How to know when to put a suffering dog with cancer to sleep?

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.

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.

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.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Louie. I'm so sorry that you and him are going through this. I usually tell clients that once he stops eating, drinking, develops difficulty breathing, becomes severely lethargic, etc. it's time to start thinking about euthanasia to prevent suffering. So those are the guidelines I suggest. Again, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish you the best in the coming days. Remember, this is the hardest thing that humans will go through in this life. Follow your heart. Louie will tell you when he's ready. God Bless

I'm sorry Kenya has cancer! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question from my clients frequently. I recommend looking at her quality of life. Make a list of five things she loves to do, and when she is no longer doing at least two of them, then her quality of life has declined to the point where euthanasia should be considered. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I only see cancer patients and as you can imagine, I see terminal cancer patients on almost a daily basis. First of all, sorry to hear about Timmie. Give her lots of love, treats and all the good stuff that she deserves and wants. Usually regardless of the cancer type, I recommend treating any symptoms if they occur. Meaning that if Timmie develops any decreased appetite or nausea or vomiting or diarrhea, these are treated with medications. Otherwise, if you not pursuing cancer therapy, there is really nothing else to do. This decision is hard to make, no question. However, what I tell my clients is to consider making this decision if they think that quality of life has been severely affected. This means when Timmie does not seem to be enjoying herself anymore. You could consider doing it if Timmie stops doing 2 out of her 3 favorite things (that could be eating, playing, running, etc). Best wishes for you and Timmie!

You can speak to the vet about prescribing pain medication for Sadie to see if that will help her be more comfortable, but if she is really bad off like you describe, letting her go peacefully would be the kindest option for her. I know you aren't ready, we are never ready to let our beloved pets go, but we do have to put their interests over ours. You don't want her to suffer, and letting her go would be a great gift for her. I'm sorry you are facing this :(