My old dog with cancer is struggling. When is it time to let go?

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.

I'm sorry you are facing this with Rocky! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this type of question with my clients all the time. I recommend making a list of five things Rocky loved to do. If he's no longer doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has diminished to a point where euthanasia should be considered. His quality of life needs to be taken into consideration when making this decision, and if you feel he has a poor quality of life, then certainly letting him go peacefully would be a kindness. Make this list and really think about what his life is like now and if you feel he's happy and not in pain. If you think he's in pain and unhappy, then letting him go would be a great gift to him. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jade! This is the hardest part of owning pets. You know what is best for your pet. You know her quality of life better than anyone ever will. Your Vet and we can help you decide when it is time. I consider a decreased/poor quality of life when the bad days out weigh the good days. When an animal no longer hangs out with the family, can't get around well, has vomit, diarrhea or won't eat, is crying or whimpering then I consider that a poor quality of life. I don't think it is wrong to try some time with pain medications to see if you can improve her mobility. But if it doesn't work and you think she is in pain then it might be time to consider putting her to sleep. I wish you and Jade the best!

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!

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.

Hi, the right time is when quality of life is poor. I would recommend to have him checked over and discuss this with your vet, but I think deep down inside you know that Spanky is not enjoying his life anymore. Sending you lots of sympathy.

Oh no, I'm so sorry that Santeri is so sick! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I suggest making a list of five things Santeri loved to do. If he's not doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has decreased to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. It's always a hard decision to make, but if he has a poor quality of life, letting him go peacefully would be a great kindness. If you'd like to discuss this further, I'd be happy to consult with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, I hope my answer helps and I'm sorry you are facing this issue :-(