When to put my dog to sleep

Whether your dog is suffering from an illness or the effects of old age, it can be hard to decide if their quality of life has reached a point where euthanasia is the best option. We’ve listed some of the many signs to look out for, below.

Checking your dog’s quality of life

• Appetite isn’t as good as it used to be
• Not drinking or drinking excessively
• Withdrawn
• No longer cleaning themselves
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Unable to get comfortable
• Struggling to get up after resting
• Lameness due to arthritis even when on pain relief
• Not bothering to greet you after you’ve been away
• Can no longer tolerate exercise

For the sake of being thorough, it’s also worth asking friends or family if they’ve seen any changes in your dog. When you live with a pet, it can be difficult to spot a gradual deterioration.

Your vet can help you decide

It’s a good idea to make an appointment to talk things over with your vet, as they can give you an expert opinion on your dog’s wellbeing. For older dogs, they should already be having full veterinary check-up every six months.

If your pet needs treatment that you’re not able to afford, there are other options to consider. These can include giving them up to an organisation like Woodgreen or seeking financial support towards the costs of treatment from other organisations. We’re here to help with any advice you need.

The kindest thing you can do

Thinking about whether to put your pet to sleep can be a difficult, emotional process. If you decide the time is right to say goodbye, it’s natural that you might experience feelings of regret afterwards. But it’s important to remember that you’ve ended their suffering, and you took this step out of love and kindness for your dog.