Behavioral euthanasia is touchy topic and one that tends to bring out keyboard warriors. Euthanasia for any reason is a difficult decision but behavioral euthanasia is often not given the same understanding as a euthanasia for physical reasons like cancer or arthritis. Here we have a parallel with human healthcare – mental health struggles are often not given the same weight and empathy as physical ailments.
As a behavior consultant who specializes in fear and aggression cases, often ones who have been through several other professionals before they get to me, I have clients who are facing the difficult decisions of rehoming, surrendering or behavioral euthanasia. I am also a certified companion animal end-of-life death doula, so I have clients looking for support from someone who will be safe and non-judgemental. Due to my qualifications as a behavior consultant and pet death doula, I am uniquely qualified to help people navigate those difficult decisions and conversations.
If you’re not sure what an end-of-life doula does, you can read my post on that here.
Behavioral euthanasia is never a decision made out of convenience.
Nobody gets an animal thinking they may have to one day consider behavioral euthanasia.
Despite the stigma it carries, it is not a decision made out of convenience. And it doesn’t necessarily mean the animal has mauled someone or police or medical providers have been involved.
Opting to euthanize for an animal that has seriously injured or killed a person or animal seems reasonable to many people but often behavioral euthanasia is done before there is serious harm.
The decision about behavioral euthanasia is about risk assessment and quality of life, for both the animal and the humans. And this is where it gets tricky, because it’s not black or white, and everyone’s risk assessment, is different.
But I know this. Nobody would speak badly about a person who opts to euthanize an animal struggling daily with pain and suffering which affects their quality of life from cancer or other physical ailments but if that same animal is struggling with quality of life issues due to behavioral reasons, the owner is often shamed for considering behavioral euthanasia.
This needs to change.
What is behavioral euthanasia?
Behavioral euthanasia is the humane ending of an animal’s life because the animal is suffering from severe behavioral issues, including aggression, fears or anxiety. It is a difficult decision for any guardian to make, but it is sometimes the best option for both the animal and the family.
There are many reasons why an animal may be considered for behavioral euthanasia. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Aggression: Animals that are aggressive towards people or other animals are a safety risk. They can cause serious injury or in some cases, even death.
- Extreme anxiety: Animals that are severely anxious may be self-harming or unable to cope with everyday situations, such as going outside, co-existing with others in their environment or being around people.
- Other behavioral problems: Other behavioral problems that may lead to behavioral euthanasia include severe separation anxiety, compulsive disorders, and self-mutilation.
The decision to euthanize an animal for behavioral reasons is not an easy one and often is met with a high degree of judgement, as if every behavioral situation can and should be “fixed.”
But this thinking is overly optimistic at best and misses the mark on understanding where fear comes from in dogs. Poor breeding, lack of good, early socialization, environment and many other factors contribute to an animal’s mental health. It is important to weigh all of the factors involved, including the behavior, the safety of the family and community, and the animal’s overall quality of life.
The mantra spewed by many animal rescue organizations to “save them all” is, in my opinion, a dangerous one and one that contributes to public misunderstanding about animal behavior, and worsens feelings of guilt that owners wrangling with this suffer from. It also discounts quality of life and promotes the myth about sanctuaries, which I’ve written about here.
If you are considering behavioral euthanasia:
- Ensure everyone’s safety by using physical barriers like baby gates and/or a muzzle until a decision is made.
- Talk to your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist to rule out medical causes and explore medication options.
- Work with a qualified behavior consultant (like me!) who can help you navigate training options, prognosis, management or other options.
- Be transparent and honest with your behavior professional and vet so they can help you assess the situation and guide you to make the best decision for your dog.
- Schedule my special training session to help you navigate these tough decisions in a safe, non-judgmental space. You don’t have to, and shouldn’t, navigate this alone. There is help.
- Get support from a professional trauma therapist.
- Be kind to yourself. You’re acting out of love in any decision you make.
You can also download my free checklist here.
It’s important to give yourself grace and understanding during these times. Losing a pet is always difficult, but it can be especially challenging when the pet is euthanized for behavior. There’s often stigma, judgement and lingering questions about whether you did everything you could have. Talk to your friends and family about your loss, being honest and seek professional help, if you need it. And most importantly, allow yourself time to grieve. Remember that you made the best decision for your dog to give them peace for an animal whose quality of life was suffering.
Here’s my post on grief resources, including these, which are specifically for behavioral euthanasia.
- Rescued By Training consult for those considering rehoming, surrendering or behavioral euthanasia
- Losing Lulu – Making The Behavioral Euthanasia Decision Webinar
- Losing Lulu (Facebook group specifically for behavioral euthanasia support. You must answer the screening questions to be admitted membership.)
- Behavioral Euthanasia: Forgiving Yourself For Not Walking On Water
- Behavioral Euthanasia with Dr. Chris Pachel
- When Bonnie Came Home
- The Pet Loss Companion Podcast Episode #199
Here is my post on at-home euthanasia with a directory at-home euthanasia vets. At-home euthanasia is my recommended option for those dealing with behavioral euthanasia, whenever possible.
And, I would urge you to consider scheduling a photography session before you say good-bye. The Tilly Project – End-of-Life Pet Photography is a non-profit that helps photographers who specialize in this meaningful work connect with pet guardians. Check them out!
Please be sure to share this post with friends who may need it.
I am not a therapist but if you are struggling, I’d love to help you. You can read more about my service offerings here, including my consult for those considering behavioral euthanasia and doula services.
I hope you find these resources helpful and I am so sorry you are enduring this difficult time.
Love to all the caretakers of difficult dogs. I know you’re doing the best you can.
