When is it right to euthanize?

Question

I have a 13 year old dog (80lb husky/wolf mix) with cancer on his back leg. I had it removed before, but it is a type of cancer that grows back faster when you remove it. He also has hip problems and it has become very difficult to manage. I always knew the time would come, but I don't know what to do. I live up north and don't know if he can go through another long winter. Also, the tumor is running the risk of bursting at some point but they can't say when. He still plays, eats, hugs, etc...but I am concerned about his quality of life. Is it time to put him down?

Answer 1

If you see that he is in pain or loses his desire to eat; becomes incapable of going outside to go to the bathroom; etc etc etc...there are many signs that his quality of life is going down....if he still plays, eats, hugs...and shows no signs of being unhappy, then he still is ok....the deal with the cancer breaking through is real, but that's a bridge to cross when that happens...I don't believe it will burst tho...more like a break in the skin that will slowly get bigger...that may be the point that you should have him euthanized...its really your call, only you know this dog and what he's like...I think you will know when its time...and do him a favor, don't keep him alive for you....I think humane euthanasia is one of the kindest thing you can do for a suffering pet (human too, for that matter...but that's another discussion) Sorry in advance for your loss...I know from many experiences that it's very difficult to do...I found a vet who gives the pet a sedative first, so they aren't at all stressed and if you can bear it, stay with him until the end...that's the best way.

Answer 2

when you feel his quality is going down, consider it.

if he is happy and comfortable, let him be, just dont prolong suffering

enjoy what you have left

Answer 3

I have only put down one dog in my life, and only after extensive tests and being told that death was likely imenant. The rest died peacfully at  home. I feel like if at all possible this is the better way. It sounds like your dog is still enjoying his life. You can get accupuncture or medication to sooth any pain he is having due to the hips. I would do this and just wait out the cancer and help him enjoy the time he has for as long as the cancer will allow.  

Answer 4

It is a tough decision, I had to put my 11 yr old Old English Sheepdog down 2 yrs ago.  She had hip dyplasia and was going blind.  I had realized that her quality of live had left and it was the right thing to do she had trouble getting up and was walking into things and she was in pain.  You will know when it is the right time.  Your vet should also let you know when the time is right.  If he is still eating and walking fine then his time is in the future not now.  Keep an eye on the cancer.  He is an old dog he has lived a long life. As Cesar Millan would say "Dogs live in the now and not in the past or future." Keep him comfortable and give him lots of love.  I know it is tough but you will get through it.

Answer 5

My experience has been the pets will tell you when it's time. The quality of life is the key. When they no longer have their dignity, it's probably time to help the pet to pass.

Answer 6

if the dog is eating and drinking if he is in pain and cant  walk then would think about it he will tell you in his own way when it is his time to go when he stops playing eating and drinking then the  time is right  

Answer 7

It's all about quality of life.

For me, playing and eating are great indicators for quality of life.  When they give up on these two things, it is the dog's way of saying I'm not enjoying life anymore.  If they are still eating and playing, they are still wanting to participate in this game called life.

Don't give up too soon.  You'll know when you have come to this point.

Good luck and enjoy the time you are given.  It goes by way too fast.

Answer 8

I too have a Husky (Siberian), and she's only 3 years old. Siberian Huskies are known to have hip problems, "Hip Dysplasia" (most don't), but when the time comes I'm sure you'll know.

When he's unable to walk, move or anything important like that, that's best. It's heart breaking! When you see him struggling, that's his sign telling you he can't go on any longer.

Since you got vets advices, I'd follow their instructions. Make sure this is the best year of his life!

Answer 9

If you Love Him! Go ahead and have him put down ; he isn't going to get any better at this point. It will make you feel better and end his suffering.

Answer 10

It's difficult and the answer won't seem much use but:

You will KNOW when the time is right.

One day, you will look at him and know that he's had enough. Dogs can't talk but he'll give you the mesage and it will be the last kind thing you can do for him.

XX

Answer 11

He'll tell you with his way. :) I'm sorry for repeating but I just had to say...

I'm really sorry, but there is always hope! :)

Answer 12

hi,

This is a very tough (yet very common) question, as it can be excruciating to say goodbye. You don't want to wait too long and prolong any suffering the dog is experiencing, but you do want to give her every chance for recovery. It's nearly impossible to not question your decision.

here's more info:

http://dogtime.com/when-to-say-goodbye-f...

hope this helps.

Answer 13

if you are sure that his quality of life is still good then you can wait a little longer.  he'll let you know when he is not having fun anymore.  

Answer 14

I'm so sorry about this.  I'm Denise.  I do Wolf and Wolf-dog rescue.  I do have a Husky/Wolf mix with cancer as well.

We had a tumor removed from her chest in November.  We refused to have it tested (pissed the vet off less money for them) Our explanation is, we want her to live life as if she does not have cancer(and it's back)

Your wolfdog has special needs to begin with.  They are high maintenance and unlike other domestic breeds.

Your dog will let you know when it's time.  All it will take is a look they give you. In your heart you will know.

If your Wolf-dog is enjoying life for the time, so be it.   There will come a time when the pain will be so bad, your pet will let you know.

Hang in there.  Give that Wolf-dog hugs for me, they are my passion.

Denise

Answer 15

I knew it was right when my dog wasn't holding her bathroom anymore, didn't have her usual zest for life, and seemed to be spending more time at the vets office than at home with the family.  She had cancer, too.  We had been removing the tumors, but they would always come back, and over the course of a year and a half, her health had seriously declined to the point where she didn't even seem like a happy dog anymore.  We knew she was in severe pain, and that it was the right thing to do.

Its a very personal decision only you can make for your dog after taking into consideration a vet's advice.  Trust me, I know its tough.

Sorry you're going through this.  Take care.

Answer 16

His eyes will tell you when it's time. When his quality of life starts to go then is the time before he starts to suffer. Right now he seems to be doing just fine. It is the time to talk to your vet though so as you know what to look for.

Answer 17

I hate the thought of having to put down an animal. I think if the animals in pain, or is struggling with day to day things such as eating then it may be better for the animal. but if the animal can still do things like eat, play, walk, see, then it is not fair to put it down as it will still be enjoying the quality of life. =]

Answer 18

It's a sensitive matter, but I think, if he's still happy then there's no need to put him to sleep unless he's not enjoying life. If you're still not sure, talk to your vet and they'll help.

Answer 19

13 years s a very good age for a bigger dog.  No that is not what I am basing my advice on, the usual trite "He has had a good life" thing is just plainly hurtful to someone who is worrying about the health of their older dog.

You have to consider quality of life...would YOU  want to still be surviving in HIS  position?  Yes, I am sure you feel that you owe him, and will do anything to keep him comfortable, but he is a big dog, and having to carry him around to go out to the toilet, to go anywhere is going to become very wearing for you.  Of course, I expect that you are very healthy and fit, but, I had a disabled toy poodle who had to be carried outside every time she needed to go to the toilet...and we did not know when that was, because she could not get herself up to get to the door, so we had to guess by seeing her move restlessly in her basket, so a lot of the time she only wanted to change her sleeping position, but, we would have her up and outside to do...nothing, and I did get very irritable with her for this.  And having to carry such a big dog as you have would be very difficult and tiring for anyone.

If he is in pain, at all, then this, immediately reduces his quality of life.  Does he tend to sleep a lot?

Many years before the time came, I asked a vet nurse how you know when it is time, and she said, "The animal will sleep all the time", and my old girl (17 years) did spend all her time sleeping, as much as she could, since it enabled her to escape from the pain, confusion and fear that was her life.

I know how heart breaking it is to lose one who has been your best friend for so long, but, yes it does sound like he has run his final race.  This will be your final gift of love to him, and it will be a better memory that having to watch him deteriorate over a period of months until someone else, like the vet, says it is time.

Answer 20

when you have tried everything else. however, with reoccurring cancer, it may be best to let him go. If you can no longer stand to see him in pain then it's time. Make you are there with him when it is done and hold him and let him know you love him.

Answer 21

You're the only person who can judge this. I found it very difficult myself. I personally found that when his behavior changed (he wasn't as bouncy and happy any more) and none of the drugs the vet gave me for him worked to keep him comfortable, it was time. He had a nasal tumor that ended up growing into his brain. It sounds like your dog has had a pretty long life for such a large dog. So if you don't think he's going to be happy through the winter and there's a chance of him being in pain for too long, then I think you already know the answer. It all comes down to quality of life as you said.