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What are the signs my aging dog's quality of life is declining?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Male | neutered | 15 years and 1 month old

When is it time to euthanize our dog? He is about 15 years old, completely deaf, possibly almost blind (maybe cataracts), and runs into things?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 20th, 2016

When making the decision if it is time to say goodbye to a loved pet, I suggest making a list of 5 things Willie loves to do. If he is no longer able to do at least 3 of them, his quality of life has declined to a point where it may be time to say goodbye. It is never an easy decision to euthanize an animal, but it is in the best interest of that animal to do it when their quality of life declines significantly. Making these kind of decisions is something I help people with frequently, and I would be glad to consult with you further if that would help. You can press the "consult online" button under my answer if you would like to talk further with me.

220Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 27th, 2017
I'm so sorry you are facing this issue with Rusty! I work for a home euthanasia service, so this is something I face with clients all the time. I recommend making a list of five things Rusty loved to do. If he's no longer doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. Oftentimes, a dog is ready to go before we are ready to let them go, and they end up inadvertently suffering because of that. Really examine his quality of life, and if it's poor, then letting him go peacefully and without further pain will be a kindness to him. I'd be happy to consult with your further on this if you'd like, simply click the consult online button under my answer. Otherwise, I hope this has helped you, and again I'm sorry you have to face this issue :-(
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2017
I'm so sorry Max isn't doing well, and it sounds like to me you are asking if it's time to let him go. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question all the time with my clients. It's very important to look at a dog's quality of life when making these decisions. I recommend making a list of five things Max loved to do, and if he's no longer doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. It would be a gift to let a dog go peacefully who has a bad quality of life, even though it would be very hard for you to do. I hope this helps, and if you have any further questions, please feel free to request a consult with me for more in depth help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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How to know if my old dog's quality of life has diminished too much?

I work for a home euthanasia service, so I often get asked this question from my clients. I recommend making a list of five things your dog loves to do, and if he no longer does at least two of them, then his quality of life has declined to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. This could include eating as well, as dogs do love to eat. Oftentimes, dogs are ready to go before we are ready to let them go, and they tend to hang on for the owner. I would make this list for your Corgi, and use that to help gauge his quality of life. If you'd like, I'd be glad to consult with you on this issue to give you more in depth help. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. I hope this helps!

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My elderly dog is suffering. How do I know it's time for euthanasia?

What a hard decision for you to make! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I do face this question all the time with my clients. You need to look at Holly's quality of life. I typically suggest making a list of five things a dog loved to do; when they no longer do at least two of them, then their quality of life has declined to point where euthanasia should be considered. Given that she is incontinent, blind, can't hear well, stands in a corner and stares, and is losing weight, I would say her quality of life has declined quite a bit and it may be time to let her go peacefully. I would have a discussion with your vet about this, and I'm sorry you are in this position. I hope this helps!

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Is my old dog's poor quality of life a sign for euthanasia?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Leroy. I'm sorry he's not doing well, and deciding if it's time to consider euthanasia is a tough time. I always recommend looking at the dog's quality of life in making this decision. If it's a poor quality of life, then yes, euthanasia would be the kindest option. While I cannot ultimately make this decision for you, based on your description of him currently, it does sound like his quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. I apologize if that is hard to read, or if it upsets you. It's never easy to make this choice, but if it prevents him from having his quality of life decline more, it is truly a blessing for him. I hope this helps.

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My senior dog is suffering. Is it time to consider euthanasia?

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 :-(

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My senior dog is blind, deaf, declining. Is it time for euthanasia?

I am so sorry to hear that PeeWee is not well. At the end of the day, it is all about quality of life. If you think his quality of life is not good then yes, humane euthanasia should be considered. Here is a link to an article that may help you with your decision. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-assess-your-pets-quality-of-life/ )

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My senior dog is thin and won't eat. How do I assess quality of life?

Making the decision to euthanize your pet is never easy. I usually recommend owners make a list of all the things their pet loved/loves to do. For instance, did she used to love to eat, go on walks, play with a special toy, get tummy rubs, go on car rides, etc. Now you make a check mark on the day she does that. As well as noting her appetite and if she can go out to go potty and not have accidents. When she starts to have more bad days than good days it is a sign that her quality of life is poor. You know her best. While her blood work isn't showing any problems there could be medical problems that won't. Just know that this is an extremely difficult decision but know that you have Cheyennes best interest at heart. I hope this helps. Kisses to Cheyenne!

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What are the signs it's time to let go of my struggling senior dog?

You need to assess Trudy's quality of life. If her quality of life is decreased from what is "normal" for her then I would say it is time. These articles may help you better. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-decision-of-euthanizing-your-pet/ ) ( https://journeyspet.com/pet-quality-of-life-scale-calculator/ ) Hope this helps. So sorry you are having to make this decision. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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