how do i know when it's time to put my pet to sleep?

Answer 1

I feel for you.

I have put dogs to sleep when they have more 'bad days' than good ones. When it feel like I'm just keeping them alive because I want them around, even though they're in pain.

I look at it like this. A dog doesn't understand pain. They can't find refuge or escape from pain in a good book the way we can. They only know that they're in pain.

We had a cat who we probably could have saved, but put down. He had a punctured lung and it was full of fluid. They would have had to crack his little ribcage open just to do exploratory surgery. (If you've ever had a broken sternum you'd know how much that hurts). There's no way to explain to an animal, 'yes it hurts now but you'll feel better later'

When weighing the options between putting an animal to sleep versus continuing medical treatment, honestly evaluate whether the animal will have any sort of quality of life afterwards or if you're just extending the misery.

Some vets will do everything and anything to avoid putting an animal to sleep. I've actually argued with one vet when he tried to talk me out of it (this was for the aforementioned kitty).

This is a hard choice to make I know. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

If your pet can't take another surgery. Slowing down to the point of not being the same pet anymore, in pain, with uncurable illness, if quality of life is not there anymore.

Having that one last surgery to save the pets life, but if it still isn't able to run and enjoy everything like it used to, isn't doing your pet a favor. You will hopefully realize when the time is to put them down and not to keep them alive just because you'll miss them. Everyone will miss their pet when they're gone but you have to realize that they probably won't be the only pet you ever have.

It is very hard to decide whether to put them to sleep or not but a vet can help you decide and your pet will tell you in some way or another too. When your pet is old enough/sick enough that they aren't the same pet as when they were younger, that's the best time in my opinion.

Hope that helped.

Answer 3

this is a really hard decision to make. it depends. do u want to see him suffering and in pain. do u think he has nothing to live for anymore. does he just lay around and not even come when u feed. him. if not then it might be time. i know its hard. look into his eyes. he will tell u. some how u will just know cuz somehow he will tell u that he is ready for u to let go of him. and that it will be ok. i know i had to put my best friend to sleep. i had him since my sister was about a year old. trust me he will tell u. another thing that u have to think about is if u r keeping him on this earth to make urself feel better cuz if so then it is time

Answer 4

When the quality of life is no longer fitting of the pet. If the pet is suffering and nothing can be done to make the quality of life better. It's a very hard decision to make, regardless of the terms. I have had to make that decision (cat with inoperable cancer that could no longer eat or walk) and 4 years later, it still hurts.

Answer 5

As a vet nurse I get asked this question alot.
My usual reply is :
1. when the quality of life is gone
People often ask when they will know this
I reply
You will know - one day you will wake up or come from work and look at your pet and think "Its Time".

The thing to remember is that we have the option of euthanasia for animals where as we don't for humans and after watching people suffer through cancer and other terrible conditions and have them beg for death I wish euthanasia in humans was readily available. If you animal is suffering, you need to ask yourellf "Why am I keeping him/her alive? Is it for them or for ME" and usually the answer is for YOU! They will not thankyou for watching them suffer, they will thankyou for a kind, painless, dignified end to suffering.

It is very sad, but you can give them a nice ending rather than suffering.
I hope this helps you make your decision.

Answer 6

It would be helpful to have more information. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this challenging issue.

If your pet is sick but still behaves as if he or she is happy and does not experience any pain or at least no pain that cannot be relieved with medication or other treatments, there is no need to rush to putting her to sleep.

If the pet appears to be in pain or distress and there is no way to cure what is ailing him or her, it is a true gift we can provide them with to help them be relieved of their suffering.

If you are considering euthanasia due to a behavioral problem, there may be training options to consider.

Answer 7

most pets don't need to be put to bed because they will just get right back up again. they are not like human who need about 7-10 hours of sleep a night. animals have no sense of time

Answer 8

I think the best the way is when your dog looks at you, a look that says "I have had enough". Also when you believe that your dog doesn't have a quality of life anymore.

It is a really hard decision to make but i believe we know when the time is right.

Good Luck

Answer 9

Is the dog really old? having serious health issues that are causing pain and suffering to the dog? Does it have severe arthritis, cancer or another disease?

If yes, then it's time.

If it's just because the dog is annoying you, not properly trained, has potty training issues or cramps your lifestyle, then no. Those are all your fault for not properly training the dog and you should bring the dog to a rescue or no-kill shelter where it can get a loving home.

Answer 10

When the dog has no quality of life or if he is in a lot of pain. It is a tough thing to have to make that decision but for the sake of your dog do not hold on and allow him to suffer.