In a perfect world, our pets would live forever. In a somewhat imperfect world, they'd all pass away in their sleep at a ripe old age. Unfortunately, in the real world that isn't how things work. As our pets' owners and guardians, we usually have to make that final big choice regarding their lives- when to put them to sleep. But when is it the right time? Take a look at this info on How to Know When It's Time to Put Your Pet to Sleep.
How to Know When It's Time to Put Your Pet to Sleep
Why We Put Pets to Sleep
When you were little you may have thought, "There are a lot of people suffering from terrible illnesses or injuries who still live fulfilling lives, so why do we put ailing pets to sleep?" The answer is in the question. It all comes down to quality of life. As humans, we are lucky to be able to do a lot even when bedridden. Many bedridden people still live happy, fulfilling lives building careers as writers, artists, online consultants, etc. And on days when their condition is at its worse, bedridden people can entertain themselves with books, movies, TV, video games, conversations with friends, and so much more. People have even had good lives from the confines of an iron lung!
But pets can't live like that. If they're bedridden, all they can do is sleep and lay there awake. They can't or don't want to play with their toys or other pets. There's no more playing games with you, going for fun walks, chasing after birds, or digging random holes. There's just laying there and sleeping. Some chronically ill pets have to be force fed or can't go to the bathroom by themselves. When you reach the point where you're actively keeping your pet alive and they have a low quality of life, then they're not really living. That's why we put pets to sleep.
When You Still Have Time
When considering when it's time to put your pet to sleep, think about their condition. If an injury isn't too severe, or an illness is discovered soon enough, you may have options and time. Perhaps your veterinarian can suggest a surgery, medication, or treatment that may help. Maybe there's some holistic/alternative health remedy you should try. Listen to your vet, but also do your own research. Cancer isn't a death sentence for pets anymore thanks to chemotherapy, and dogs with injured spines or missing limbs can live full lives thanks to doggy wheelchairs or prosthetics. Consider your dog's quality of life. Do they eat on their own? Can they go potty on their own? Do they play? Can they move? Do they wag their tail? Are they alert more often than not? Do they have more good days than bad? If you answered yes to most of these, you likely still have time.
When It's Time to Say Good-Bye
When your pet is continually in pain and isn't happy, that's when it's time to put your pet to sleep. Don't prolong their suffering just to try idea #100 if they've already been suffering for a long time. It'll be hard, yes, but in the end you're helping them. Releasing them from suffering is your final big gift to them. A final, highly appreciated, act of love.
Losing a pet is difficult. For help coping with your grief, you may find it worthwhile to talk with friends or family, or to read our articles on pet loss.
How do you deal with the loss of a pet?
Melissa S says
We recently were facing this decision. We noticed our 10 year old dog was panting and eating less and made an appointment for the vet and we knew what advice we were going to get. The day before our appointment Bear tried to chase the UPS truck, ate the rotisserie chicken I bought him because he wouldn't eat any dog food anymore and he waited at the window for my sons bus in the afternoon. He had what we believe to be a heart attack that evening and died immediately. We would have made the decision to put him to sleep at the appointment the next day if that was the advice from the vet but I am glad I didn't have to and I think he had a very happy, pain free last day.
Molly says
Oh my goodness! I am so sorry for your loss! He had a wonderful life with you and I believe if you had to go through with the decision, it would have been the right one. Bear had been letting you know and in the end he took the conflict away from you. He must have enjoyed that rotisserie chicken! What a lucky and loved baby!
Cheryl says
I didn't deal well at all with the loss of my last two dogs, and it still hurts. I cried buckets and looked to my partner for support.
Molly says
I am so sorry and know exactly what you mean! I pretty much fell apart the day we let Sadie go too! My hubs and my vets (I think the world of them) and my other furbabies were my comfort. Sometimes, I still feel that she is with us and I certainly still talk to her.
Fur Everywhere says
It's such a difficult decision to make. If you listen with your heart, your pet will tell you when it's his/her time to go. Jewel definitely let me know when it was her time.
Ruth Epstein says
We discussed this on FB yesterday, its hard but in my heart I know its the best thing to do, I would not want Layla to suffer and have no quality in life, we did it with my father also taking him off life support.
Christine Caplan says
I have had to say good-bye to two of my dogs and it was devastating and heart breaking. I know have a mental list of what our senior dog loves to do and when I can no longer check off what makes him happiest I'm hoping this will help with this impossible decision. I think it's better to say good bye when they have dignity then too late - but of course this isn't always possible. I've been on both sides of this and I was a puddle on the floor.
Molly says
I agree Christine! I have been on both sides too and there is no happy ending. I love what you said about leaving them with their dignity! When my Sadie was unable to stand to use the bathroom and was eliminating on herself because of it, that is what pushed me into motion. She was such a 'clean' girl - always grooming herself and hated to be dirty. She would look at me so pitiful and it was at this moment I knew that it was more than physical pain - it was eating at her soul too 🙁
Team Dash Kitten says
We always think we wait until we know our cat 'isn't there' anymore. I am not sure if we get it right every time but I hope so. We never got over losing Dash Kitten - that was a sudden death and much harder to deal with.
Tenacious Little Terrier says
Mr. N is my first dog so I haven't really had to deal with it yet... I've heard of a method where you pick three things your dog loves and if they're not enjoying any/most of them, it's time.
Jana Rade says
This is such a hard decision to make and highly individual too. Often people put it off for too long. It's not always very clear-cut.
Molly says
You are exactly right Jana! It is never clear cut or in black and white. I believe that is what causes so many doubts and the "did I do the right thing" questions. I know those tormented me!
M. K. Clinton says
I do not deal well with the loss of my pets. When we had to say good-bye to my Golden Retriever three years ago, it was one of the hardest things I have ever survived. It is never an easy thing to face.
Molly says
So true! When I lost Sadie, I barely functioned for a long time. She was my very best friend and had been by my side through a lot. She took a piece of my heart with her.
Rachel says
Such an important topic, but it made me sad just reading it. My husband and I have not had to put a pet to sleep yet, but with a 14 year old dog, I know the day will come when we have to make that decision. He's a smaller dog, so we hope he has several more years in him! With three back surgeries under our belt, it's something we've obviously had to think about throughout his life, but so far we've never had to act on it! He's a fighter! Thank you for this important post.
Molly says
Little dogs do seem to live a lot longer and hopefully yours has many many years left! It is sad to think about, but something I also went in search of when the time got close. There were so many questions and I was hunting answers. Actually, to be honest, there are no perfect answers 🙁
Sherri says
I can barely read this because I'm facing this issue soon. My 17-year-old cat and soulmate has advanced kidney failure. It's not that easy to evaluate quality of life. She's beaten the odds several times already.
Molly says
Oh my goodness Sherri! My heart is with you and I will keep you, and her, in my prayers.
Kia says
It's so hard to say goodbye. I'm not looking forward to that day at all. I haven't had to put a pet to sleep yet, but this blog post is very helpful for when the time comes.
Molly says
Thank you Kia and hopefully that is way off in the future for you!!
Nichole says
It's a very difficult and personal decision...and one you can second guess for as long as you live. 🙁
Molly says
So very true Nichole! Even years later and the question rolls around in my head 🙁
The Daily Pip says
Such a difficult decision to make, but so very important. Most of my pets have let me know when they were ready to go …sometimes it's a look in their eye, sometimes it's just a feeling, but they have given me signs. We have an older cat now with multiple health issues. She is extremely shy and it's a little more challenging to gage how she is really feeling. I hope when the time comes, she will let me know in her own way. We are fortunate to have a vet who visits her in our home. He was out last week and thinks she has a bit more time left, fortunately.
April monty says
This is do hard I've been there done that.