How do you decide when is the time to say good bye?

[ruaridhh]

Our dog is 7 and unfortunately has cancer. I’m devastated as he really is like a family member. I’ve had several dogs in the past, but this dog is honestly the most loving and adorable dog. I know everyone thinks that.

Currently he doesn’t seem to be in pain - if he wasn’t so skinny you’d think he was perfectly fine. He is a little quieter than usual, and sleeping a bit more. He’s eating very little unless forced so his wait has dropped dramatically. But then his temperament seems the same and he can’t wait to bark at the post man or come up for his morning snuggle.

Do you usually make the decision to say good bye when they are in state like this? Or do you wait to PTS until they are clearly in pain.

The advice is always better a day too soon than a day/week too late.

Honestly if you're unsure ask your vet but if he's only eating when you're making him he's possibly trying to tell you.

Making the decision is one of the hardest things to do but remember you do it out of love for your pet.

Sorry you're going through this.

I'm very sorry to hear this.

There is a lot to be said for, "you'll know when it's time". If he doesn't seem to be in pain and still has some quality of life then it may be that you can explore other palliative measures to keep him as comfortable as possible (including seeing if you can support or stimulate his appetite). I would also suggest having a plan for what happens if he has a sudden decline - eg, do you have an emergency vet you can take him to out-of-hours?

Hi, I'm so sorry to hear what is happening. My answer to your question is to keep a very close eye on him from now on. From what you've said, he is good in spirit but issues are making themselves known through the lack of eating and the quietness.

I had this with my cat. Vet said he had to go now. We took him home and he ran for the cheese wrapper sound in the kitchen. No way was he ready. A month later his breathing became laboured and he went that day. It was about watching very closely, an animal that you know very well, and being quick to act. I did not let mine suffer and he purred right up to the needle going in.

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