What Happens During Euthanization?
This is third part from the previous topics “Is euthanasia the best option for my dog?” and “How am I supposed to decide whether or not to euthanize my dog?”
Euthanization is, very simply, an overdose of an anesthetic. Because of the drug used (Phenobarbital), it is typically painless for the dog. The Phenobarbital is administered using a small needle and directly through the vein. The dog will lose consciousness (go to sleep as it is often referred) within a few seconds. There is hardly ever any sign of struggle in your dog after the euthanasia is administered. After about 10 seconds, he would gradually fall into a silent state, his heart stops and her brain’s activity ceases, until his losses his breath and goes limp.
One of the more painful aspects of euthanasia for the owner is the fact that the electrical activity in the body can continue for several minutes after death. Legs and some facial nerves can twitch while the body triggers the lungs to take a reflexive gasp. After ten minutes, this activity should stop. This is not the usual case scenario but it does happen to some dogs.
It doesn’t matter how often I’d gone through euthanization process, whether it was a short or long time span from one dog to the other, is never an experience I can get used to.
Indeed it is a very painful experience; however you’ve to try to keep really calm and collect while the vet administers the euthanasia. It would be best if you could hold or carry your dog very close to your chest. This will eliminate some stress while he “anticipates the outcome” (dogs are great sensors). And by staying collect, you’re sending him a comforting message that it is alright to go to his new master home – heaven.
What Happens After Euthanization?
If you really feel a lot of love for your dog and want it to be decently buried after the euthanasia, then make sure you don’t leave him with the veterinarian after the process is done. Some of these veterinarian doctors actually use these dogs for experiments after the euthanasia.
I strongly urge that you take your dog along with you for burial or cremation. Not all veterinarian clinics have cremation services within their premises, especially those smaller ones they usually subcontract out this service. And if you happen to be in veterinarian clinic with this facility, make sure you proceed straight to the administrative counter and arrange for either mass cremation or individual one. Whichever one you choose, there will be a special day for it, and you’ve the option to choose to participate in that “ceremony.”
Oct 7th 2006
1:42 PM
When should we euthanize our dog? He can not see or hear, but does not seem to be in pain. He walks in circles and bumps into things. He can barely find his food dish and then when he does, stumbles into it. He is a 16 yr old bichon and is not on any medication. What should we do?
Oct 8th 2006
12:57 AM
Hi Susan,
Thank you for reading and your query.
Loss of sight and hearing are parts and parcels of old age, there isn’t any medication for that. Of course, with improved medical technology, surgery could and might improve the situation however most veterinarians would deter you otherwise. Given his age at 16, his health might not be able to sustain heavy sedation.
If he isn’t suffering any pain or extreme discomfort and still eating, then as pet parents we have to embrace their twilight days with grace. Help him to succeed in his daily attempts by setting routine, place his belongings (bed, bowls, toys) at the same area always, avoid rearranging your home furniture too often and most importantly pet proof your home. All his movements outside the home should be supervised closely to avoid any danger to himself and others.
I hope my answer has helped shed some light in dealing with senior dogs.
Oct 24th 2006
7:37 PM
My family just recently came to the decision to euthanize our dog just 8 days shy of her 15 birthday. She was sick. Her kidneys were failing and she could barely have a bowel movement. My mom made the decision on Sunday to euthanize her because she didn’t move for a whole day. She wasn’t eating her food anymore either. I think that we made the right decision to euthanize her, but she was still alert and her mind was still there. I just want to be reassured…Did we make the right decision? We feel that the only reason that she has stayed alive for so long is because she was a well loved dog, and our pride and joy of our family. Is it true that dogs that are so loved, stay alive for their family?
Oct 25th 2006
12:27 AM
Hello Jill,
I’m sorry to hear about your loss. This is definitely a painful decision to make for all dog owners especially so when our dogs had lived with us for so long.
No one should comment upon your decision as long you know in your heart and mind that you’ve done the best you could for your dog. Sometimes dogs bid their farewell by showing a spark of alertness during those last few seconds. Their way of saying thank you for those wonderful years spent with their human family.
Dogs are excellent sensors and great fighters (beyond comprehension). Their strength to live for their caregivers for a long time despite aliments is without question. So to answer your last question, Yes!
Hugs and kisses to your late dog.
Mar 18th 2007
1:10 PM
Dear Susan,
This is very sad to hear if you have already euthanized your dog, I am sure he is in a better place now. If you haven’t you should wait until after his next birthday and throw him a big party. SPOIL HIM! I’m sure he would love to know that he had a great, pampered time before he had to go to the man upstairs. I know it is a great deal of pain when you know that a long life, loved friend(dog) of yours has died(been put to sleep). It will be hard to let go but just know that he will be cured of blindness and deafness once he makes it to heaven.
If you do not believe in God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit (the Holy Trinity) I do not mean to offend you. And if you do, Praise Be To God! You should probably pray about it if you’re still not sure about it after these replies. Just know that whatever your desision is, God will be with you and he will still love you.
Thank you for your time.
Aug 15th 2007
9:26 PM
Hi,
My name is Katie and I have a 2 1/2 year old Italian Greyhound. He is an absolutely wonderful dog except he has, what the vet has said, to be schizophrenia. He will go in to this state where he doesn’t know who we are, doesn’t know where he is, all he sees is a threat (usually dog) and will go crazy. Once the threat has passed, he goes on like nothing has happened. We have tried everything- trainers, specialists, medication, time, but nothing has lasted. Medication was working well, but it appears he has grown immune to it. We finally decided tonight that it was time. He went to the vet this morning and bit my mother pretty bad and we have to think to ourselves- what if it had been a child or another dog he got. Anyway, I have never held a pet when it was time and I’m not sure if I am ready, but the information above has helped prepare me and I thank you. Please pray for Luigi that he is in a better place.
Katie
Aug 27th 2007
1:53 AM
Hi Katie,
Apologies for not responding to you sooner.
As to Luigi’s illness (schizophrenia, a very rare disease for dogs), I’m so sorry to hear about that. Of course, Luigi (and with all deceased dogs) is in a much better place where he’s loved so dearly.
I’m glad I’m of some help. Thank You!
Mar 13th 2008
7:47 AM
Absolutely helpful. I’m writing a persuassive essay on mandatory spay/neuter. One of my themes is how euthanization happens.
Apr 11th 2008
3:54 PM
hello. our dog gizmo was with us for 12 years. He had lymes disease and kidney failure. he was also losing the ability to walk as his back legs would just give in. gizmo began urinating all the time in the house. he would not take any medication. we made a very painful decision to “put him to sleep”. it has been a week and i can not stop wondering if it was the right decision. we buried him in the backyard like the old days and i also wonder if this was best for him. i am really beating myself up about this. thanks for listening.
Apr 17th 2008
10:53 PM
Hello Christina,
Please do not feel upset of what you’d done. It’s probably the best decision given the circumstances you were in.
Gizmo never left you, in form but not in spirit. He is very happy and healthy where he is right now. Be sure of that!
May 13th 2008
9:11 PM
Hello. I just had my Rottweiler euthanized yesterday, and today I had the most horrible episode of depression that I have had in years!! Baley was 7 y/o and was just this year diagnosed with osteosarcoma of her right leg. She had surgery for the tumor that was showing huge on her elbow, but the vet didn’t get it all and it had already come back with a vengeance and spread. She just laid around and we had to force her to go outside to the bathroom. She was definitely not a happy camper anymore!!
I took her to the vet Monday and had him help me make the decision, and after I made it, he told me it was the right thing to do, and I believed him, as I had already made the decision really two days before. Baley’s not hurting anymore. I miss her like crazy, but she knew we loved her!!
May 22nd 2008
9:15 AM
Brenda, you are absolutely right about this “Baley’s not hurting anymore.” When our dogs leave us to another realm, whatever illness they had on earth is completely gone. They are always in the pink of health as they were during their prime years. Baley is watching over you, always!
Jul 26th 2008
2:38 AM
I have a very close friend that had her dog euthanized after several bouts of cancer. the medicine used was phenobarbital IV. The dog weighed 59 lbs. What mg per kg is the correct doseage? Her dog suffered. She believes the dog didn’t receive enough of the med. I am just curious to know if the animals size, weight or age plays a role in the amt of medicine needed to do this unfortunate procedure. Any info is appreciated thanks.
Charlotte…
Jul 26th 2008
2:40 AM
Hi Charlotte,
Phenobarbital IV is generally used to sedate dogs in postoperative surgery. Having said, it is also used for euthanasia but the dosage given will have to be a lot more for it to take effect.
Yes, the amount of med needed to euthanize a dog depends on his/her weight, not its size nor age nor the condition of illness s/he has, if any. Again, the amount administered has to be either exact or more in accordance to the patient’s weight and nothing less otherwise it will not knock the dog off completely, so to speak.
Part of the reason I don’t enclosed the amount of dosage used on the site is for precaution reason. Hundreds of people (from all walks of life) view that page daily. I’d like to believe that people use the information for appropriate reasons however my conscience just won’t agree.
I’m very sorry, Charlotte, I can’t provide you with that information. I’m sure you understand my situation especially if you are in a medical field.
I’m also very sorry to hear about your friend’s predicament and especially the agony her dog went through. I do wish she gets proper veterinary care immediately if the dog is still alive. It’s a very painful situation for both dog and human to be in.
All the best!
Jul 26th 2008
2:42 AM
I thank you very much. Her dog did pass on but it was awful. I guess in life we all want things to go as smooth as possible but its not always like that. I was afraid that this med was wrong for this purpose. Thanks again for the info. Charlotte D.
Jul 28th 2008
12:12 PM
Hi,
I am writing on behalf of my parents dog Chrissy, She is a 15 year old llaso apso that seems to be sufferring from old age. She has pretty much lost her sight, has begun limping when she walks and is not going to the bathroom all over the house. I feel terrible even considering euthanization but, it is no longer a sanitary to keep her in the house. Need help with this matter, please reply.
Jul 29th 2008
8:37 AM
Hi Anthony,
I also came to this site with the same exact problem. My dog Gizmo was almost 12 years old when we had the same exact issues as you are speaking of. Our Vet also told us that he had Lymes Disease which was affecting his limbs. It was hard to watch him deteriorate and even harder to handle the urinating all over the house. My husband and I finally made up our minds to put him down. Believe me, this was the hardest decision, actually the decision was easier than actually going through with it. And unfortunately afterwards I had alot of guilt. But as months passed, I could see clearer and realized he was worse than we thought and did not deserve to suffer. When a Llaso loses its fur it is really a sad thing, all that beautiful fur, and Gizmo had a beautiful tail. We knew he was not in good health. I hope this helps with your decision. Try to look at it objectively, if possible. If Chrissy is suffering than, as the vet at the Humane Society said “Although it was a difficult decision, please be comforted to know it was a loving and humane thing to do.” Take care.
Aug 9th 2008
11:17 AM
I have an 8 year old chihuahua, she has had catarax since she was about a year old, recently she has been escaping our back yard and trying to attack people and other dogs twice her size, she can’t hold her bowels either I wake up and she will have pottied on the bed, I am considering euthenization but she is still very playfull and active, but I cant risk her biting someone or their animal. Any suggestions?
Aug 25th 2008
6:16 PM
Hi,
I have a 4 year old mini dachshund who is paralyzed in the hind legs. We have been trying for 2 weeks now with steriods and rest/moving her legs to get her better and it isn’t working. She is getting red scratches on her belly from draging her legs and seems to have that “help me” look in her eyes. We have other dogs and 3 children, we are trying to decide what is best for Katie. I have had succes with this line of treatment on other doxies in the past but it doesn’t look like it is working this time. How will I know when it is time to let her go?
Sep 6th 2008
11:13 AM
is your dogs doing any good from there sugery on
the twistded stoamch i just wanna make sure if your
dogs are oky with there sugery keep in touch with your
dogs make sure your dogs get plenty of rest after there
worst sugery ever.
thanks courtney fry please comment me back
in couple of days or two.
thanks courtney fry
Oct 9th 2008
10:37 PM
our dog Johnny that we had for at least 15 years or so was euthanized 2 weeks ago! I am very sad and MISS him a lot!!! How do I cope?
Nov 20th 2008
3:58 PM
Hello
My name is Britney, and i just went through one of the hardest times i have had to go through. I have two dogs, Zoe a 14 year old black lab, and Lucky a 15 yeard old mini german shepard. Zoe has been sick for a long time and we have been worried we would have to put her down soon. She wasnt eating, and loosing her bowels, and vomitting atleast 3-4 times a day. Loss interest in activities, and became very skinny. Everytime we made an appointment to put her down, that day she would purk up and run in the backyard, we just couldnt do it. Then Lucky started to show signs of her possibly not being able to be around too much longer. Breathing changed, appetite changed, and became lazy. We thought Lucky was going to go before Zoe. My dad woke up Wed morning to go to work, and found zoe lying on the floor with no life to her. She had passed away in her sleep. (we are hoping very quick and painless) This came as a shock. I dont live with my dad anymore, but he told me she was running around the backyard the night before. He called me and told me and it broke my heart, i cried all morning. I went over to my dads house when he got home from work to see zoe for the last time. After i said my sad and tearful goodbye we took her to the vet to have her cremated. When we went home, it was about 30 min later Lucky went outside to go potty and collapsed to the ground. My dad was outside with her and quickly ran and got her and brough her into the garage. He said she stopped breathing and went into seizure activity. He came running in the house to get me and i ran out into the garage to see Lucky lying on the ground unable to move. We rushed her to the emergency pet clinic and they ran tests and kept her over night. She has liver failure, possible pancreatitis, and is anemic. Also they found she has a mass in her abdomen. We dont want anymore tests run, she is already suffering. She cant walk around anymore, and wont eat. We decided that night we would pick her up in the morning and euthanize her that night. I grew up with these dogs, they were as much my family as my brothers were to me. I love them more than anyone who has never had a pet would know. The love you have for these animals is amazing! its beyond anyother type of love you could know. I just wanted to put my story up for others to read and to help my healing process. We havent put Lucky down yet, we will be doing this tonight. I will not be able to go because im not stong enough to handle it, but this website helped make my mind a little more at ease. Thanks for reading my story and for anyone who is going through this difficult decision, you arent alone. We love our pets and we always will!! And remember they loved you and are thankful for everthing you have done for them!
Nov 22nd 2008
11:33 AM
We just had our German shepard euthanized yesterday. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to do. But to watch my dog deteriorate before my eyes was a painful thing to see.He was starting to have involuntary body functions,was becoming blind,going deaf.. He was 14 yrs old. But I am being constantly reminded by friends and web sites that I made the right decision. I am grieving big time but I know that this is a process that I must go through. It’s so hard with all of this still so fresh in my mind. I’m constantly reminded everywhere I turn. He was a wonderful pet and we loved him so much and to end his suffering was my final act of kindness for him. He gave us 14 yrs of unconditional love,especially me,because I was his prime caretaker. No matter how much pain he was having, he always managed to come and greet me when I came home.I’m going to miss that the most. I’m also reassured that he is waiting for me where ever he might be and we’ll be reunited again in another world.We love and miss you Butch
Nov 23rd 2008
3:38 PM
To you who have lost your wonderful, babies and best friends. Believe me when I tell you how blessed we are. As I have gone through this myself,I felt a void that I thought would never heal. It hurts more than anything on earth because we all have exprienced the most precious gift of all, true love. That love will carry through the rest of life and you will have the luxury of revisiting it with every cherished memory of our friend. Please think of them often and lovingly as their souls watch over us the rest of our lives. The crying will hit you when you least expect it but remember when you held them in your arms or they lay beside or gave you a kiss just because, miracously you will feel a warmth come over you that is second to none and will give you comfort whenever we need it. This is our best friend and babies legacy. Cheerish them. Thank you for hurting as you know you can love and be loved for your simplicity and nothing else. God bless you.
PS I cried when wrote this, I lost Georgia (Long Hair Daschund) 4 years ago.
Jan 20th 2009
5:41 PM
i just need to know for my self if i did the right thing by letting my 14 year old patches go to sleep for the last time. he had a very difficult time walking especially on the ice and snow.In his last days i had to carry him outside to go potty and he didnt even nip at me for picking him up.he never wanted to be picked up it was like he was thanking me for helping him. so yesterday we made the decision to put him down.My wife and i were with him until his last breath.He was even licking my fingers when they administerd the drug i knew he was gone when there were no more licks from him.Take care buddy pathes we love you.
Jan 21st 2009
9:01 PM
Please do not beat yourself up about what you did. You made the right decision by letting patches rest in peace. I recently was faced with the same situation and it was far to difficult for me to even had my dog over to be put asleep, let alone stay in the room until her last breath. You did the right thing my friend and please do not beat yourself up about this situation. Best of luck to you and your family my friend.
Jan 28th 2009
8:31 PM
As I write this I try to understand why i am doing this at all. But it is clear to me why and thats because of how much shiloh ment to me, and this is the only way I can think of to show tribute to her and that through my sharing her personality, and gentle sweet soul with anyone who happens to read this. It is so hard for me to try and find the words to fully describe just how sweet this little dog was. I only owned her for a little more than a year, but she was with me through all the really tough times that ive gone through in the same amount of time. She was a little lady that I adopted from craigs list after i had gotten out of a terrible relationship. I went looking for a pet because i was lonely when i came home at nite from work and thought it be nice to have friend again. I originally wanted a big lab typr dog but stumbled across her picture and thought she was adorible. So i made the calls and got directions and found her house, I remember it was pouring down rain that night and the nieghborhood didnt have any street lites and i actually went to the wrong house first…. but anyhow, i found her, ans she was just a little blond lady, rather skidish at first, her tail was slumped sort of between her legs, and she didnt seem to have much confidence. The fella I got her from told me a story of how he had gotten her, of he and his wife had been looking at a house to buy and had visited it a few times. during the visits they had noticed shiloh in a small chain-link cage at the house next door. During these visits, the wife had made friends with her and talked to her through the wire and had noticed that the house was vacant, well about the 3rd visit to the house the wife him that she was going to take the dog and bring her home, and if someone objected then they would to explain why she was abandoned outside in the summer heat with not much protection and in fith. so anyways they had 2 big dogs that were the freindlist with her so came the ad, and my adotion of her. As I found out in a few days, she was much older than the guy had thought and she was alost stone deaf, and near blind. but she was still the sweetest little thing. She and I had our getting used to each other period and she had some bad habits, im sure she developed just trying to survive. But we got past them and she became a welcome sight for me when i would get home from work. she and i moved a couple of times during the summer, and ended up living in my brothers garage during the winter. it was so cold… brrrrr. but she never complained, and she would always come to me and nuzzle me to show me some love and wanted my hand on her neck or patting her back. She loved fried chicken…lol and she liked bisquits, id cover her up at night with an old sheet to help keep her warm when we were in the garage, and i could tell she loved that. she loved when i would get out of the shower and rub the wet towel on her snout and face and talk to her. And she loved when i would brush her, she had a shedding problem so i didnt let sleep on my bed, but ocassionally while i was reading she would want some attention and lay her head on the edge of my bed and look at me with those pretty little doe eyes and wiggle her tail and id let up and lie next to me and have my arm across her side. she loved that, and I know because she would fall asleep and snore really loud, safe as a bug in a rug. During october she had developed a tumor in one of her teets, I actually thought she had just scratched her self, so i didnt pay it much attention. Unfortunetly too, who ever had her had never spaded her so I find out now that cancer of the teet is very common in older dogs that arent spade. This tumor was very aggressive and within a couple of months it was the size of a softball. I didnt have the money to take to the vet, and in the back of my mind I knew this day would come,and i just wanted to make her time with me as comfortable as i could. In the last few days she had started licking it alot and causing it to weep, and yesterday she didnt even get out of bed and I knew she was starting to feel the effects of this murdering disease. And nay, she had no appetite, this unto it’s self was a Huge red flag, cause this lil lady always wanted to eat on schedule. early this morning when i awoke i heard and odd sound and found it to be her chewing on this huge softball size tumor and to have eaten a good hole in it. I klnew the end was near.. She did however get up, bright and cheery, hear old self, so i thought. but as she walked she hemorraged from the tumor. She just went on though, i think mainly for me. after I made the 9;30 appt, i lost it and just held on to her and loved her. i know she knew i was sad, and scared she just stayed there with me and enjoyed our time together. we touched noses and i whispered in her ear until it was time to go. she gladly got into the car and enjoyed the ride as she always enjoyed riding. At the vets i was really surprised how calm and steady she was, which was a bit of a surprise to be honest. then time came and we went to our room and up on the table she went gently and again very calm. she layed there and was just relaxed and staedy again to much surprise. once the Dr. had done his thing she laid there with her head in my hands and just went to sleep, very peacefully, relaxed and faded away. I think now about it more and more, I think she was ready and she was trying to help me through it by being calm and peaceful. Im hurting so bad, and my heart is heavy, and my eyes. Shiloh I miss you sweety, my gently lil lady. I will see you again in heaven.
May 15th 2009
12:24 PM
later today I am taking my dog Leo,11 year old Shepard mix to the vet to be euthanized.It has been the toughest thing I’ve had to do.I keep believing he will get better, but honestly,I know better.I’ve had him since he was four weeks old,my daughter gave him to me as a fathers day gift.I’ve seen the best and worst of him his entire life.He always knew when I came home from work,he would greet me at the door with his tail wagging,or when my daughter was around he was definately her dog. Now I can’t get him up to go outside,his backend is so weak he has a hard time standing.When he does go outside he needs help up and down the steps and just lays down and dosen’t want to move.He isn’t the same dog he once was,and I know it isn’t fare to him to be like this considering how he’s always been. So I know in my heart he will be better off and pain free finally,so for as much as he loved to go for rides with me,he will be doing one of his favorite things for one last time….GOOD BY LEO
Jun 23rd 2009
9:55 AM
Ben my beutifull little boy has gone i feel i can’t live without him. 16 yrs old yes he was getting on for a jack russell/lab. he would still love me to take him out for a walk although he didn’t want to go far he would always race me back and win he made me laugh. we did this as normal last wed morning june 17th, when i got back i sorted him some more food out as he stopped eating his dog food i hadto start cooking him pork chops. i would havto cut all the meat up though as about 2 months before he had 5 teeth out.i left him with his food and went upstairs to answere my mobile when i heard something banging and falling downstairs. i ran to find it was my Ben, i picked him up he didnt cry or seem in distress just out of breath. i loved him and put him down to see how he walked he seemed normal.i thought nothing more about this and hadto go out but my sons came back as i was leaving. within minuets ben fell on the floor collapsed in pain screaming. they rushed him to the vet who said his heart rate had fallen and there was fluid on his lungs. the vet gave him an injection to try and remove fluid, this did not improve. when i got there tney said he is in pain as he is finding it hard to breath and that it was best to put him to sleep. i couldnt do this and my son hadt sign for injection. he always knew what was being said and as soon as this was decided he looked at me growled and found strengh to turn away from us. his eyes were wide open he was no longer moving but they still administered the drug. that fall killed my boy and i cant get my head around him in a coffin in our garden, the house is not the same i miss him so much. why didnt the vet give him pain relief and give him a scan or exray to see what was going on inside him, i feel i let him down.
Jun 23rd 2009
8:23 PM
Hi Kath,
Please don’t be hard on yourself. One of my Maltese’s, Trovy, died due to fluid in his lungs when he was 13, almost five years ago. Prior to Trovy was a healthy dog with no sign of respiratory or any health problems.
He just collapsed one morning right beside my bed, no crying or yelping in pain just lifelessly still. Rushed him to the hospital and the vet gave him injection to draw the fluid out and put him in an oxygen tank to help him to breathe easier. Although it helped a little, both Trovy and I knew it was a matter of time. After four hours of watching him lying so lifelessly in the tank, Trovy gave me a straight long glare and I knew it was time to let him go.
If I knew any better then, I would have put him down sooner than have him go through needles and pain. One can’t survive too long when the lung is ruptured; it’s just a matter of time. Kath, just appreciate those moments you had with Ben, that’s all he asks of you. Live life just like he (all dogs do) did…NO REGRETS!
Jun 29th 2009
12:39 PM
STOP DOING THAT !!!!!IT’S SO MEAN!!!!
Jul 3rd 2009
5:32 PM
Be assured that these angels go to heaven, after all, that is where they came from!
–Peace
Aug 23rd 2009
2:59 PM
Renee your information and comforting of your readers is an amazing outlet to turn to when people are confused or may feel alone about pet euthanization. However, that should not dismiss your lack of judgement when considering a second opinion for your article editing. You should have your works proof read because every article or section you wrote had inappropriate abbreviations, run on sentences, and lack of empathy in some cases when referring to our beloved pets, among other things. At least close out your quotation marks so the hundreds of viewers do not have to do the proof reading for you. God bless.
Sep 27th 2009
9:41 PM
I have put my dog to sleep today…Its not easy when your family is against it…IOnly solace is I had a long talk with my dog before it and fed him well the previous night. He was a handsome 6 year old lab. He was suffering from Diabetes and was pissing all over the house.He was the best toilet trained dog I have ever heard of…an extremely self -respecting darling.He completely cooperated all throughout the process, looking straight into my eyes as if he was well prepared for it….Why do I still feel that I need him answer me whether I was right in doing this!!