How to Know When to Euthanize Your Dog

How to Know When to Euthanize Your Dog. Euthanizing your dog is a difficult and emotional decision. It is hard to know if your dog is in pain. It is also hard to give up hope that your dog may get better. But there are signs or indicators that your dog no longer has a quality life, and the best thing to do is to have it humanely put to sleep.

Step 1

Start a journal to keep track of the dog's good days and bad days. This helps to determine the dog's quality of life.

Step 2

Realize that most dogs are stoics. According to the Senior Dog website, a dog has to be in considerable pain for you to know it is in pain. Dogs usually hide any pain or discomfort they feel.

Step 3

Look for signs of pain in your dog. According to the ASPCA, an indication of pain is gasping for breath or excessive panting. This is especially important if the dog is on painkillers. This means that the painkillers no longer work.

Step 4

Watch for abnormal behavior. If your dog is hiding in unusal places or reclusive, this is a sign that everything is not well. Some pets prefer to be alone when they are sick.

Step 5

Watch for long periods of inactivity. A sick or weak dog may not move or find it hard to move. Some dogs may find it difficult to walk. Another sign that euthanasia may be needed is if the dog is unable to stand or move.

Step 6

Keep track of your dog's appetite. If a dog no longer eats its favorite foods or treats, this is a sign that the end may be near.

Step 7

Keep an eye out for incontinence or elimination mishaps. If the dog also has difficulty moving or has no appetite, this can indicate that it is nearing the end of its life.

Step 8

Visit the vet. If the vet tells you the dog has a terminal illness and you have done all you can to treat it, this is another indicator that euthanasia may be in order.

Warnings

• Another option that is gaining in popularity is hospice care for dying pets. This allows the dog to get the best palliative care before it dies.

References

• Senior Dogs; The Road Ahead...Is Euthanasia the Right Choice?
• ASPCA: End of Life Care FAQ