Often, it’s just moments – a situation in which your four-legged friend suddenly behaves differently – that make it clear to you that your dear companion is getting older. Stairs become hurdles, jumping out of the car trunk becomes a challenge, and toys remain untouched. The realization that your shared time is coming to an end is painful. Besides the usual ailments that come with aging, progressive diseases can also diminish the quality of life. Perhaps sooner or later, you’ll ask yourself whether you should release your beloved from its suffering. We’ve compiled here for you how to recognize when the right time to take action has come.
How do you recognize that your dog’s final phase of life has begun?
Most dog owners probably wish for a natural death for their beloved pets, where they peacefully fall asleep in their baskets and do not wake up. Unfortunately, this wish is rarely fulfilled. More often, the four-legged friends undergo a significant decline over a few weeks, with various bodily functions gradually shutting down in the last days. Muscles, breathing, and heart rate weaken, organs such as the liver and kidneys cease to function, and bladder and bowel control are lost.
Veterinarians often speak of three dying phases: in the first, the dog refuses food and water for several days; in the second, there is a temporary urge for movement; and in the third, the animals lie down, have spasms, and frequently defecate until death finally occurs. When your dog shows the initial physical signs that its life is coming to an end, you face a difficult decision. Is it worthwhile to relieve it, or can it spend its final hours pain-free? Can you accompany it?
However, suffering can also determine the final phase of life, regardless of age. Some diseases are not inherently fatal but lead to a continuous decline in the quality of life—such as chronic joint or spinal diseases. Other diseases, such as lung, kidney, or heart diseases, can lead to acute fatal complications or painful suffering—especially when the effects of medications are exhausted. So, the crucial question is: How is your dog’s quality of life? And what perspective does it have? Can you provide your dog with a life that is mostly free of suffering?
Your decision is made difficult by the fact that the signs are often not clear-cut, whether euthanasia is the right decision or not. This is often due to the fact that the quality of life is dependent on daily conditions, especially in animals with chronic illnesses. Moreover, it is challenging to make a decision for a being you love, which cannot express in words what it wants.
How can you assess your dog’s quality of life?
Although you know your dog best, accompanying it daily through the aging process and chronic illnesses can make it difficult for you to take an objective look at changes in your four-legged friend’s behavior. The following criteria may help you recognize and evaluate developments in your dog’s life quality.
If the respective statement applies, assign 0 points; if you have noticed changes, assign 1 point; if the statement does not apply, assign 2 points:
- My dog continues to actively participate in family life and seeks contact.
- He behaves unchanged towards family members and other animals in the household (e.g., shows no aggression, avoidance, or fear).
- His appetite remains unchanged.
- His drinking behavior remains unchanged.
- Urination does not cause him any difficulties. He is house-trained and not incontinent.
- Defecation is unchanged, controlled, and problem-free.
- He can move normally and painlessly.
- He enjoys playing and is active.
- He has the same preferences and dislikes as before (e.g., reaction to vet visits, importance of marking territory, behavior when the doorbell rings, etc.).
- He shows no signs of stress or fear.
- He appears neither apathetic nor confused.
- He has no altered day-night rhythm.
- He breathes normally, without effort, and does not pant more than usual.
- He shows no signs of pain.
- He does not exhibit a desire to wander or restlessly move around in his familiar environment.
- His general condition has not changed in recent times.
Evaluation:
0-8 points
Your dog’s quality of life seems to be fine. If you are still in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
9-16 points
There are limitations in your four-legged friend’s quality of life. Definitely undergo a veterinary examination and counseling to determine the possible reasons for the limitations.
17-32 points
Your dog has significantly reduced life quality. Urgent veterinary advice is highly recommended.
Discuss these and other questions thoroughly at the veterinary practice you trust. Your veterinarian will help you professionally categorize and assess the answers.
When is the time to euthanize your dog?
- When your dog consistently experiences pain that cannot be alleviated with medication.
- When the effects of an illness permanently and severely affect your dog’s quality of life, such as breathing difficulties or severe dementia.
- When your dog stops eating and loses weight.
- When your dog is no longer able to drink independently, and you have to administer water into its mouth.
Ultimately, determining the right moment is not an objective task. This complexity makes euthanasia a challenging decision that often relies on instinct. Fear of making the wrong choice or losing the beloved dog does not contribute to making the right decision. It’s crucial to recognize that there may not be an optimal, best, right, or only moment for euthanasia.
How do you prepare yourself and your dog for euthanasia?
Especially in emotionally turbulent situations, having a plan can be helpful. Seek veterinary advice – what is the professional opinion? Do you agree with this opinion? Consider whether you want to bring your dog to the veterinarian’s office for euthanasia or prefer to request a home visit. Which option minimizes stress for your pet? And what can you handle well? In the final hours, it is important that you serve as the emotional anchor for your dog.
Try to be as calm and relaxed as possible for your pet. Perhaps having someone accompany you can be beneficial? Get informed in advance about the process and costs so that you can be fully present for your loved one in case of necessity. Maybe you also have a plan for your last hours together? Clear away all decisions in advance so that you can consciously and peacefully say goodbye to your family member.
Consider in advance what you want to happen to your dog’s remains after euthanasia. Can you bury him in your garden? Or would you prefer the services of a pet crematorium? In addition to traditional pet cemeteries and natural burial sites offering individual and communal graves, there are also specialized pet cremation services. Learn more about the topic and what to consider after your dog’s passing here.
The loss of your beloved four-legged companion leaves a significant void and sadness. Allow yourself to feel these emotions: you have lost an important friend who cannot be easily replaced. Engaging with others who have experienced similar losses can help you cope with your grief. While you may always feel a sense of sadness that your dog is no longer by your side, over time, the beautiful memories will prevail, along with gratitude for all the good years with your canine friend. And perhaps, after some time, it will bring you a sense of peace knowing that you did not let him suffer but accompanied him on his challenging final journey.
