Dogs - all animals - hide their pain. It's a survival instinct that makes it hard for us to know if we should put our dogs to sleep. But, as veterinarian Dr Marie Haynes says, "If you can save your dog even one day of discomfort, you must." These signs it's time to put your dog to sleep are based on her professional and personal experience with sick, elderly dogs. Euthanizing a dog you love is a very difficult decision, but here's the most important thing to remember: putting your dog to sleep is the final act of love and compassion you give your dog.
Deciding if you should put your dog down because of an illness or injury is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make.
That's the number one sign it’s time to put your dog to sleep: if suffering, pain, or a low quality of life is involved. Answering the question “what is a low quality of life for a dog?” is different for everyone…but the bottom line is that if your dog is suffering in any way, then it’s time to say goodbye.
Deciding if it's time to put your dog to sleep is sometimes a clear decision. Other times, we need a veterinarian's advice and insight about the right time to say good-bye. Sometimes a dog is in so much pain, so injured, or so old that the only and best option is to put him to sleep. Most of the time, though, the decision to euthanize a dog – who is a treasured, loved part of the family – is not easy.
There are no easy signs, and the definition of “good quality of life for a dog” is different for every pet owner. Plus, as one veterinarian told me, it’s often difficult to tell whether a dog is in pain or suffering. But, there are a few signs it really is time to put your dog to sleep.
This veterinarian gave six signs it is time to put a dog to sleep:
1. Is your dog eating and drinking less than usual, or not at all? Lack of appetite is often a sign of pain.
2. Is your dog excessively chewing, gnawing, or licking a problem area, wound, or injury?
3. Does your dog limp or yelp when walking or going up/downstairs?
4. Are you enjoying having your dog around…or is there more pain than happiness because you are seeing signs your dog`s health is diminishing ?
5. Is your dog acting different, such as growling at other dogs or even snapping at children or adults?
6. Does your dog seem to look, sound, or act distressed or uncomfortable most of the time?
These questions are not always easy to answer. Pet owners often want veterinarians or other dog experts to tell them if it is time to put their dog to sleep. Pet owners do not want the responsibility of putting their dogs to sleep too soon…or even too late.
It can be tempting to ask the veterinarian or other dog experts to decide if it’s time, but our vet said this has to be the pet owner’s decision. The vet only sees a snapshot of the dog’s life, while the pet owner has the big perspective and the whole lifespan.
“I see a scared, sick animal in the hospital,” says Dr Haynes. “I don’t see a pet owner’s beloved dog. You have taken care of your dog all its life. This is your final chance to take care of your dog. If you can spare your companion pain and suffering, then putting your to sleep is the ultimate gift…no matter how hard it is for you.”
How will you know if it is time to put your dog to sleep? Here’s what the veterinarian says: There will come a day when it is absolutely clear to you that your dog is not enjoying life. That day is one day too late. If you can save your dog even one day of discomfort, you must.
Deciding on euthanasia is difficult, but it could be the most loving thing you do for your dog.
With love and sympathy,
Laurie
