Making the decision to put your dog down is probably one of the most difficult decisions any of us will have to make.
In order to know when it’s time, it is important to know the signs of suffering. It is also important to know when all treatment options have been exhausted.
When It’s Time—The Signs of Suffering
There are a few tell-tale signs that your dog is ready to transition.
- Prolonged lack of appetite
- Absence of joy or happiness
- Inability to ambulate
- Restlessness, pacing, constant state of anxiety especially at night (also called sundowner’s syndrome)
- Unrelenting pain, reluctance to move, crying, moaning, panting, and aggression when touched
- Hiding and avoiding human contact
- Abnormal vocalization
- Uncontrolled seizures
If your dog has a terminal illness and the symptoms can no longer be controlled with medications, supplements, non-pharmaceutical modalities and nutrition, then it is time.
If your geriatric dog starts to show any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you have him or her seen by a veterinarian ASAP. There may be something you can do to manage their condition before they deteriorate further. If you wait to long then many conditions will reach the point of no return.
When It May Not Be The Right Time
A Treatable or Manageable Condition
It may not be the right time if there are treatments you haven’t yet tried that could help your dog enjoy more quality days. Consult with your veterinarian as soon as symptoms occur to discuss possible management.
It also may not be the right time if your dog is still able to experience signs of joy and happiness. If he/she still enjoys certain activities.
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of humane euthanasia. The best we can do for our dogs is prevent arthritis by supporting their joints before they start to show symptoms.
This is accomplished by:
- A high quality diet. This could be a raw diet, a human grade dehydrated diet, a fresh whole foods diet or a balanced home cooked diet. Avoid highly processed diets such as dry kibble.
- Joint supplements such as high quality omega 3s (green-lipped mussels or krill oil), joint supplements (chondroitin, glucosamine, curcumin) and high quality probiotic.
- Annual or biannual check-ups that include blood work, urinalysis and sometimes radiographs
- Avoid over-vaccination. Pets in their geriatric years should not be vaccinated.
End stage arthritis often requires a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and daily pain medications.
Check out my blog article on arthritis for more details.
If your dog is suffering from arthritis, and you have not tried any or all of these treatments, then it may not be time for euthanasia just yet.
Acute Injury or Illness
As an emergency veterinarian, I see daily cases of acute injury or illness. These scenarios have different considerations than that of the aging dog.
The majority of dogs that come to me with acute injury or illness can be fixed.
However, there are other things to consider. One is the quality of life after healing and long term prognosis. The guardian must be willing to put in the effort necessary to care for an animal during the recovery phase and willing to manage any permanent disabilities.
Another consideration is expense. If expense is your limiting factor, then consider options for financial assistance. My non-profit Healing Haven Animal Foundation was started for the purpose of helping owners afford urgent, life-saving care for their pets. Finances should not dictate the life of an animal. Purchasing pet insurance is the best way to avoid making financial decisions for your dog’s health.
I do see dog guardians feel obligated to elect humane euthanasia if they feel their dog is suffering. However, in the cases of acute injury or illness, I urge owners not to rush to “end their suffering”. If they can be fixed, their pain can be controlled during the healing process.
I tell owners, “if you could ask your dog if he wants to fight for his life or just give up, what do you think he would say?” Younger dogs with acute conditions would often choose to fight, in my opinion. And I believe they deserve that chance.
Just because humane euthanasia is an option for dogs, doesn’t always mean it is the right one.
When the Time Is Right, How Can You Ensure the Most Peaceful Transition?
Home Euthanasia is by far the most peaceful way to help your best friend pass without fear or stress.
I started a home euthanasia business several years ago after providing the service for a friend’s aggressive dog. The experience of allowing this dog to stay home in his own bed surrounded by his loved ones was so beautiful. He did not become aggressive because he did not feel fear. This was a much different experience than if he had been taken into a clinic.
After this, I felt the need to offer this service regularly. Now I have a busy home euthanasia business that provides many dogs with the peaceful transition they deserve.
To Sum It Up
When we bring a dog into our life, we know that at some point we will have to say goodbye. It’s the cost of loving a great dog.
All we can do is keep our dogs as healthy as possible, be equipped with the knowledge to know when it’s time, and then provide the most peaceful transition possible.
And when you do make the final decision to let your dog go, do it without regret. Don’t go back and question it. Your dog is grateful for the difficult decision you had to make to ease their suffering and you deserve to give yourself grace during this difficult time.
If you would like to discuss humane euthanasia, please feel free to reach out to me. I can help you decide if the time is right or if there is more we can do. In-Home Euthanasia
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