Saying goodbye to your dog is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever face. Sometimes, it becomes necessary when they’re dealing with advanced age, a terminal illness, or chronic pain that just can’t be managed anymore.
If your dog is critically injured and won’t survive, or if they’ve stopped eating, drinking, or seem constantly uncomfortable, it might be time to think about their quality of life.
How to Know When It’s Time
Deciding when to say goodbye to your beloved dog is never easy, but knowing the signs can help you make the right decision.
Whether due to old age, an illness, or an accident, it’s important to consider their quality of life and focus on their comfort.
Signs It Might Be Time to Put Your Dog Down
- Behavior Changes: Look for signs such as pain, constant panting, crying, or trembling, indicating distress.
- Mobility Issues: Declining mobility or hiding from family members may suggest they’re struggling.
- Loss of Interest: Reduced engagement in activities and changes in appetite, weight, or drinking habits signal a problem.
- Physical Red Flags: Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, a rigid tummy, or excessive panting indicate discomfort.
- Treatment Resistance: If your dog isn’t improving with treatment, medication, or surgery, and their bad days outweigh the good, consider their quality of life.
- Assessment Tools: Use a Quality of Life calculator or seek professional guidance to evaluate their well-being.
Signs of Poor Quality of Life in Dogs
Understanding when your dog’s quality of life is declining is crucial to making compassionate decisions.
Tools like the Quality of Life Scale can help evaluate your pet’s daily experience and guide you through this difficult time.
Dog Quality of Life Scale
The HHHHHMM scale, developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos, is a widely used framework to assess a dog’s well-being.
The scale includes categories like Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, and Mobility, along with good days versus bad days.
Each category is scored from 0 to 10, with a total below 35 indicating that your dog’s quality of life may be suffering.
- Hurt: If your dog struggles to breathe or has uncontrolled pain, their overall discomfort is high.
- Hunger: If they’re unable to eat or maintain adequate nutrition, they may require help like subcutaneous fluids to stay hydrated.
- Hygiene: Check for sores, or whether your dog has trouble staying clean due to incontinence or lying in one position for too long.
- Happiness: Notice if your dog is no longer engaging with people or toys and seems withdrawn, sad, or depressed.
- Mobility: Difficulty getting up, walking, or the risk of stumbling indicates significant physical decline.
Common Signs of Discomfort
Signs that your dog may be struggling include being withdrawn, restless, or quiet. Physical signs like excessive panting, shaking, yelping, and lying in odd positions suggest pain or discomfort.
A lack of interest in walks, not eating or drinking, and vomiting regularly are also key indicators. Changes in toilet habits, such as incontinence, frequent weeing, or accidents on the floor, often signal reduced wellbeing.
Are They in Pain?
Dogs, as experts often explain, are skilled at masking pain, making it difficult to tell when they’re suffering. Signs such as being quiet, restless, or showing discomfort when touched may indicate pain.
Watch for behaviors like licking or nibbling at certain areas, panting, or shaking. If pain is affecting their ability to enjoy everyday life, consider whether they’re truly comfortable or if their condition needs to be addressed to improve quality of life.
Are They Eating and Drinking?
When dogs are unwell or in pain, they may lose interest in eating and drinking. Encouraging them to eat by warming food or offering ice cubes, water, or tuna juice may help in the short term.
However, long-term solutions are needed to ensure their quality of life. If they consistently refuse food or water, it’s time to evaluate how much support they need to regain interest or if their condition is declining.
Can They Move Around?
As dogs age or face injuries, mobility issues can arise due to long-term health conditions. If your dog struggles to walk, get comfortable, or maintain hygiene, medications or surgery may help.
However, if these challenges persist and their health and happiness are impacted, it’s essential to consider their overall quality of life.
Do They Have Difficulty Going to the Toilet?
Loss of control over toilet habits can be distressing for both your dog and you. Accidents with wee or poo around the house can make it hard to keep your dog clean and hygienic, affecting their dignity.
If mobility issues or health problems make cleaning or moving painful for your dog, it may be time to consider putting them to sleep to avoid prolonged suffering.
Are They Happy?
Your dog’s happiness is a clear indicator of their overall well-being.
If they seem quiet, anxious, or uninterested in their favorite activities like playing with toys, enjoying the sunshine, or having their belly scratched, it’s worth considering whether they’re having more bad days than good.
An unwell or injured dog that no longer finds joy in life might be suffering, and it could be the right time to make the compassionate decision.
Can You Afford to Continue to Treat Them?
Long-term illnesses, inherited conditions, or injuries can be expensive to treat and manage. High vet costs, even with insurance, can add financial and emotional stress.
Programs like the Kennel Club Pet Insurance may help with euthanasia, cremation, or burial costs, but it’s essential to evaluate whether you can continue providing care while keeping your dog comfortable.
This is a personal decision that should balance your funds with what’s best for your pet.
Deciding Between In-Home Euthanasia or Putting Your Dog Down at the Vet
Where your dog’s final moments take place is entirely up to you. Some people prefer in-home euthanasia, where their dog can pass in a familiar, comfortable space like their bed or favorite blanket.
Others feel more at ease going to the vet’s office, knowing their dog is in expert hands. Either choice is valid—it’s about what feels most peaceful for both you and your pet.
How to Prepare for Your Dog Being Put to Sleep
This is a difficult time, so it’s important to plan ahead. Take some time off work if possible and arrange a quiet moment for the appointment. If you’re going to the clinic, you might want to bring a friend or family member for support.
For at-home euthanasia, make sure the details are discussed with your vet in advance, so everything is handled smoothly. Whether at home or the clinic, remember that this is about giving your dog a peaceful, pain-free farewell.
Should I Stay with My Dog During Euthanasia?
Many owners wonder if they should stay with their dog during the procedure. It’s a personal choice. Some find comfort in being there, holding their pet and saying goodbye.
Others feel it’s too upsetting—and that’s okay, too. If you decide not to stay, rest assured that your vet or vet nurse will treat your dog with care and compassion. Whatever you choose, know that you’re doing what’s best for your beloved pet.
Click here to read about: Dog Behaviour Before Death in which we tell about its behaviour and how to end their journey peacefully.
Preparing for the End
Making Preparations
Deciding to say goodbye to your dog is heartbreaking, but making plans ahead of time can help. Talk to your vet or a trusted service like Cloud 9 Vets, who specialize in gentle pet euthanasia.
Whether at home or at the clinic, their goal is to make the process as peaceful as possible. Usually, your dog will be given an initial sedative to help them relax, followed by a second injection that ensures they feel no pain.
If you’d like, you can arrange for cremation and have your dog’s ashes returned to you. Many people choose to spread them in a favorite spot to honor their pet’s memory.
While the grief can feel overwhelming, these steps can bring comfort during such a tough time.
Talk to Your Vet
Your vet is your best resource when it comes to making this decision. They’ll help you weigh your dog’s health, future quality of life, and any treatment options that might still be available.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your concerns—they’re there to support you.
It’s not an easy conversation, but an honest talk with your vet can help you feel more confident about doing what’s best for your pet.
How Do I Say Goodbye?
There’s no right or wrong way to say goodbye—it’s all about what feels best for you. Some people like to take a special photo or keep a small keepsake like a paw print or a tuft of fur.
You could also create a personalized memorial, like a timber keepsake box with their name or a custom PAW-trait from an artist.
These small things can bring you comfort later, helping you remember all the love and happiness your dog brought into your life.
However you choose to say goodbye, just focus on the connection you’ve shared—it’s something you’ll always carry with you.
