Many dog lovers have faced this heartbreaking situation. It’s inconsolable to imagine a life without your canine companion by your side. A lot of people feel like God is punishing them for not taking good care of their dogs by giving them an easy death and sending them to heaven.
The Bible does not say much about pets, but it does have a lot to say about mercy and compassion, so the best approach is to look at the whole of scripture.
The Bible says that we are to be kind to animals; however, animals were created by God and they were put under our dominion (Genesis 1:26). This means that we have the right and responsibility to use animals as we see fit. It also means that we are responsible for protecting them from harm.
When it comes to putting a dog to sleep, there is nothing in scripture that suggests this is wrong. We have authority over animals, so we can put them out of their misery if they’re suffering.
If we see a dog suffering from some condition or injury that would cause long-term harm or pain and there’s no hope of recovery, then we should do all that we can to end its suffering. It may be possible to take the dog in for treatment — but if not, then euthanasia might be the kindest option.
The Bible makes it clear that we are to treat animals with dignity, respect, and mercy. Proverbs 12:10 (NIV) states, “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal.”
The Bible also indicates that when an animal is a threat to people or other animals, it should be put to death (Exodus 21:28-35).
Animal rights groups have often criticized this biblical passage for being cruel and inhumane. However, if one applies the Biblical principle of mercy, this passage makes perfect sense.
It would be unmerciful and cruel to allow an animal to suffer when you can end its life painlessly. In addition, this passage allows a person who is not capable of caring properly for their animals to give them up for adoption rather than letting them die.
How do I forgive myself to put my dog down?
I can understand why you would feel guilty about having to euthanize your dog. But in my opinion, if a doctor advised you that there was no hope for the dog, and the dog was suffering, I don’t think God would hold it against you at all.
I do not believe that God will punish you for trying to save your dog from pain by putting him to sleep. I believe that God is merciful to animals and does not want them to suffer.
God loves you and He loves your dog, too. He does not want you to live with guilt over this any longer than necessary. You made a merciful decision, and that is what God wants us all to do when we have to make such a decision.
Vet brings peace to pets, families with in-home euthanasia
Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp.
