Need to decide when to euthanize my dog... help!?

Question

My dog of 7 years (she's actually 9 years old) was diagnosed with malignant melanoma a few weeks ago when I took her in for her annual exam (yes, it was a shock!). The vet said it's the most aggressive form of cancer and will spread quickly because it is in her mouth. When I asked him what my options are, he said that she is terminal and to make her comfortable while she's still here, but that most likely she only has two months left, if that. So... big question... WHEN do I put her down? I spoke with a woman who has a dog hospice and she said to watch for changes in appetite (still good), energy level (sleeps all the time) and her eyes, because dogs are very stoic and don't show pain... Do I put her down now while she's still semi-healthy (still has appetite) or wait until the symptoms are worse and the pain is very apparent. I really need help to sort this out. Many thanks.

Answer 1

Dying is the toughest thing. I take care of Alzheimers Patients, and unfortunately they are not allowed to be Euthanized. My Hospice patients are like your dog. The pain doesn't show, and they can't talk. If it were me, I would hold my dog til the end of time, the same as my patients.
You know your dog better than anyone, including your Vet. He can only at this time, give you the symptoms to watch for.

I believe in drugs to alleviate pain. When the time comes, you will
know, in your heart of hearts. Don't jump the gun. Lay close with her, and she will let you know in her special way. The spirit needs time to leave the body, so it doesn't feel the end. If you care too much, and don't let go, your dog will try to stay here for you.
Tell her how much you love her, but that it is o.k. to go, and that you know she will always be by your side. She needs to know you are going to be o.k.

Believe in yourself, and your little lady.
Tears, my heart goes out to you...

Answer 2

I'm very sorry about your dog. That's really very bad news, made all the worse by the fact that you're compelled to make a terminal decision about something you have strong feelings for.

Your decision is a personal one, and you should do what makes you most comfortable, even if it means that you decide not to euthanize your dog, and that she feels pain. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help your dog deal with the pain to some extent, if that's your decision.

On the other hand, if you are considering eventually euthanizing your dog, then I suggest you do so sooner rather than later. Try not to agonize over the 'decision' and just do it, quickly.

Importantly, regardless of the decision you make, give yourself a chance to greave for your dog after she is gone. Set up an alter in your home with her toys and some flowers and a picture or two. Recognize that she has gone, and pay her the respect she deserves for her companionship over the years.

Its just as important that you consider the pain you will feel, if not more so, than what she might feel. Sure, she's just a dog and she won't really know what's going on anyway, and nine years is actually a long time for a dog. You need to take care of your own feelings which are likely to be much more important in the long run than whatever decision you make just now.

Answer 3

Considering you have had this dog for 7 years, I would think that you love her and that she is like family to you. You stated that you vet said that they could give her something so she is comfortable, basically they are saying, without saying it, that she is in a lot of pain. I had to put my dog, Dutches, of 9 years down last year because of cancer. I know this isn't easy. And when you decide the time is here, it won't be any easier, and I am VERY SORRY she's sick. When I was given that decision my thought was, did she deserve to be in pain? Did she deserve to slowly suffer, so to make me feel better, because I couldn't let go? I have owned many dogs over my life, and whether they are ready because of old age or if they were sick, there is NO easy way to let go. But if you love her she does deserve her dignity, not to have to stay around for a few extra months and suffer. This is hard, and even if you get another dog in the future, they will never replace her. She held a special place in your heart, but does she really need to go down this road. Put her at peace. Let your last memory of her be good and not sad and watching her suffer.

Answer 4

Vets don't know it all. They are giving you a time frame based on experience. My first Dane was given 6 months after she was diagnosed with bone cancer. She was 9,5 yrs old at the time.
She showed some pain and we controlled it. I lost her when she was 11 yrs old. She told me that morning in body langange that her let hurt and I called the vet. At least we had a year and a half to say goodbye. I think that I cried that whole year and a half too. I still miss her so much. That was 5 yrs ago.
You can take her in and spare her all the pain. You can love and enjoy her for just a little while longer. Either way, do not feel bad. What you are looking for is what is best for her. Only you can make that decision.

Answer 5

First, i'm so sorry about your dog. It's always very difficult to decide on when to put your baby down. If she's not suffering right now why not spend more time with her and love her and enjoy her and provide her with the best possible couple of months. Because you know your dog better than anyone, you will know it's time. Unlike what the lady told you, dogs do show pain... some symptoms are: they sleep more, they shake, they don't want to eat, they pant, they cry, they may become more aggressive.
My advice would be for you to walk her, love her, enjoy her company, indulge her with ice cream and give her the best few months she can have.
Good luck!

Answer 6

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, I've been thru this many times because I've had animals all my life. It's never a easy decision to make. But you know your dog like noboby else does... If she stops eating that's 1 of the first signs that it's time. To make sure she's comfortable until then the vet should give you pain medication for her, or recomend over the counter pain relievers. If not go to another vet! Just don't let her suffer. While she's still here give her all you're love and affection, let her know how much you love her this will make you and her feel better.Once again I'm sorry to hear about this, I know what you're going thru. It will be o.k. though.

Answer 7

I am so sorry! That is a horrible decision to have to make. I personally would keep her around while her quality of life is still good and make the time left the best you possibly can. Make sure you give yourself some time to adjust to the decision you are going to make. draw a line for yourself, say the day she doesn't eat and drink, that's when it'll be time. Then at least you are as prepared as you can be. I know it feels like the worst thing in the world, but think about what a gift you will be giving her. You'll be able to make the pain stop when the pain comes. No one can tell you when, you'll just know

Answer 8

My partner and I just recently went through this with our dog of 14 years. She was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. We were shocked! We thought it was going to be diabetes or something like that. Our vet only gave her three months to live...

I know this is a very hard decision to make, but you have to remember that animals do not show pain and will fight with everything that they have to stay alive. Because we didn't know how much pain she was in, we made the decision the following day to not let her suffer anymore. It was so hard because she was having a good day the day we decided to take her....

It still hurts, but at least we know she didn't have to suffer any longer. Time does heal and we will always have the wonderful memories. Best of luck to you.

Answer 9

I just did this very thing about 3 months ago.
My doberman had the same form of cancer and it was in his mouth.
Wewaited until he was having trouble eating.
His appetite never did decrease and he ran around and played with the other dogs the day we took him in.
I took him becasue when I went to feed him his mouth would bleed and the tumors were getting so large they were blocking part of his mouth. He never showed us he was in pain and was happy and good until the day he left.
It was one of the hardest things I have done.
Only you will know for sure when the time is right for him and for you too.
Sorry about your dog. Keep in contact withthe person with the hospice. You are lucky to have someone like that. We do not have those here. I wish we would have.

Answer 10

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Need to decide when to euthanize my dog... help!?
My dog of 7 years (she's actually 9 years old) was diagnosed with malignant melanoma a few weeks ago when I took her in for her annual exam (yes, it was a shock!). The vet said it's the most aggressive form of cancer and will spread quickly because it is in her mouth. When I asked him...