Dog dying on lung cancer

[belge2]

My gorgeous 11 year old dog has just been diagnosed with a lung tumour. Nothing really to be done except keep him comfortable. He's on steroids and has picked up a little and still loves his walks. On his walks he appears energetic and excited- just like the old days. The main issue is food. He's always been really greedy but now it's really hard to get him to eat. Tried chicken, rice, tinned meat etc... the only thing he wolves down is cheese . He can't survive too long just on cheese. Just really worried about him. I am under no illusions he's going to last months but I don't want him to starve. The fact he loves walks still means surely he's not ready to go? I am struggling with when to make that horrible decision. Going to miss him so much. Not sure what the point of this post is, just am sad as he's been such an amazing family pet.

That's so hard for you.

I would always try to make the choice to part with them before they become miserable and in pain. I wish I'd acted earlier and tried less hard to keep my old dog.

I'm so sorry.

I agree sooner might be better for him.

And re food , I'm sure you've trued this, have you tried grating a smelly cheese like parmesan on his food.

Thank you for replying. Just having a little wobble now. Not helped by the fact my husband is away long term in another country and one of my children is at Uni in another country too. Do I get them home to say goodbye ? I need to pull myself together. Will enjoy a nice walk with him today in the sunshine !

I think you need to have him put down asap. He will not thank you for keeping him going. It's tough but it's the right thing to do.

Bless you, big hugs.

Could you do a family face time with him and them. It might help you.

I know how hard this is.

I hear you darling and feel some of your pain. My sweet Maine Coon cat Buffy was dx with lung cancer last month at 15 and it was a terrible shock. She’s been so healthy all her life and then started a daily coughing fit three months ago for less than 30 secs. As it was summer and she’s always been an allergic cat, we thought it was just summer allergies.
I asked my vet straight away “should I put her to sleep now ?” and my vet who is extremely pro animals not suffering for the sake of owners feelings or needs said “God No! I wouldn’t if she were mine. She’s doing fine right now”
its so so hard isn’t it? Buffys on steroids too which seem to help. She is doing all her normal cat stuff but is a bit more clingy and quiet. It breaks my heart tbh.
She had a pot belly last week which the vet said was water in the abdomen as her chest sounded clear, so is also on a diuretic now.
I know we’re going to have to make that awful decision at some point soon, but it’s so hard knowing when? Vet says when she either struggles to breathe or goes off her food for more than 2 days?
we’re not there yet so just loving her every day we still have her with us.
my heart goes out to you and your darling woofitxxxxx

You will know when it’s time to call it. He will tell you with his behaviour ie not wanting to go for a walk xx

Cheese omelette?
Anything to make his last time better....

Maybe ask vets advice too op. Our pets are so special, my heart felt this post. Wishing you and pup all the happiness and good times till cross over rainbow bridge. Vet is vest to assess when is right time.

So sorry to read this. I know how you're feeling. Our 14 year old boy was PTS last week and I'm heartbroken. He had a massive abdominal tumour which ruptured. He'd been getting frail for a while and we took the decision to give him lots of 'treats'. Like on his birthday in June he had a birthday feast of bacon, sausage, egg and fried bread. He loved it. If we got fish and chips, maybe once a month, we'd always get him a sausage. He had ice cream twice a week. His main meal every day was home cooked chicken. We'd get a 2kg pack of chicken thighs from Tesco and cook it up with vegetables or with rice. That was enough for him and our 2 girls for 4 days and they all enjoyed it.

We've had dogs in the past where they struggled to eat and we'd try all sorts of thing. One would only eat fried eggs on toast for a while. Another, who had liver failure, would only eat tinned hot dog sausages for her last few days.
I think, as they approach the end, it doesn't matter too much what they eat as long as they're eating.
Making the decision is so hard and you will agonise over it before and after. My heart goes out to you and your lovely boy. It's the price we pay for all the love and joy they give us.

Thank you - I do believe that you are right to advise the op to talk to the vet. Having our vet lay out the exact circumstances to look for, which show that it’s the right time to “help Buffy on her way, to play with her brothers and sister who have already crossed over the rainbow bridge” , has calmed our minds immensely, and allowed us to enjoy our time with her with less stress.
You have a very kind heart and beautiful soul xxx
btw I noted your name, and thought that you might be interested that I am also using natural anti tumour remedies and immune support to help keep her well. They are preparations especially for cats and contain burdock root and some mushrooms which also support humans with cancer like maitake and chaga. It’s all dosed appropriately for her weight and has been formulated for cats, xxx

Thanks for all the messages. Our lovely dog is still going- perked up and is eating non stop and enjoying walks. His behaviour is a bit unusual at times but think it's all the drugs. He seems quite happy for now. Trying to make the most of the time we have left with him. Really appreciate all your comments !