I think my dog (diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer) is dying. How do I know when to put him to sleep

Answer 1

My heart aches for you since I had to endure the same pain with a Dobie boy of mine. He had Osteosarcoma(bone cancer), diagnosed in February 2003, had him on pain meds and he lived a great life till it spread to his lungs and started having trouble breathing. In October of that year I just knew I had to say goodbye. The hardest thing I have ever had to do during my entire life. Still to this day I choke up and tears comes to my eyes. Believe me when I say you will know when that time comes. You will feel it in your heart. If you see him suffering and there is no help for him, it is time. Again, I am soooo sorry.

Answer 2

If your dog has cancer he is definitely dying... your question sounds like you are not sure. It is so sad to lose a pet and I'm sorry you have to go through this. Putting him to sleep is the last loving, kind act you will be able to do for him, and as corny as it sound "You will know when it is time". Something tells you, a look in his eyes, a quick turn for the worst, a feeling... I can't tell you exactly, but that's what I was always told, both by my vet and my friends and IT is true. I have had to put three pets to sleep in recent years and each and every time I just knew, and it was far less painful then I ever imagined it would be, because I DID know...you will too!

Answer 3

hi there go here

What you should know about cancer in animals
Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. ... (neutering) and curable with surgery if done early in the disease process. ...www.avma.org/communications/brochures/cancer/cancer_brochure.asp - 34k - Cached - More from this site


sorry to hear about your doggie but only your vet can tell u how far the dog is and if it's in pain but i'm sure there must be some type of treatment and if u do not have the money to paid u can have someone have some type of bake sale in your home just to make that extra money for a pet that u love. take care be well

Answer 4

Of course I'm a true believer that they tell you when, you will know when the time is right. However a good rule of thumb is when the dog no longer wags it's tail or has interest in food- then they are suffering and it's time to let them go. When you know they are suffering with no chance of recovery it's time.

Your vet will let you hold them in your arms while they pass and it is the most selfless loving thing you can do for your dog.

I'm so sorry you are going through this.

Answer 5

I'm so sorry. This has to be a very difficult time for you and your family. When your dog seems unhappy, doesn't enjoy the things he used to, then you'll know it's time. I had to put my 16 year old dog to sleep two weeks ago. I'm afraid I waited too long. I thought if she was in pain then it would be time. She wasn't in pain, but she wasn't the same dog, unhappy, blind and confused so I finally had to put her to sleep. I think when you start wondering if it's the right time, then it really is the time. I'm so sorry. Good Luck!

Answer 6

as silly as it sounds, you will know when. my dog was also diagnosed with cancer and for about 6 months, we tried everything we could to save him. my entire paycheck went to the vet. the vet seemed to have hope he would pull thru, so we had hope. sometimes i think they say that b/c if there is a chance, they will try as long as we pay. i regret now putting him thru all of that, i wish i would have not put him thru the suffering he must have gone thru only to waste away. but how do you know unless you try? i think that i would probablly do things differently this time, i would have not agressively tried to treat the cancer, just accept the diagnosis and keep him happy and comfortable until he wasn't happy anymore. your vet should be able to help you with your decision. good luck

Answer 7

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Answer 8

When he gets to a point of so much pain that he can no longer enjoy life is the time to put him down. I know this is hard, one of my dogs was in the same situation and it was very hard to decide when to put her down. If he is still happy and is enjoying seeing you every day then let him live as long as possible! Hope this helps.

Answer 9

I lost my dog to aggressive cancer a few months ago. the decision was heartwrenching, but we both knew it was time. If humans years are 7X dog years then one bad is like a week in pain. my thoughts are with you.

Answer 10

Tanya,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your dog...it's tough to watch the suffering, I know firsthand...

If he was diagnosed, you're already seeing a vet for the condition. I'm sure the vet has prescribed meds to keep him comfy. When those meds no longer work, I think it's time to make the trip to the vet...one last time.