Should I Euthanize My Pet?

Pet Euthanasia Considerations and How to Know if It's the Right Time

Oct 11, 2008

A look at how to decide if it's the right time to put down a sick or old cat, dog or other pet, and other considerations for a pet owner thinking about euthanizing a pet.

"Is it time to put my dog down?" "How do I know if it's the right time to euthanize my sick or elderly pet?"

These are two of the most difficult, yet common questions that a pet owner will ever face. The decision of when to put down a sick, injured or elderly cat, dog, bird or other pet can be an agonizing one. But considering several important factors can help pet owners to make the best possible decision concerning a pet's euthanasia.

"Euthanizing a pet and counseling pet owners about their decision is, hands down, the most difficult part of my job. I've been helping pet owners to decide if they should put down their pet for more than a quarter century and it's just as difficult now as it was at the beginning of my career," explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.

Dr. Levine added, "I think the best bit of advice I can offer is this: You know your pet better than anyone. When it's the right time to euthanize a cat or dog or other beloved pet, you just know deep down that euthanasia is the right decision. It will no longer feel like you have a decision to make - you will just know that the time has come to put the pet down. So I tell most pet owners, 'If you're unsure about whether it's the right time to euthanize your pet, hold off because it's not the right time. When the time comes, you will know. There will be no doubt in your mind that the time has come to put the pet to sleep.'"

Considerations to Make Before Putting a Pet to Sleep

There are many things that a pet owner should consider before making the decision of when to euthanize a sick, injured or elderly cat, dog or other pet.

Can the pet still enjoy his favorite activities? Whether it's cuddling on the couch, eating a homemade meal, playing with another family pet or talking a walk around the block, each pet has a few activities that he enjoys. When he can no longer take part in any of these activities comfortably, this is a sign that euthanasia may be the more humane option.
Is the pet in constant pain or discomfort? And if so, can the pet's pain be managed with medication or other treatments? Pain is a normal part of life and animals, like humans, can deal with some discomfort while still enjoying life. And in many cases, a pet's pain or discomfort can be managed effectively on a longterm basis, allowing the pet to live a fairly good quality of life. But on the other hand, a pet who is in a significant amount of pain, who is no longer able to enjoy the people and activities that he's always enjoyed is a pet who may be a better candidate for euthanasia.
Is the pet's life filled with significantly more cons than pros? Writing out a list of pros and cons in the pet's life can really help a pet owner with the decision-making process when it comes to whether or not to put a pet to sleep. A pet whose life is filled with few pros and many cons will be a better candidate for euthanasia.
Is there any chance for recovery? A pet who has no chance of making a recovery is going to be a better candidate for euthanasia, as opposed to a pet who may recover - even just part from an illness or injury. Also consider whether there are any medications or treatments that could improve the pet's quality of life, even temporarily in a terminally ill pet.

Making the Decision to Put a Pet to Sleep

In cases where a pet owner is unsure about whether or not to euthanize a pet, it's usually best to err on the side of caution. Euthanasia is a permanent, irreversible decision, therefore a pet owner should be completely confident and sure of his/her decision before putting a pet down.

Dr Levine added, "I urge pet owners to hold off on putting a pet to sleep if they're having doubts. The last thing you want is to make a decision you will regret. A pet's memory should be a happy one - not one that's associated with regret and sadness."

Resources for Pet Owners Who Are Grieving the Loss of a Pet

When the time does come to put a pet to sleep, many animal lovers will experience a profound sadness as part of the grieving process. Nationwide, many animal shelters and humane organizations host pet loss support groups that many grieving pet owners find helpful in the healing process.

And for internet savvy pet owners who are grieving the death of a pet, there are many online pet loss support websites, including PetLoss.com.

To learn more about the options available to pet owners who have suffered a pet loss, read When a Pet Dies: Pet Cemetery and Burial Options.

The copyright of the article Should I Euthanize My Pet? in Pet Care is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish Should I Euthanize My Pet? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

Oct 28, 2008 3:15 PM

Guest :

This is really hard because I never really liked this dog. She was a stray we picked up in 1995 and she never really bonded. Now she is blind, snaps at me, can't stay in her kennel without havint a bm, and is losing weight. She also is very stiff legged and doesn't seem to want to come out of her kennel in the morning. If I liked her, the decision would be easy, how ironic. I've killed dozens of deer for food without a second thought. But I feel mean considering taking this dog to the vet to put her down.

Nov 1, 2008 7:08 PM

Guest :

I made the horrible decision to euthanize my cat on the 28th of October and am sure she is better off now, but the guilt haunts me when I think of the fact that ultimately I was the one who took her to the vet and "caused" her to pass on.
The only comfort I take in my decision is that her passing was very quick and very peaceful; no screaming, no crying, no twitching, nothing at all except for a slight last breath. She saw me right up to the end, and I can only hope she'll spot me when I join her at my time.
Euthanasia good or not? Still unsure but leaning slightly toward thinking it was the right thing to do.

Nov 4, 2008 9:26 AM

Guest :

Nov.4 2008 our dog is frequntly urinating in your house,she is a 10 year old boxer dosent like her walks any more drinks lots of water but still has good appetite sleeps alot shes up every 2hrs during the nite for water and pee time considering euthanazing her my wife and i cannot takr much more!!!!!!!

Nov 5, 2008 9:59 AM

Mia Carter :

To the Guest with the Boxer:

Thanks for your question! I've written up an answer for you in my latest blog entry. You can find your answer at the following URL:

http://www.suite101.com/blog/miacarter/q_should_i_euthanize_my_dog

You can copy and paste that address into your browser and it should take you to your answer! I wish you luck with your girl.

-Mia Carter
Pet Care Feature Writer, Suite101.com

Nov 10, 2008 12:56 PM

Guest :

I just put my 9 year old german shepard down yesterday. We found out that bandit had cancer in his liver and his lymphnodes about 2 weeks ago. Our family was devastated especially because the cancer was so bad that not even chemo could really help. We gave him medicine to make him comfortable until we were ready and felt we had to put him down. Despite knowing that what we did was the right thing because he was begining to get really ill and was in pain we are still extremely sad and broken hearted. No amount of money could have stopped us from trying to save him. But in the end right time or not it still is the worst feeling ever.

Dec 3, 2008 5:58 AM

Guest :

Thank you for this article. We have an 18 year old cat who is experiencing what is normal for an elderly cat, however she is still able to and enjoys eating & interaction with our family. Your advice to wait until you "know deep inside" that it is the right decision has put my mind at rest. We'll just let nature take its course for as long as possible & thus prevent regret. Thanks again.

Dec 3, 2008 5:59 AM

Guest :

Jan 9, 2009 8:45 AM

Guest :

Me and my partner have a 14 yr old labrador and apart from problems with his back legs he still likes to go for walks, short ones now obviously. he still enjoys his food and drinks fine. I found this article very helpful good advice . thankyou.. debbie

Apr 19, 2009 7:08 PM

Guest :

Guest: I made the decission to euthanize my dog. I was the one who fed my dog the years that we had him,but I really never showed him any care for the dog. The reason we had a dog is because of my kids. The day my dog got sick of heart worms I didnt even wanted to deal with him. My mom made me take him and it was too late. I had to make the decision of putting him down. Then came the heart break, I found out how much I really loved the dog, but its too late now. Now I have to live with the guilt and pain for not careing for the dog. If you are goin to have any kind of pet make sure you take care of your pet.

Jun 10, 2009 8:28 PM

Guest :

I have a Himalayan cat that I have had for 23 years. He has arthritis in his hind quarters. It has become hard for him to stand for any length of time. He smells bad and doesn't take care of himself like he used to. I feel it's time to let go and have him put down, but it's still so hard for me. He is like another child of mine since I've had him for so long. I have taken him to the vet twice now for quartisone shots, but they don't seem to work for long for him. I guess I just need reassurance that I am planning to do the right thing.

Jun 18, 2009 1:32 AM

Guest :

So many things to consider in my decision to euthanize my 15 yr old cat, Shadow. I've spent $700 in last 6 months with dehydration and constipation problems. (Stools were manually extracted under anesthesia due to size and extreme hardness.) I did home hydration with bag and needle from Vet and added canned food but now he's back to not sitting all the way down, has a bulge at the anus again, has a wet leakage and he isn't cleaning himself up. This behavior is very difficult to handle.
But Shadow was my #1 for so long...I want to do the right thing. I have young son and very elderly mother to care for also. I'm definitely not squeamish about wound care but poop it's different.
I can't take any more.

Jul 10, 2009 6:43 AM

Guest :

My cat, Ruby is over 17 years old. She has had problems with vomitting for two years now. She recently has been urinating on all my rugs, her bowel movements are loose and extremely smelly. Last week she deficated on the floor. She sleeps alot, rarely grooms herself. She still likes to eat and is responsive to our presence. This is a hard decision.

Jul 12, 2009 10:30 AM

Guest :

Hello- I am hoping you can answer a very perplexing question I have. Being in TNR and Rescue for over 30 years and having my own felines euthanized over the years, I am asking for advice.
I have a 19 year old cat that obviously doesn't see well as she howls and howls when I am out of sight. She doesn't make it to the litterbox anymore.......but I am not complaining about cleaning up after her. I will do anything for an animal. She still grooms herself, so she looks good. She has lost weight over the years, but she always was a petite thing.
Since she still has an incredible appetite, Idon't think it's time yet to end her life. When she stops eating and grooming herself and doesn't seem to enjoy life anymore, is it time?
I know that animals "mask" pain very well. I'm not sure if she is in any.
Euthanisia is an extremely peaceful way to put an end to suffering. I have used it many times. Sure, guilt comes with it, but it is the absolute right decision when "quality of Life" diminishes and suffering in inevitable.
Please advise me-I'm really confused by this.
Thank you~

Jul 12, 2009 10:49 AM

Mia Carter :

To the Reader With the Cat:

I would not euthanize this cat at this time. The very fact that you're showing doubt indicates to me that it's not the right time. I've found in my personal experience that when it's the right time to euthanize a pet, you "just know;" there's no doubt.

The fact that she's still eating and grooming bodes well; it shows she's not feeling completely horrible. Certainly - like any elderly creature, even humans - she probably has some discomfort. But an animal can still have a good quality life with some discomfort.

I'd also get her examined; perhaps her incontinence is the result of something treatable, like an infection or crystalluria?

Ultimately, what I look for the time when life has more a burden/pain than joy and enjoyment. To me, it sounds that she's clearly a bit disabled due to her age, but she clearly enjoys your company, and food and feels well enough to groom. So my advice is to wait. You'll know in your heart - without a doubt - when the time is right. ;-)

-Mia Carter
Pet Writer

Jul 30, 2009 9:28 AM

Guest :

i'm so upset & considering putting our lab down. she is an 11yo lab who has muscle atrophy, degenerative. she sits/lays down ever few feet. doesn't eat much if at all, no longer wants to get up. we have to force her up to go outside to relieve herself. it slike she has given up. i don't know if she is in pain. she is on pain killers. she seems alert otherwise.

i just don't know what to do. i cry a couple times a day worried about her, scared to find her dead if i leave the house, worried about how my kids will react...

Aug 30, 2009 5:43 PM

Guest :

I just put My 2 year old Pomeranian to sleep this past Friday. My wife and I can't have kids together so he was just like a son to me. I was the only one who he would let pick him up. I loved this dog so much but my 'little guy' became sick about 5 months ago. I spent hundreds of dollars trying to find out what was wrong w/ him but NONE of the vets could tell me what was wrong with him. after treating him with many meds his condition didn't improve.
In his final days he had trouble eating and drinking so I felt I had to put him to sleep I just really bothers me that I NEVER found out what was really wrong with him. I just HOPE i did the right thing. I'm really having a hard time with this.

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