may not be cancerous. Warts, fatty tumors, and cysts also can make
your dog feel lumpy. Your vet can tell you what’s going on.
Sores that don’t heal
A cut or sore that doesn’t heal
may signal a serious condition such as cancer, or a less serious (but
frustrating) condition called acral lick granuloma. Either way, the dog
needs to see her veterinarian, who can run the proper tests and determine the
cause of the problem.
Stinky ears
A stinky-eared Beagle is probably
a pretty unhappy Beagle. Her problem probably results from a painful ear
infection. If such infections occur frequently, they may reflect an underlying
problem such as allergies or hypothyroidism. Successful treatment requires a
vet to address not only the infection itself but also determine the cause.
Unexplained weight gain or loss
A Beagle who’s porking out or
getting skinny for no clear reason could be more than a little sick. If you
notice a change in your Beagle’s bod either way, but can’t figure out why, make
that call.
Unusual fatigue
If your Beagle seems to suddenly
lose energy and fails to regain it, your vet needs to know. Such lethargy could
be a symptom of anemia, kidney disease, liver disease, hypothyroidism, obesity,
arthritis, or cancer.
Weird-looking poop
Poop that changes from its usual
color or otherwise looks odd could signal one of many problems, and requires a
vet’s attention. Unusual-looking poop includes:
- Black or dark brown poop: This indicates bleeding that could result from a tumor, an ulcer, kidney or liver problems, or inflammatory bowel disease. Other possibilities are parasites, a bleeding tooth, bleeding in the mouth, dental disease, or even swallowing the blood that results from an overlicked paw.
- Grayish, greasy-looking poop: Poop that looks like this may indicate that your Beagle can’t digest the fats in his food. Other possible causes of gray poop may be urinary stones, a tumor, or an inflammation of the pancreas.
Not to worry . . .
The following conditions appear
worrisome but actually don’t require a vet’s attention.
Butt-dragging
Nothing is seriously wrong if
your Beagle starts dragging her bottom across the ground. The likely cause is
anal sacs that need to be expressed, or emptied. You can do this
thankless task yourself by following the steps in Chapter Sprucing Up Your Beagle, or you can ask
your vet to do the job.
Cloudy discharge from the penis
If your Beagle boy discharges a
bit of cloudy stuff from his penis, watch his bathroom behavior. If he has no
problems peeing, there’s no need to call the vet.
Noisy breathing
Sometimes a dog starts to breathe
in a way that resembles a human asthma attack. Vets call such breathing reverse
sneezing, and it’s nothing to worry about. The condition generally abates within
a few minutes — but if it doesn’t, call your vet.
Saying Goodbye to Your Beagle
Living with a Beagle — or, for
that matter, any dog — has to be one of life’s greatest joys. But for all those
joys, dog ownership brings one sorrow that is almost certainly inevitable: We
almost always live longer than our dogs do. That means the time will come when you
will need to face your Beagle’s impending death and say goodbye to her.
In all likelihood, that time will
come when your Beagle is 10 to 14 years old. In some unfortunate instances, it
could occur sooner; if you and your Snoopy-dog are very lucky, it will occur
later. No matter when the end comes, however, you need to be prepared for it —
not only for your sake but also for your dog’s.
Fortunately, we can limit the
suffering of our canine companions and allow them to die with dignity, thanks
to euthanasia. But with this ability comes the responsibility to use this power
wisely — to know when the time is right to euthanize. How can you tell when the
time has come? Answering these questions can give you clues:
- How’s my Beagle doing? If your dog is still interested in the world around her, eating with gusto, and enjoying your company, she may be able to stick around a little longer. On the other hand, if she’s apathetic, in constant pain, and losing her appetite, now may be the right time to let her go.
- How am I doing? Your state of mind should count for something in this decision. If your Beagle has a terminal illness but still seems healthy, you may not want to euthanize her yet. On the other hand, if you’re providing nursing care for your terminally ill dog — and if that care is becoming more than you can handle physically, emotionally, and financially — it may be time to consider euthanasia.
- What will happen? Find out from your vet how your dog’s condition will progress. If your dog will suffer or lose her dignity, or if you and your family will face undue hardship, now may be the time to let her go.
When you’ve decided that the time
has come to let your dog go, you can follow these suggestions to make the
process a little easier:
- Make arrangements with your veterinarian beforehand, if at all possible. Most clinics will allow you to pay for the procedure in advance and will allow you to choose how you want your dog’s body to be disposed.
- Try to book your appointment at the end of the day. This allows your vet to spend some time with you and not have to rush off to see another patient.
- Arrange to be off work at the time of the procedure, if you can. At this time, it’s hard to even put up a pretense of working, much less actually get something done.
The procedure is brief and
painless for your Beagle. Your vet or a technician probably will prepare an
intravenous catheter (IV) and place it in one of your dog’s veins. The vet then
pumps a sedative through the IV to cause your dog to go to sleep, and then administers
the euthanasia solution. Some vets do the procedure in one step.
Many owners choose to stay with
their pets during the euthanasia procedure. If you can maintain sufficient
composure to comfort your Beagle, you won’t regret having stayed with her as
she goes to a better place. On the other hand, if you can’t bear the thought of
watching your Beagle die, don’t feel you have to stay — your reaction could add
to your dog’s stress. Either way, you are in the best position to decide what’s
best for both of you.
Afterward, you’re likely to feel
devastated — but, if your Beagle had a prolonged illness, you may also feel
relief. Either feeling is okay. What’s important is that you’ve given your
Beagle the gift of a dignified death — the final gift in life that was filled
with love.
by Susan McCullough
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