No one gets a new puppy thinking about how down the road they will need to say goodbye to their new dog. But unless a sudden accidental death or illness causes a young pup to perish prematurely, there will come a day when the decision will need to be made to end the life of your beloved companion. It is a harsh reminder that unfortunately, our dogs (and other animals) never seem to live long enough, especially the great ones! So when "should" we say when? Obviously each situation is as different as the dog and owner in question. But most vets would agree, it is better to not wait until the dog is in such a state of decline that they are in pain, immobile, or not able to eat or drink, or to pass urine or bowels. Too many times dogs seem to "rally" after making that dreaded vet appointment, almost like they know. This makes it heartbreaking for an owner that is trying to "do the right thing" by their pet, making them second guess their decision and causing many anguishing moments- Do you cancel the appointment for another day? A week? A month? Do you stick with the appointment and forever feel like you prematurely ended your dog's life? If you waited, did you add to the suffering of your pet due to a sudden down turn in their health and not being able to get another appointment right away. There really isn't a "correct"answer because one home may be able to provide "hospice" like care due to financial, environment, and physical abilities. While another might not be able to help an elderly dog navigate a stairway, or afford high dollar medications that "might" prolong your dog's life-but not necessarily the quality of it, or the owner too may be struggling with their own limited physical abilities and cannot care for a special needs dog. The time of year and climate might also play a huge part, dogs can not longer tolerate the heat or cold and need to be inside- when they were previously outside dogs- but there really isn't any way to allow for that might be a reason to think about end of life planning sooner than later. Here is a simple checklist that might help make your decision: Can your dog: 1) Stand without or with minimal assistance without pain 2) Able to defecate and urinate without pain or falling over 3) Able to swallow: eat and drink without choking, has appetite 4) Able to negotiate around furniture, steps, doggie doors, etc.. 5) Still seem to have a zeal for life on more days than not 6) In relative good health other than typical "old age" issues On the other hand- Is your dog: 1) Urinating and or defecting on it's self while sleeping? 2) Cannot get up on it's own without help, maybe in pain 3) Refuses water and is dehydrated, refuses to eat even special foods and treats 4) Vomits with every meal or after drinking, severe diarrhea after every meal 5) Cannot walk more than a couple of feet without tiring or falling over: needing assistance to walk, potty breaks, eat or drink 6) Has life limiting serious disease such as cancer or liver, heart, or kidney disease 7) Spends more days in pain with dull tired look or having to be on so many pain meds that it spends majority of time immobile or sleeping. Your dog could have some symptoms from both lists simultaneously, the thing to keep in mind is when the bad out weighs the good, and with the knowledge that the bad is not going to get better long term no matter how good of care or expense that you throw at it. When that time comes, rest assured that yes- you will feel bad, sad, and maybe even a bit angry. That is normal. The key point is to face this time as bravely as you can for the sake of your pet. They have no concept of "death", only the here and now and pain or pleasure. Make their last moments memorable ones, let them eat whatever they desire -let them have a piece of chocolate right before! No dog should have to live without ever tasting chocolate! , throw them that last dead bird, take those last photos of your dog enjoying the sunshine, snow, or laying by their favorite person, give them all of the love in your heart even though it might feel like it is breaking. He or she will likely see your tears and feel your sorrow and will try to comfort you, so please, no matter how hard you think that it will be, make sure that you are with them for their last breath. You will be thankful later that you did the "right" thing in ending their pain and letting them go with you by their side one last time. And on that note: Please keep in mind that your vet is also likely to be upset and sad. So it won't be remiss if you feel the need to give them a hug and a thank you as well.
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