My dog has cancer and is suffering. When is it time to say goodbye?

I'm so sorry Ghost has cancer and you are going through this, it's very hard! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face these questions with my clients all the time. I would speak with his vet about pain medication. He can be put onto a pain management protocol that could make him feel better, and increase his quality of life. You can also talk to your vet about the possible use of laxative on him, which may make it easier for him to pass feces. Having these medications on board can help significantly improve him quality of life for a period of time so that you can have more time with him before having to let him go. I would have him seen by a vet today or tomorrow to speak about these issues. When it comes to saying goodbye, I tell my clients to make a list of five things their dogs loves to do. When they aren't doing at least two of them, then their quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. It's very important to take his quality of life into account when making the decision to let a pet go or not. I hope this helps! If you'd like to discuss things further,, I'd be happy to snout with you, just click the "consult online" button under my answer.

First off, I'm so sorry Jack has cancer! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face these questions with my clients all the time. I tell them to make a list of five things their dog loves to do. If he isn't doing at least two of them, then their quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. Another factor to consider with Jack is his appetite. If he stops eating all together, he will slowly be starving, and that will be quite painful for him. I wouldn't let him get to that point. Oftentimes, our dogs are ready to go before we are ready to let them go, and they hang on longer for us. Dogs are quite good at hiding their pain, especially if they see their owner is distressed. I would make that list I suggested, keep trying to get him to eat, and have blood tests done to see if he is getting anemic. This may help you decide when it's time to let him go peacefully. I understand it's hard to say goodbye when he's still running and playing, but it may be better to let him go sooner rather than later as he will leave you happy and in a good place, rather than extremely ill and weak if that makes sense. Only you can decide what's best for him, and I'm so sorry that you have to face this decision. I'd certainly be happy to consult with you if you'd like to discuss things further, just click the "consult online" button under my answer. I hope I've been helpful.

I am so sorry you are going through this with Lucy. I think you will make the best decision for her. I really try to look at quality of life when I am faced with these situations. If you feel like she is painful, not eating, drinking and has a poor quality of life than it is most likely time. I know this can be a painful and hard decision to make so just trust your heart. Hope that helps

Hi there! Thanks for letting us take care of you today! Sorry to hear about Ruger. I definitely know where you are coming from as I mostly see cancer patients. What I usually tell my clients is that the time to consider humane euthanasia is when they stop being themselves. For example, when they stop doing 3 out of their 5 favorite things (eating, playing, or whatever these are), it is time to let them go without suffering. Of course this is if not considering treating the cancer. There are always palliative medications you could consider like prednisone and anti-nausea medications (as cancer can cause nausea depending on the type) just from a palliative standpoint to try to make Ruger feel better in the meantime. Sorry you are going through a rough time.

This can be a very difficult decision, especially with stoic (or stubborn) dogs. As long as he is eating, drinking and behaving normally otherwise, he may be fine. Signs of pain or discomfort include lethargy, loss of appetite, panting, drooling, lameness or walking "hunched". Whining is typically the last thing dogs do when in pain. If you haven't already, discuss palliative care with your veterinarian. Keep track of Chopper's "good" days and "bad" days. When the bad days outnumber the good ones, it may be time. I am sorry you are facing this decision. It is always one of the most difficult decisions for a pet parent and a veterinary professional to make.

I'm sorry Ben has an anal tumor! Your vet is right that he will be pain, even if he doesn't act like it. Dogs can be very stoic about pain, and he is also showing you he is in pain from his arthritis based on the fact that he moves around slowly and can't get up stairs well. It's a hard choice to make as to when it's time to say goodbye to a beloved pet. I work for a home euthanasia company, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I recommend making a list of five things Ben loved to do. When he's not doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has declined to a point when humane euthanasia should be considered. Also consider his quality of life if he starts having trouble passing feces due to the size and location of the tumor. In the meantime, I would discuss giving him pain meds with your vet. This may improve his quality of life in terms of getting around and help with the pain from the tumor. If you'd like to discuss things further with me, you can request a consult for more in-depth help. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Poor Frosty, it's so sad to see your beloved family member deteriorate. From your description it sounds like his time is coming to an end, but it still may be worth him having his trusted vet examine him to ensure that additional pain relief won't give him a bit more time. My feeling is that probably this is associated with the malignacy and not due to arthritis, but a physical exam should be able to help determine if he can be comfortable again. If you call your vet, request a quality of life exam, they will treat you with compassion and be able to discuss all the options available. Making that final decision can be the kindest choice you can make for Frosty.