Should I Euthanize My Pet?

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.

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 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!!!!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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~

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

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...

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.

I had to make the horrible decision to euthanize by teacup Chihuahua last Thursday, December 10, 2009 and it was heartbreaking. We had her for almost 10 years and she was only 2.9 lbs. She was daddy's angel and touched so many lives. I could tell that it was her time because she wasn't eating or even able to stand up. I took her to the vet and the vet looked at her gums and said, "I'm sorry, it's too late to do anything." I cried and took her home, for the next two days. We knew that she had a heart condition and we spent thousands of dollars (literally) trying to fix the problem then trying to make her comfortable when we were at the point of no return. I spent time with her and took pictures of her and tried to make her comfortable. I tried not to cry because she would always kiss my face when I cried...and I did not want her to have to worry about me. She was the strongest little baby girl and even though I didn't know anything about euthanizing a pet, the vet hospital wasn't very helpful about my options even though I knew they cared about her. They seemed afraid to explain to me what my choices were so I was confused. They mentioned a "pain patch" and for some reason I thought it was going to at least put her in a comma so she would stop having convulsions...I couldn't stand it any longer so 4 hours after her pain patch, I called the hospital back and said, "I have to do something else, this isn't working!" They told me to come back in and they would "put her to sleep...and it was the humane thing to do." That comment made me feel as though I wasn’t being humane but I know my dog and she wanted to spend her last couple of days with us and that I won’t feel bad about that. What was shocking to me, my husband and my ex-husband was when we got there to put her to “sleep” she was still awake from the patch that they had given her earlier and stated that it had enough medication to put her in a comma – it didn’t work, our experience with euthanizing a dog came when we watched “Marley and Me”. We were mortified that as they injected her, we were expecting her to just lay her beautiful head down and go to sleep but that didn’t happen! She started yelping and crying…and although it may have been only 2-3 seconds, the regret from not asking the vet to put her all the way under prior to euthanizing her almost paralyzed us. She was a very strong dog and we didn’t know any better because we had never put an animal down…but now we know what may happen, we are prepared for what we might have to do with our other three dogs when the time comes. While I agree that euthanizing is better than watching your animal gasp for air, it is a very difficult decision. We will miss our dog so much. I hope this information helps anyone that may have a question about what they may want to do when they come against this situation.

I am in a quandary about my dog, Ginger. She is six years old, and has some hip problems/pain. She is part pit bull,lab, and mastif. She has food aggression, and doesn't do well with children. I have been told by a dog trainer that her behavior will never improve, and by keeping her with us, puts us in danger of her hurting a child or someone else. We have a four year old child, and we are very careful about having Ginger in the house. I just feel awful, because I want her to have a good life, and I feel she has. It has been impossible to have her adopted due to the food aggressiveness. The hip pain is a problem too, because we cannot be sure she won't snap at us when she is in pain. The trainer gave me advice saying that it is not the length of the life that is as important as the quality. If Ginger is any potential danger to any person or child, we could end up in a potentially frightening situation down the road. Can anyone give me advice on this situation? I feel as if I'm letting Ginger down, and love her to death. I feel deep in my heart she will be better off if we put her down, but the guilt I am having (selfish, I know) is so consumming. Any thoughts out there? And thank you in advance for reading this.

To Ginger's owner:

This is *not* a case where I would recommend euthanasia.

Rehoming the dog would be my advice; food aggression (or aggression in general) is a very manageable problem in the hands of a qualified trainer and arthritis pain is not a severe, acute pain that would ever cause a dog to lash out in an aggressive manner, particularly if you treat your dog for the arthritis with medications like Aspirin and supplements like Glucosamine Chondrointin; there are also stronger prescription meds available.

I would definitely recommend another trainer. No experienced, capable, ethical trainer would *ever* recommend euthanizing a dog due to food aggression. Food aggression toward *other dogs* is something that is extremely difficult to solve; the solution is easy – the dogs eat in separate areas. On the other hand, food aggression that's directed *toward humans* is a very solvable problem. If a dog is aggressive toward humans, it suggests that the humans are not viewed as the alpha figures. That's a training problem; a very solvable training problem.

Arthritis is also very treatable. In dealing with thousands of dogs through the course of my work at shelters and in animal rescue, I've never even heard of a dog lashing out due to arthritis pain. It's a dull pain that the dog becomes accustomed to; it's not a sudden, acute, frightening pain as would result from an injury.

So if you don't feel that Ginger is right for your family, *please* give her another chance by bringing her to a shelter. Some dogs simply aren't good with children; that doesn't mean they should be euthanized; they should go to child-free home. I've worked at shelters and I can assure you that they perform rigorous temperament assessment. If they felt that she was dangerous, they wouldn't place her. (This is extremely rare and generally only occurs in the case of severe neglect/abuse.) Some dogs will only be placed in a home without children, or in the hands of an experienced dog owner. But I would absolutely not recommend euthanizing an otherwise healthy dog, who could be a very good pet once provided with the proper training to manage any aggression issues and medication to manage her arthritis. In fact, most vets will not euthanize a dog for this reason; they too would insist on rehoming the dog or training if you felt comfortable going that route.

-Mia Carter
Pet Care Writer, Suite101

i have a 11 month old kitten who has been sick for the last week. she wont eat, poop, clean herself and she on ivs. i dont know whats worng and nether does my vet. all i know is she has a lot of gas bubbles in her intestiens. so unless she starts to get better in the next couple of days i dont know if putting her to sleep is nthe best thing? im really hurt about this,

My Jack Russell Terrier is over 16 yrs old, blind and deaf. She is still in good shape, no limps or aches and pains. She sleeps most of the day and is quiet. I am so torn with the decision of putting her down but she is really messing in the house a lot. She cannot make it through the night yet she never barks to wake me to go outside. I am home most days and evenings with her but it is the night that is tough, I have tried not feeding her past a certain hour but sometimes I have to leave the house not long after I have fed her. At first it was in her crate and I could clean it easily but then she started pacing in it and making a huge mess. I tried putting her in a small area and putting down newspapers but I am cleaning up tramped on poop every day and it is really making my house smell. I have to lift her out of the mess and put her outdoors but when I try to wash her feet when she comes in she bites me, she has always hated having her feet handled. I really am not sure how to deal with this much longer. I have two small children and I need to keep my floors clean. I dread waking up in the morning because 9 out of 10 times there is a tramped on and smelly mess waiting for me. If the dog had some other affliction this would be a much easier decision but she is in great health. What do I do ?

To the owner of the Jack Russell Terrier:

My advice would be this: I would do everything you can to find a solution for this issue. Work with your veterinarian closely and you *will* find a solution. You wouldn't put her down if she was 2-years-old and soiling the floor; so in my opinion, it's not a good reason to euthanize a pet, particularly if she is otherwise happy and healthy.

First, I'd get her examined to rule out an underlying medical problem. Easy-to-treat issues like hormonal imbalances (especially common in spayed females) are often to blame for incontinence.
If she's got loose stools and it's making a mess, speak to your vet – there are special foods and over-the-counter medications that can be used to remedy the problem.

I would also train her to use puppy pads. That will eliminate the issue of the mess. Some dogs simply can't hold it overnight, and puppy pads are a good solution in this regard.
If urinating is an issue as well, diapering can be helpful. The least expensive method involves using a fabric, washable diaper and use overnight/heavy flow sanitary pads as inserts.

I would also try to determine when she's having accidents. If we can determine approximately what time these accidents are occurring, we can adjust her feeding time accordingly. If she's consistently "going" six hours after you go to bed, you need to move her feeding time up by six hours so she'll go right before bedtime.

As you're trying to solve the issue, I might consider placing her in a bathroom or kitchen (with baby gates) – somewhere where it will be easier to clean up the mess. This will also limit the mess to one area. To protect the floor, put down a plastic shower curtain. You can pick up "chunks" and if necessary, you can place the curtain in a plastic bag and then hose it down or launder the shower curtain when it's convenient for you (i.e. not first thing in the morning) and you don't have to worry so much about disinfecting the floors for the children. Use a bit of duct tape or similar to tack it down each night – keeping the shower curtain in one place is key.
I would *not* crate her if she has loose stools or if she's ending up in a situation where she "travels" while going to the bathroom – you just end up with a very dirty dog.

This is a very solvable problem, but it will take some patience and creativity. In my opinion, pets give us so much love and joy; we can't simply give up on them when things are going wrong. We need to work with the pet and his vet to find a solution.

Hope that helps!
-Mia Carter
Pet Writer, Suite101

Hi there, I have A saint bernard girl who had a torn cruciate ligament which was operated on at 18 months old. Unfortunately, the result was not as good as the vet would have liked. Lots of fluid, biggest amount he had ever seen, this was tested, no infection. No amount of anti inflammatories or glucosamine have made a diff. 5 months after this leg was done, she slipped and tore her ligament in other leg. After hospitalisation for 5 days, surgeon did not want to op immediately due to previous outcome and ability of this leg to withstand recouperation of other leg. Decision was made not to operate, after second opinion sought. We have done hydrotherapy, no noticeable improvement. She can only walk for few mins b4 her feet start dragging and she is very unstable. She has difficulty standing up, we often have to lift her. She had a little attempt at playing in the garden the other day and has since been very unsteady, with her left foot turning outwards and her trying not to put weight on right leg. There is a bag of fluid cleary visible at the hock which swings as she walks. She has been urinating in the night on occasion, lying in it - she has been so clean until now. The vet did say I should consider euthanasia due to quality of life, but I find it so hard because when she is lay down and you fuss her, she is happy. I just don't know how she feels the rest of the time, she can't play, run, walk far, get up sometimes - and she cries and barks. Help would be appreciated. I want to do what's best for ellie, not me. Thanks .

To the owner of Ellie, the St. Bernard:

I'm so sorry to hear that your girl has suffered from these problems. A torn ACL can be an awful injury in terms of recovery. Unfortunately, large breeds are very prone to joint injuries and chronic joint problems. But I'm confident you can find a solution (outside of euthanasia) that will help Ellie.

It's my belief that animals should be treated like humans when it comes to euthanasia – we wouldn't euthanize a human in this instance, so I wouldn't euthanize a pet in this situation either. I believe in euthanasia as an absolute last resort, after all options are exhausted and after all hope for improvement is gone. In this situation, I think we have several great options to help Ellie.

I would absolutely get second, third and fourth opinions concerning the surgical options for your dog, but I think a non-surgical option may be best in this situation. There are wheelchairs and leg braces that can be extremely beneficial for a dog who suffers from a torn ACL, so that's an avenue that I would definitely pursue.

I would approach this situation as you would approach it for a human. When a human can't walk without pain, we use a wheelchair. You can purchase doggy wheelchairs online. If money is a consideration, you can make your own (plans are available online) and you can also find used dog wheelchairs, which are typically sold after the disabled dog dies. HandicappedPets.com is a great resource for buying and learning about dog carts, wheelchairs and aids.
It takes time for the dog to learn how to use the wheelchair, but once they get the hang of it, they can live a wonderful and very mobile life. You may find that you can use a combination of aids for Ellie – perhaps you can use leg braces for brief outings or for times when you visit to a non-wheelchair accessible area. And the rest of the day, she can use her wheelchair. They even make "off road" models for dogs who like to hike and go "off-roading!"

There are other options that can be explored if Ellie still experiences discomfort, even while using a wheelchair. Though really, this shouldn't be the case – with a torn ACL or other joint problems, the pain is significantly decreased or eliminated entirely once you stop using the joint. So if she's still in some pain, it will likely be mild and very manageable with medication. If she still had pain, another option would be amputation. It sounds like a drastic measure — and it is — but it would solve the issue of pain and your dog could live a very happy life with two legs (she would use a wheelchair full-time). This would be expensive, but you could use a combination of a wheelchair, braces, pain medication, etc. until you can save enough.

I have owned two-legged dogs and paralyzed dogs in wheelchairs, and I currently have a three-legged dog and a cat who's paralyzed from the "waist down" due to a spinal deformity. But they live wonderful, happy lives. It's important to look at amputation and disabilities from the pet's perspective – they can get around with a wheelchair/braces/etc. and there's no more pain or significantly decreased pain once the body heals from the operation. So it's an all-around good situation for the pet! Animals adjust and adapt very quickly and they don't have to deal with the mental/psychological issues that would affect a human in this situation. So while it seems dramatic, it's a very good option – one that's absolutely better than euthanasia.
If you're not convinced, there are many online support groups for owners of disabled pets; you may consider joining one of these groups so you can interact with owners of wheelchair-bound pets and animals who have undergone amputation. As an owner of 20+ disabled/special needs animals, I can tell you that virtually every pet owner who has opted for a wheelchair, braces, amputation, etc. will tell you that they made the right decision.

And if all else fails, euthanasia is always an option. But it should be your *last* course of action, when nothing else works. When euthanasia is the "right" decision, you just "know." When the time is right, it won't be a decision; it will be something that you *know* must be done. When euthanasia is best, there won't be a doubt in your mind (as there is today – that doubt tells me it's not the right decision.) Otherwise, you're apt to live in regret – regret over a decision that you can't "take back." Once she's gone, she's gone forever.

If money is a problem, you could do some fundraising to pay for her cart and/or surgeries. I've written an article on different ways to get money for vet bills; that may be helpful to you: http://bit.ly/990S6u

I hope Ellie is feeling better soon! It sounds like you really love Ellie and I'm confident you'll find a good solution that doesn't involve euthanasia. You'll thank yourself (so will Ellie!) once you've find the right solution. I think of it like this: humans live with pain and discomfort, but in 99.9% of cases, pain doesn't mean that life is no longer worth living. You can still enjoy life with some pain or discomfort, and in this case, wheelchairs, braces, medication and even amputation can greatly reduce or even eliminate that pain. So don't give up on her!

-Mia Carter
Pet Writer, Suite101

To Ellie's Owner:

One more note that I forgot to mention previously: Urinating in her sleep could certainly be a result of difficulty getting up and down (in that case, I recommend a raised bed and a firm, orthopedic pad – these are typically sold for dogs with arthritis.)

But urinating during sleep can also be due to another fairly common problem called sleep incontinence. Any dog, of any age can experience this problem, but it's most commonly seen in spayed females due to weakened bladder muscles, resulting from hormonal changes and other changes in chemistry that occur after spaying. It can be treated very easily with a medication like Proin. So I would give this a shot. The medication is inexpensive and a few weeks on the medication will tell you if sleep incontinence is a contributing factor.

Best of luck to you and Ellie. ;-)

-Mia Carter
Pet Writer, Suite101

Mia, I have a 12 yo yellow lab who sleeps most of the time, doesn't get around well, eats half the time... I have had to take another job which means I won't be able to come home every few hours to take her out anymore (apartment living) soon. I can't afford doggie day care or a walker. Is it kinder to put her down or find another home for her?

To the owner of the 12-year-old lab:

This is *not* a case where I would recommend euthanasia.
It sounds like she probably has arthritis – very common in older animals. The good news: it's fairly easy to treat with glucosamine-chondrointin supplements, aspirin or special arthritis medications.

The fact that she's less active doesn't mean she's unhappy – it means that she's an older, laid-back dog who's enjoying her golden years by relaxing. The fact that she's less active means that she doesn't need as much food as a younger, active dog (this is a prime reason for obesity in older dogs – they're less active, but they eat the same amount that they ate as a puppy or middle-aged dog!)

Rehoming the dog would be my advice, if you feel that she would be better suited to another environment.

Another option to try would be using puppy pads or a litter box if accidents are a problem because she can't go out during the day. Dogs can very easily be trained to use puppy pads or a litter box.

If you don't feel that your dog is happy with your family, *please* give her another chance by bringing her to a no-kill shelter or a lab rescue group (rescue groups are often more successful at adopting older animals.) Finding a no-kill shelter is essential as older pets can be a bit harder to adopt. In a kill shelter, the pet is more likely to be euthanized. A no-kill shelter will ensure that she finds a loving home where she can live out the rest of her days.

But I would absolutely **not** recommend euthanizing an otherwise healthy dog, who could be a very good pet once provided with a good home and medication to manage manage her arthritis. In fact, most vets will not euthanize a dog for this reason; they too would insist on rehoming the dog.

I hope your dog is feeling better soon! It sounds like you really love her and I'm confident you'll find a good solution that doesn't involve euthanasia. You'll thank yourself (so will your dog!) once you've find the right solution. I think of it like this: humans live with pain, discomfort, or less-than-ideal life situations, but in 99.9% of cases, this doesn't mean that life is no longer worth living!! You can still enjoy life, even when life is less than ideal. So don't give up on her!

I have an article on helping older dogs who suffer from arthritis; I think you'll find it's fairly easy to dramatically improve her quality of life:
http://dog-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/arthritis_and_your_dog

-Mia Carter
Pet Care Writer, Suite101

It has gotten too painful watching my husband and one of our dogs struggling to say good bye. Every sigh of life on that still beautiful husky goes to be one more minute by his beloved owner.
At this point I just don’t know what to do. My husband has had Max since he was 6 weeks old. Now max, at 16 years old turned incontinent about a month ago, wears a diaper, can not walk anymore by himself, uses a harness from which we carry almost his whole weight so he can make a few steps to the water bowl, he can’t no longer eat by himself, I have to feed him with a spoon and he cries and hauls when he is not sleeping. He is not a dog anymore, he can’t do the things dogs enjoy doing, he’s just suffering waiting for my husband to come home from work, when he takes over and carries Max everywhere and comforts him.

It seems that the don’t want to get separated and still they’re both suffering.
We also have two small dogs and obviously they are already get over-stressed with the endless everyday powerful cries of poor Max.

Please help Max, help my husband, help my family.

To the owner of Max (Comment from July 1, 2010):

My heart goes out to you and your family. This sounds like it's an absolutely heartbreaking situation; one that really hit home for me, as Max's condition sounds very similar to my own Siberian Husky's condition in the days leading up to his death in 2009.

Ultimately, it sounds like this will be your husband's decision, as he is the closest with Max. The euthanasia decision is not reversible; he will have to live with that decision for the rest of his life. Rarely do people regret postponing euthanasia; the individuals who euthanize a pet before they're ready are the ones who regret it. This will be a difficult loss for your husband as it is; trying to rush the process will only make it more difficult.

That said, he does need to evaluate the situation. Is he keeping Max around for his own selfish reasons? Does he genuinely believe that Max still has some enjoyment in life? If the latter is true, then you can justify keeping him alive -- and remember, life can be difficult and painful, but that doesn't mean life isn't worth living. It sounds like Max does find some enjoyment and comfort in the time spent with your husband; perhaps that makes life worth living, despite the discomfort. It's possible that only your husband will know the answer to this.

If you feel like he's only seeing part of the picture (i.e. he doesn't realize how Max is when he's gone), it may help to video tape Max's behavior. It could be beneficial if your husband spends more time with Max; perhaps take some vacation/sick time from work; he may gain more perspective (if you sense this is an issue.)

That said, I would focus on making Max as comfortable as possible. I would contact your vet to discuss comfort measures -- pain medications, a mild sedative/anxiety medication if he's getting stressed out, appetite stimulants, a doggy wheelchair (or even a harness used for supporting his hind quarters if he has lost control), etc. These measures won't fix his health problems and they won't extend his life; but they will make his remaining days more comfortable.

When it's the "right" time to euthanize a pet, it's *not* going to feel like a decision. You'll know that it's you're only course of action; there won't be a doubt in your mind. If you have doubts, it's not the right time. You'll know that it's what you have to do (not to be confused with what you *want* to do -- you'll never *want* to euthanize a pet; you'll *have to* euthanize him.)

I hope this helps! I wish all the best to you, your husband, Max and your entire family during this difficult time.

Hello, I have also been wrestling with the idea of euthanasia for several months now. Our dog is a pitbull mix named "Monkey" who was 6 months old when we found her, severely abused scarred and emaciated. We took her to a shelter,where a worker took one look at her and said she would be euthanized and would never make a good pet because of the abuse.They also said she would be severely arthritic due to the malnutrition.We felt this gentle soul deserved a chance, so we decided to take her home and nurse her back to health,then try to find her a home.We didn't think we could keep her because we already had 2 other rescues, but a few days with Monkey and her sweet,gentle demeanor became a permanent part of our family.She is now 12 years old and very arthritic,she does need assistance ie:use a puppy pad because she is unable to go for walks anymore. However,she enjoys meals and shows affection. We brought up the idea of euthanasia,but were determined that she would have a long happy life because of all that she had been through as a puppy. She can walk, but it is difficult for her.Very recently, she became ill, stopped eating and starting losing an alarming amount of weight.We brought her to several vets who,after thousands of dollars in tests, can not find anything wrong with her except a large amount of gas and bloating, and said the only option left was exploratory surgery. We were adamant that we would not put her through that.The Vet gave us antiulcer meds which actually seemed to help; Monkey started eating again and put a small amount of weight back on.However,in spite of bland meals and antiulcer meds, she relapses and stops eating, and her tummy gets so upset we can actually hear the gurgling. A battle with the very best antiulcer meds and clear fluids for a couple of days usually puts her right again, but this is an underweight dog who can not afford to go a couple days without eating. The oddest thing is that nothing else happens,no vomitting,no diarrhea no bleeding,etc, just this GI upset. We have been slowly nursing her back to health as best as we can, she was actually putting weight on again with a high-calorie liquid supplement, bland solid foods and the ulcer medication. A couple of days ago we noticed something alarming; while petting her we noticed several areas of what appears to be the start of pressure sores. We have been treating them but are now convinced it is time to euthanize her. However, each time I get close to bringing her to the Vet, I am hit with guilt that perhaps we didn't try everything or give her a enough time to get better. If we can work with her GI problems and she is healthy again, she will still be severely arthritic. I have spoken to friends whom I think are hesitant to mention euthanasia because they know of the strong bond that she and I have.I have gone back and forth on this for several months now,and all I know is that I just want to do the right thing for her.

To Monkey's owner (Comment from Aug. 25, 2010):

I'm sorry to hear about your girl.

I would *NOT* euthanize this dog -- not yet. The fact that you show hesitation tells me it's not the right time.

It's about quality of life and it sounds like you're managing her illness very well. While you should always hope for a cure, sometimes, it's just not possible; sometimes, all we can do is manage the condition. It sounds like she can live a good quality of life as you manage her condition. It doesn't sound like she's in pain and certainly, it's not painful to be thin. I'd focus on making her as comfortable and as happy as possible for as long as possible.

Sores can certainly occur in an older, less mobile dog; it's usually a very simple fix -- treat the sores (and try to keep her in from sitting on the sores as they heal) and find a more therapeutic bedding (memory foam and orthopedic dog beds are *fabulous* in this regard. Some can be a bit pricey, but they're definitely worth every penny!)

Think of it like this: As humans, you can be paralyzed, sick, even terminally ill, but that doesn't mean life isn't worth living. We wouldn't dream of euthanizing a human because they're underweight and experiencing gastrointestinal issues. That person could still lead a happy life, even with these problems. A chronic medical problem doesn't automatically make life worthless; in fact, a chronic medical condition doesn't make life unenjoyable for many people (Remember, Monkey can't comprehend her mortality the way that you or I can, so there's no mental burden in this regard.)

Life is worth living until there's no more enjoyment. For Monkey, enjoyment could mean a favorite treat, or a car ride, spending time with other pets, or cuddling with you and the other family members, or sitting outside while enjoying the sun and watching the world. It sounds like this dog has the potential for many good points in her life -- things that make it **worth** living. When life is filled with all "bads" and no "goods", it's time to say goodbye.

When the time is *right* for euthanasia, there won't be a doubt or hesitation in your mind. It won't seem like a decision; it's something you *know* you must do. If there is hesitation or doubt, wait -- because once it's done, you can't take it back.

Years from now, when she's gone, you'll want to remember her with fond, happy memories. There few things more horrible than to feel deep regret and sadness every time you think of your dog, all because you made a mistake in euthanizing her before the time was right.

Again, when the time is right, there won't be a doubt in your mind. It won't seem like a decision (because it won't be -- it will be the only logical option, as it will be a point where there's no hope). You'll just "know."

I hope that helps you. I wish all the best to Monkey and her family. ;-)
-Mia C
Pet Care Writer, Suite101

Hi, I read Mia Carter's answers to the most difficult questions, pet owners may have. You put pet's wellbeing first, and - on behalf of all cats and dogs (and their loving owners!) I thank you dearly. My cat Zaika (Russian word for bunny rabbit - he is so cute and loving!!!!!) is at the end of his rope. He is 2 weeks short from his 14th birthday and he stopped eating 1 week ago. He's done it before (I mean, stopped eating at will), and the vet had brought him back to eating and living his regular life. This time it is different. He is very weak and passive, does not respond to any interaction and sleeps most of the time. He has been in this state for 6 days; it seems, that he does not suffer or afraid - just absolutely indifferent (gosh, it so not him!!!). Should I let him go naturally, his way, or should I euthanize him? The way he behaves is very different from what it was before, when he was simply ill, not DYING. How long should I wait before I make this dreaded appointment - I mean to euthanize him ??? I want to traumatize him as little as possible, I just want him not to suffer.

We went for it - I mean, for euthanizing our cat Zaika - all wait for him to go naturally was over, when he started gently moaning every 5-10 minutes - me and my husband just could not stand him moaning. I believe, it was the only right decision - all we wanted for him - is not to suffer. He'll be always in our hearts.

I have a retriever/chow mix that just turned 13. For the last couple months I've been thinking of putting her down. The moment I consider it, I feel awful and start bawling. I know she's in pain. She has trouble standing and walking. It takes her hours to lay down. Even if I lay her down she has to get up and stumble around for a while. She hardly drinks but her appetite for treats is fine. If we're lucky she'll go out to use the restroom, but she mostly does it in the house, or worse, in her sleep. When she does have a bm and she's awake, she'll usually fall in it. Which means she has a bath at least twice a week, which is an extra strain on her. I feel selfish keeping her around when I know she's not happy. I've had her almost half my life and can't imagine life without her. I can't seem to get over the fact that I'm choosing to have her stop living and it breaks my heart. But I think I'd rather be by her side when it's time rather than to get home and find out she passed without me. I'd really appreciate some advise. Thanks.

To the owner of the 13-year-old Retriever/Chow mix who commented on August 4, 2011:

I'm so sorry to hear that your dog is unwell. It definitely sounds like there are some quality of life issues here. Here is what I would suggest: I would schedule a visit with your veterinarian to discuss potential treatments and other ways to improve her quality of life.

It sounds like balance/walking is an issue; this could be due to hip and/or back problems. It may be possible to use medication to improve her condition. A wheelchair or leg orthotics may also be helpful.

Sleep incontinence is a fairly common problem, particularly in older female dogs. There are medications that can be used to treat this problem. (I have an article on this topic: http://bit.ly/orav7i )

Many of her incontinence issues could be resolved or at least improved with diapering, particularly at night. And if there is compression on the spinal cord due to an injury or age-related deterioration (a possible cause for her walking problems), this may be causing the incontinence as well. So treating the back/hip/joint issues may also resolve the incontinence problem.

A hesitance to eat properly could be due to a dental issue -- very common in older dogs. So this could be remedied with a dental cleaning, tooth extraction or simply antibiotics.

My point is this: there are treatments and strategies that can be used to improve her quality of life. Dramatically.
If you find that there's absolutely nothing that can be done to improve her quality of life, you will feel better about the decision to have her euthanized. I promise. This vet visit -- to determine whether you can do anything to improve her quality of life -- may be the most important one of her life. If nothing else, it will help you avoid regret. You'll never have to wonder, "What if we'd tried X?" or "What if we'd tried treatment Y?"

I will say this: When the time is right, there won't be a doubt in your mind. It won't be a decision at all, really. You'll *know* that euthanasia is the only real option. You won't doubt it. It won't feel like a decision; you'll know it's what must be done.
If you're having any doubts or if it feels like a decision, then it's *not* the right time -- not yet.

Also know that you can opt to be with her when they euthanize her. It will likely be one of the most difficult experiences of your life, but most owners who opt to stay with their pet do *not* regret it (in my experience, more people regret it when they're not present for those last moments.) You can provide her with love and comfort, right up until the very end. You can ensure that your face is the last thing that she sees; your voice will be the last one that she hears, your touch will be the last one that she feels, your smell the last one that she smells.

I wish you all the best.
Mia Carter
Pet Care Writer, Suite101

my cat is 21, he has renal failure, and is sleeping lots, he looks a bit fed up, but still comes and looks for me. I am blending his food and he is eating treats. my vet has said i should put him to sleep, because of my beliefs i can not do this, i am with him 24-7 and am prepared to do this to the end. most people are telling me i am being cruel but i know i could not live with myself if i took a life. will he die soon naturally, he is not showing any signs of pain. the vet said he is not ness in pain but in discomfort.

To the owner of the 21-year-old cat (commented on Sept. 29, 2011):

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty, though he's certainly lived to a ripe old age!
I think you've got your answer -- If you feel that your cat can still enjoy life and your beliefs are such that euthanasia is not permissible, then you should not euthanize your cat.

Ultimately, *you* must live with your decision, not your veterinarian. Renal failure is not typically painful, though I'm sure he doesn't feel wonderful, like a spring kitten! But that's the nature of life -- there's good and there's bad.
The fact that he's still active and seeking you and eating tells me that he's not in extreme discomfort, which is a good thing. As you and I both know, you can experience discomfort in life, but it doesn't necessarily mean that life is no longer worth living!

Here's what I recommend: Work with your vet to develop a care plan for your cat -- pallative care. Comfort care. At this point, you cannot "cure" your cat; his organs are failing due to his age. But we can certainly take measures to make his life more comfortable.

The first thing that comes to mind: daily or every-other-day fluid injections. Your vet can send you home with a bag of Ringer's solution (a saline-type liquid), an IV line and needles. Daily, you can give your cat injections under the skin on the scruff of his neck. His body will absorb the additional fluid and it will work to flush his kidneys; it will flush the toxins from his system and he will feel better.
Many pet owners are frightened to give an injection at home, but it's really very, very simple. And it's not a big deal for the animal. Many pets are dramatic and a bit difficult about it for the first week or two, but after that, they get used to it. It's literally just a pin prick. I have a dog who cannot drink due to a neuromuscular autoimmune disease; her jaw doesn't work. So we have to give her daily injections. The first week or so, she would shriek when she was first injected, but after that, she got used to it. Now, she doesn't mind at all. I've literally given her fluid injections while she's asleep; she doesn't wake up! In short, the pain associated with the injection is far outweighed by the benefits.

There are medications and special prescription foods that may help your cat, to give him a better quality of life.

Do you feel comfortable with your vet? Your veterinarian should respect your decision to opt out of euthanasia. Explain that your beliefs do not allow for euthanasia. Explain that you understand that he cannot be cured and express your desire to take any and all measures to make him as comfortable as possible. He should be willing to work with you if you would like to provide pallative care, care that will improve his quality of life. If you don't feel comfortable, ask to see a different veterinarian at your vet clinic or visit an entirely different clinic.

I always say this: When euthanasia is the *right* thing to do, it won't feel like a decision at all. You won't really have a choice in the matter; euthanasia will be the only course of action that makes sense. If you're wondering "Should I euthanize my pet?", the answer is always "no." The fact that you're asking this question tells me that it's not the right time.

Let me know if you have any additional questions! I wish you and your kitty all the best.
Mia Carter
Pet Writer, Suite101

A Hard Decision to be made I have a 12 year old shih tzu thats health has slowly been declining since I have received him from my parents. He is going blind has the beggining of cataracts, going deaf, has loose knee caps, has increased fear (pain) of going up/down stairs, shaking off and on, stiff when getting up from laying, occasional vomiting white foam, hides in the rooms, has more moles and fatty pockets, and sleeps a lot of the time. I have looked for family or friends to take him that do not have stairs in there homes but no takers. I would like him to be able to live out the rest of his life without being scared or in pain but don't know many other options. I am trying to let him just live out his life but each week it gets harder and harder. A saddened pet lover.