The signs a dog is dying of cancer are something no dog parent wants to think about. But if your dog has cancer and is declining, you need to know what symptoms to be on the lookout for. To help provide guidance and support, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby invited end-of-life-care veterinarian Dr. Dawnetta Woodruff to share some words of wisdom. Dr. Woodruff discusses the general signs a dog is dying of cancer and provides specific guidance about how to know if your dog is dying from eight common cancers.
When we bring a new dog into our lives, we anticipate years of love, fun and adventure! Dogs certainly bring us an abundance of joy during our time together. And we hope that our dogs will be very old before we must consider end-of-life decisions for them. Sometimes they are indeed blessed with a long and wonderful life before they get sick. However, other times, they receive a scary diagnosis like cancer at an age that feels all too young.
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) research on aging reports that one in four dogs will have a benign or malignant tumor at some time in their life, and that 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. This statistic means that most dog parents will someday hear the dreaded phrase, “Your dog has cancer.”
The word cancer itself brings up many questions and uncertainties. How will you know it is the right time to say goodbye to your dog? What signs tell you that a dog is dying of cancer?
What are the signs a dog is dying of cancer?
Although we wish for a simple answer to these questions, there are rarely “black and white” answers that apply to all cancers and all patients. Every dog’s disease will progress in a slightly different way. And every type of cancer will look and act a bit different.
Knowing what to watch for gives a measure of comfort in the middle of uncertainty. Your vet may be able to give you an average survival time based on what type of cancer your dog has. But even these estimates are somewhat of an educated guess. Some dogs will decline more rapidly than anticipated, while others may far outlive what is expected.
Typically, a canine cancer patient will show multiple signs that they are nearing the end of their life. You may notice one primary area of concern, or you may see that they are struggling with many different issues. The signs may happen gradually, or you may see many of them within a matter of days.
All of the following are signs that your dog with cancer is nearing the end of his or her life:
Not eating
A decrease in appetite may be due to pain, nausea, cancer within the GI tract, or a tumor putting pressure on your dog’s stomach. If you notice a lot of drooling and your dog keeps licking his or her lips, or if your dog is vomiting, it is important to discuss anti-nausea medications such as Cerenia for dogs with your dog’s veterinarian. You may also wish to ask about pain medications or appetite stimulants for dogs (when medically appropriate).
These medications are good ways to keep your dog comfortable. They won’t stop the cancer from progressing. But they will help your dog feel better for the time he or she has left. However, if your dog with cancer is already on these medications and he or she is still not eating, this can be a sign that humane euthanasia is the kindest decision.
Eating but losing weight
Sometimes dogs with cancer have a good appetite and may even seem more hungry than usual. Yet, they are still losing weight and growing more and more weak.
A body trying to fight cancer burns a lot of calories. And it is difficult for your dog to eat enough to make up for their increased caloric needs. Sometimes, the calories they are taking in just can’t compensate for the calories being lost. This leads to weight loss, muscle loss and associated weakness.
Or in some types of cancer, a dog may be eating a lot, but not absorbing the nutrients. Dogs in this situation might have diarrhea in addition to weight loss.
In the case of cancer, if your dog is losing weight but eating well, it may be time to set him or her free.
Not sleeping well
Your dog may sleep well during the day, but be awake and pacing all night. Or he or she may never sleep deeply, and take short naps throughout the day and night instead. Restlessness and an inability to truly relax is often a sign of pain, anxiety, or both.
Your dog’s vet may be able to help relieve some pain and anxiety by prescribing palliative medications. So, if your dog isn’t sleeping well, please talk to your pup’s care team to see if there are additional things that may be helpful. Eventually, though, the medication will not last long enough, or will stop helping altogether. This can be a sign that the cancer has reached its end stages.
Panting all the time
Many dogs will pant when they are hot or when they have been more active than normal. This type of panting usually resolves quickly when the dog rests or moves inside where it is cool. However, in dogs with cancer, panting can be a sign of distress. They may be dealing with internal stress from their disease, or with anxiety or pain.
If your dog is panting even when he or she is relaxed, be sure to discuss it with your vet. He or she may recommend adding new medications or changing dosages of current medications.
Difficulty breathing and abnormal gum color
Panting can also mean that dogs aren’t getting enough oxygen. If you notice open-mouth breathing, or your dog’s gums look blue, grey, or a “muddy” red color, he or she is experiencing a medical emergency. Being unable to get enough oxygen is a condition called “air hunger.” It is distressing for pet parents to watch, and can be traumatizing for a dog to experience.
Although we always want as much time with our dogs as we can get, it is kind to choose to euthanize a dog before air hunger happens (if possible). When changes happen more gradually, we can recognize those red flags and make a decision for euthanasia before a crisis occurs. However, sometimes a dog’s condition changes rapidly, and with very little warning. In these cases, if you are seeing air hunger, it is best to make an emergency vet visit as soon as possible.
Pale gums
Some types of canine cancer are more prone to causing internal bleeding. For example, the liver and the spleen are very vascular organs, meaning they have a large blood supply. If your dog has a liver or spleen mass in dogs, or has cancer that has spread to these organs, he or she is at risk for internal bleeding.
You may notice that your dog’s belly looks bigger than normal (i.e. a pot-belled dog appearance). Or his or her gums may look pale pink or even white. Sometimes, dogs with internal bleeding can’t even stand up on their own.
If you see these symptoms, it is best to get care for your pup right away. Your vet may be able to stabilize him or her for a period of time. Or in other situations, it may be kindest to help your dog be free from his or her struggles before things get even worse.
Skin tumor turning red or purple
Many cancers happen internally, with no external evidence of their presence. But other types of cancer, such as mast cell tumors in dogs, occur on or near the skin. If a visible tumor is small, and your dog is in good health otherwise, surgery may be the best option. And it can even be curative.
But if your sweet pup has other health conditions, or if the tumor is in a place that makes surgical removal difficult, you may not be able to move forward with surgery. In this case, it is important to watch the cancerous mass for visible changes.
A dog’s cancer might begin to grow rapidly, doubling in size over a relatively short time. Or it may lose fur or begin to change colors. When one part of the tumor is losing fur and turns dark red or purple in color, the growth may soon rupture and become an open wound. This can be painful for your dog and the risk of infection is high.
If your pup seems to be showing several signs of overall decline, a color change on his or her tumor may indicate that putting your dog to sleep is the kindest option.
Lack of energy or sleeping all the time
As cancer is progressing, weakness and being a lethargic dog are very common symptoms. A simple walk outside to go potty, or going to the front door when the mail arrives, can cause your dog to be out of breath and exhausted. Your dog may still get excited, but tire out within just a few minutes.
Additionally, your dog may be sleeping most of the day and show a lack of interest in what is going on around him or her. Although there are still moments of joy, much of life is spent just existing rather than truly living. When this happens, it is likely that the bad moments are outweighing the good ones. And it is ok to set your dog free from his or her struggles before every single moment of joy is gone.
Signs a dog is dying of 8 common types of cancer
The symptoms we’ve already talked about can apply to almost any type of cancer. However, certain types of cancer have more specific signs to watch for.
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)
Hemangiosarcoma in dogs is a highly invasive, aggressive blood cancer. It causes blood vessels to grow improperly, become leaky, and ultimately rupture. This rupture happens internally, and the consequences can vary from a small bleed to massive blood loss. HSA is very commonly found in the liver, spleen, heart, and skin.
The type of symptoms you see can vary depending on the severity of the bleeding and the location of your dog’s HSA. You will want to monitor your pup closely for pale gums, decreased energy, inability to stand, and breathing problems. These symptoms indicate that your sweet dog is in his or her final days, or even his or her final moments. When you see those symptoms, or even before you see them, it may be time to euthanize your dog with hemangiosarcoma.
Lymphoma (LSA)
Lymphoma in dogs is one of the most common types of cancer in dogs, accounting for up to 24% of canine cancer cases. It occurs when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell within a dog’s immune system, start to multiply out of control.
This cancer can present in many different ways. It could show up as swollen dog lymph nodes inside the body, as well as externally. The external lymph nodes will be visually swollen under the chin or neck, in the armpits, in the inguinal area, and on the back of the legs. However, lymphoma may also present as a mass within the body, or as cancerous cells that are spread throughout the GI tract.
Dogs with enlarged and painful lymph nodes may have trouble swallowing, decreased appetite, or breathing issues. And those with GI lymphoma may be vomiting or having diarrhea. All kinds of lymphoma can cause weakness, lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss. Also, if an individual lymph node enlarges enough to block circulation, you may see sudden swelling of the face, chest, abdomen, or legs.
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)
Bladder cancer in dogs is relatively common. And the most common kind is called TCC (transitional cell carcinoma). This type of cancer may originally look like repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs in dogs). A dog may have accidents in the house, blood in the urine, and frequent urination. The vet will treat a UTI (if present) with antibiotics. And or she may recommend chemotherapy in some cases. Or the dog may take palliative medication such as an NSAID or a steroid to help decrease swelling and increase comfort.
As bladder cancer progresses, the tumor can take up most of the space within the bladder. This makes a dog feel like they constantly have to go potty. And they may leak urine frequently. Your dog may also have pain that leads to restlessness, panting, pacing, and frequent squatting.
In the very end stages of bladder cancer, the tumor can fully block the flow of urine. These dogs will have sudden severe pain, and when they squat to potty they don’t get any urine out. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate help before the bladder ruptures.
Liver cancer
There are many types of liver cancer in dogs. Some liver cancers form a solitary mass in one lobe of the liver. These cancers may respond well to surgery as a treatment option. Other types of liver cancer can occur in multiple locations, creating a more nodular cancer that is present throughout all of the liver lobes. These kinds of cancer are more likely to require chemotherapy or palliative care.
Cancer that has spread throughout the liver may decrease the liver’s overall function. Toxins can build up within the bloodstream. And your sweet dog may experience weakness, lethargy, and jaundice. A dog with jaundice will have a yellow look to the whites of their eyes, the inside of their ears, their gums, and even their skin. When a dog with liver cancer is jaundiced, they are in the very final stages of their disease.
Liver cancers are also at risk for bleeding. The tumor tissue may become friable (i.e. fragile) and can be damaged or ruptured by normal activities like playing, jumping, or even flopping down on the floor. If your dog with liver cancer suddenly collapses, or can’t get up on his or her own, it is important to evaluate your dog for signs of bleeding (as discussed in the section on hemangiosarcoma).
Prostate cancer
An enlarged prostate in dogs can be common in older male dogs. In many cases, benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH (the condition most likely to be responsible for prostate enlargement in intact males) is hormone responsive. So it can resolve by having your dog neutered. Thankfully, prostate cancer in dogs is much less common than BPH. But it does occur, and it can be devastating if your beloved dog is the one struggling with it.
The prostate gland wraps around the urethra (i.e. the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). For this reason, when the prostate is enlarged, a dog will often present with urinary issues. The symptoms can look like a urinary tract infection or bladder tumor. Your dog may be squatting to urinate in multiple places, but only dribbling urine. He may also have abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness, and weight loss. It is worth noting too that pain from prostate cancer can mimic that of hind limb osteoarthritis in dogs.
If your dog with prostate cancer is dealing with a lot of pain, or the inability to urinate, it is kindest to let him go.
Bone cancer
Bone cancer is common in dogs, and unfortunately, it can happen at any age. The most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma in dogs (OSA). Other types include fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, multiple myeloma, and metastatic tumors. These tumors may be treated differently, but they all cause similar symptoms as they progress.
Initially, the symptoms of bone cancer may look similar to the signs of arthritis in dogs. Your dog might be limping after exercise, and the pain may respond well to pain medications. However, as the cancer progresses, the pain in the bones becomes more severe. Medications may still help, but may not alleviate all of the pain. You might see visible swelling of the affected leg, and your dog may be very sensitive to touch in this area.
Pain, fractures, and respiratory issues are common with bone cancer
As bone cancer proliferates (i.e. grows), it weakens the structure of the bone itself. A weakened bone is more likely to break under normal pressure, such as from walking. This is called a pathological fracture.
If you see that your dog’s limping has gotten more severe, the leg is swelling, and he or she does not want you to touch the leg, it is likely that your dog either has a pathologic fracture, or that one may be happening soon. A fractured leg can also cause sudden inability to use the leg, or the inability to get up. If you see these symptoms, your pup needs to see a veterinarian right away.
Bone cancers can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. If your dog with osteosarcoma begins to cough, or has difficulty breathing, it is likely that the cancer is affecting the lungs as well as the bones. You may be able to manage the coughing and shortness of breath for a while. But it means your dog’s good quality time is quickly coming to a close.
Nasal or oral cancer
Nasal tumors in dogs and dog mouth cancer can be a challenge to manage. There are many different types of cancer that may grow in these places. Carcinomas and sarcomas are common and can be very locally invasive. In other words, they cause a lot of damage in the nose, mouth, and surrounding bone. However, oral or nasal cancers may or may not spread to other parts of the body.
Because these tumors are locally invasive, you may see swelling of the face, nose, and mouth. Or the dog may have bloody saliva or dog nose bleeds. The cancerous tissue is more likely to get infected. So you may notice yellow or green discharge from the nose or smell a rotten odor (i.e. bad breath in dogs) when your dog breathes.
As the tumor progresses, you may notice your dog bleeding from the nose or mouth, making loud snoring or breathing noises, or having trouble swallowing. Plus, the dog could experience swelling that deforms the face. These changes are unpleasant for your dog. And he or she might be rubbing or pawing at the face or the nose as a symptom of discomfort. At this point, your vet may prescribe steroids, NSAIDs or other pain medications, and even antibiotics to help your dog feel better.
However, when your dog with nasal or oral cancer is nearing the end of his or her life, you may see anorexia, lethargy, increased bleeding episodes, and uncontrolled pain. Medications can help, but it is merciful to set him or her free before a crisis.
Brain tumors
Brain tumors in dogs may originate in the brain or spread to the brain from other locations. A vet can typically diagnose brain cancer using advanced imaging such as an MRI or a CT scan. However, often due to lack of availability, financial constraints, or concurrent health issues, advanced imaging is not performed. In that case, the vet will say the dog has a suspected brain tumor.
If your sweet dog has a suspected or confirmed brain tumor, your veterinarian may recommend medication for pain, anxiety, or seizures. Many times, seizures in dogs are the main symptom of brain tumors in dogs. If they are happening frequently (typically more often than once a month), your dog may benefit from anti-seizure drugs like zonisamide for dogs.
These medications will decrease the frequency and/or the severity of the seizure episodes. However, as a brain tumor progresses, even the best medications will not be able to keep the seizures at bay. Your dog with a brain tumor may begin to have cluster seizures (many seizures in a row), or longer seizures (upwards of 3 to 5 minutes). And the phase after the seizures (called the post-ictal phase) where your dog is lethargic and disoriented may last longer. At this point, euthanasia is a kind option.
Additionally, you may even see your dog exhibiting permanent changes in attitude or behavior. If your dog with a brain tumor begins to act confused or aggressive, and these changes are not responsive to medications, it may be kindest to choose euthanasia before things worsen even further.
Work with your vet to develop a plan for your dog’s cancer
No matter what kind of cancer your dog is facing, the “what-ifs” can be scary. Your veterinarian may recommend seeing a veterinary specialist near you if you wish to pursue advanced cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
If these therapies are not a good option, or if they are no longer helping, it is good to let your vet know that you are interested in dog hospice care or palliative care. You might even want to seek out a hospice and palliative care veterinarian to guide you regarding the best medications for comfort care.
Think through when it is time to say goodbye
In these difficult times, it is important to keep in mind that your dog doesn’t think of life as “long” or “short.” What they focus on is the here and now. You will always want more time with your beloved canine. Yet, all the “bonus time” still won’t feel like enough because our hearts are never quite ready to say goodbye. So when cancer is present, it is good to have a plan for evaluating your dog’s quality of life.
You may want to use a quality of life scale for dogs. Or you could talk with your family and make a list of your dog’s favorite things. Then together you can evaluate if he or she is still able to enjoy those things. Some dog parents find it helpful to keep track of their dog’s good days and bad days on a calendar. Then they can determine if the good days still outnumber the bad. Additionally, you can factor in your dog’s overall comfort, activity level, and playfulness.
It can also be helpful to talk to supportive friends and family or join a pet loss support group. Plus, you could consider reaching out to a counselor as you work through anticipatory grief (i.e. the sorrow that comes from thinking about losing your beloved pet).
Think of setting your dog free as your final gift of love
Remember, you love your dog deeply, and your dog knows how much you love him or her! Dogs are good at knowing our intentions and they understand when we are trying to help. At the end of a cancer journey, the final act of love and the final way to help our dogs is to spoil them with their favorite things, and then set them free.
How did you know when it was time to euthanize your dog with cancer?
Please comment below.
hi I have bishon frish, 4 years and 4 months he has just had scan it shows he has a mass in his heart and X2 leaks from the heart, he has been fainting lately when he gets excited or anxious, they can’t remove the mass unfortunately, they can only give him an invasive procedure to test to see if it’s cancer or not and he might not survive that, he sleeps most of the day, and night, slow at walking now than he used to be, and today he hasn’t eaten his breakfast just sniffed and went back to sleep after a 5 minute walk, he loves his food and is such a loving and good dog, waiting on medication for any bloating of the stomach and pain meds 😞
Dear Karen,
My heart aches for you as you face this tragic situation with your beloved pup. I know you would do anything to give him relief and feel certain he knows how much he is loved. Praying for comfort and strength for the tough days ahead. Bless you and your sweet boy. ♥
Our sweet Abby is soon joining the long line of our much loved dogs who have already crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was recently diagnosed with a MAST cell tumor that showed high mitotic activity. Because of her age we have opted to keep her comfortable and continue to spoil her rotten until she tells us she is ready. This past weekend her tumor grew to almost double the original size, so we know she’s progressing quickly. This morning she was panting as soon as she woke up and had continued all morning, along with restlessness. She just calmed down and is currently resting, but I know she is declining quickly. Soon she will say hello to Jake, Penny, Dakota, Murphy, Keesch and Blaze and have no more pain. Absolutely the hardest part of having pets is letting them go.
Dear Martha,
My heart aches for you as you prepare to say goodbye to Abby. She is very lucky to have you taking such good care of her and keeping a close eye on her quality of life. Try to make the most of the time you are gifted and spoil your girl rotten. Praying for her comfort and peace during these final days. Bless you and your family.
I’m reading all of these stories about having to make a decision about your senior dog. I am embarrassed to admit that I’m jealous. My 7 year old Great Pyrenees, Winter was diagnosed today with her third type of Sarcoma, this time in her foot. The first was an oral sarcoma in her mouth at three years old, we opted for radiation and did seven rounds, she responded marvelously. She was cancer free until 5 1/2 when we found three lumps, one was malignant, a different type of sarcoma, our option was chemotherapy and we declined, Today we got the call about the cells removed from her foot after a limp that rapidly progressed, yet another type of sarcoma. The oncologist believes she has a genetic mutation since all three can not be identified. I am meeting with the Radiology Oncologist tomorrow to go over options one of which is amputation which will not do. She is 120# and is having such a difficult time getting up and walking, the vet said if it was her rear leg it would be easier, but…
Today she just can’t get comfortable and is panting continously even though she is taking Gabapentin, Carprofen and a form of Ketamine.
We are retired and she is our whole world, every de ision we make is based around her. I have had to make end of life decisions for four dogs and two cats, all were devastating, the lat one we lost at four to Cancer , the two before that also had cancer but we were lucky enough to have had them for their predicted lifespan. I just don’t know how to get the strength to let her go. She is my heart dog. My soul dog.
Where do I draw the strength from?
Dear Lana,
My heart is broken for your sweet Winter and the impossibly difficult decision you have in front of you. I know you would do anything if it would give her a better quality of life, but sometimes letting go is the only way to offer peace. I hope you can find the advice and support you need make the best choice for everyone involved. Praying for strength and comfort. Bless you and your beloved girl. ♥
I am so afraid now. I never realized just how many dogs pass from cancer. My beautiful, sweet, Kelpie, Louisa is only 6 years old and recently has started panting while being chilled out. Do the vets have any idea why so many dogs are getting cancer nowadays? I always heard that not spaying/neutering can lead to cancer,.but now I am terrified my fur baby..
Hi Sherri,
I agree that the thought of cancer is scary, but I definitely don’t think we should live in fear of “what ifs”. I am not sure that anyone knows exactly why cancer rates are rising in dogs (and in humans) but do think our environment, food, etc. play a role. We do see some types of cancer more commonly in intact dogs (mammary cancer in intact females) but that doesn’t mean dogs that have been sterilized are free from the cancer risk. Ultimately, we do the best we can with the information we have and then focus on finding joy in each day. Enjoy the time you are gifted! Wishing you and sweet Louisa all the best. ♥
My 14 year old soul dog Dean was diagnosed with liver cancer back in March, he was doing pretty well until this past Wednesday. He would limp occasionally but we attributed it to his arthritis and it always got better. This time he wouldn’t put any weight on his paw at all and would cry when we touched it. Took him to the emergency vet and he doesn’t have a fracture or any visible injuries. Vet said cancer has spread to his lungs and prescribed carprofen. He has been walking now but really only wants human food. He’s still urinating and pooping, but seems to strain at times to defecate. He hasn’t been panting, but he’s been very restless today and his breathing seems somewhat fast at rest. I’ve never had to make this decision before as my senior golden passed in his sleep years ago. I can’t bear the thought of letting him go before it’s his time and don’t want to prolong his suffering. He still gets up and follows me around at times, and begs for human food. He’s very weak and has muscle loss from the liver cancer. He has a vet appt on Monday to assess his condition. Please, please help me figure out what to do.
Dear Mary,
I am so sorry Dean’s condition is declining, and you are facing the difficult decision of when to say goodbye. From what you describe, it sounds like his quality of life is poor and he is experiencing pain daily despite his medications. It is ok to let go before all joy is lost and the only thing that remains is pain. I would rather say goodbye one day too early than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. I hope your vet was able to offer guidance and give you some peace of mind. Praying for comfort and strength. Bless you and your sweet boy.
We have a black and tan blue tick hound that is 13 years old. he developed a mass on the hind quarter of his leg around the knee area in 2024. Our vet done surgery on it to remove it and send it for a biopsy. The surgery was completed and we were told that they got as much as they could without amputating the leg as it had wrapped around the bone and through the muscle. and that it would more than likely come back. Biopsy results were benign, good news right? well it wasnt. This mass came back with avenges and grew the size of a grapefruit in the matter of a year also growing fingers as the vet calls them.. There is no more surgery for him as I refuse to have them to amputate my 13 year old dogs leg. Plus the vet advised he probably would not make it off the table. This mass is now the size of a football and the finger ruptured. This happened as we werent home so when we came home needless to say we were shocked and found him lying in a small pool of blood. We wrapped it up took him to the vet and he was now placed on antii-inflamatory meds and antibiotics. We were assured he was not in any pain and we vowed we wouldnt allow him to be in pain however we cant find in our hearts to say goodbye when he is still running, playing and not showing any signs other than his limp. So we have been keeping his bandage changed, giving him his meds and loving him unconditionally. We go back to the vet today for a check up and we are at a loss for what to do. This will be our second dog we have dealt with that has had cancer and it sure is hard..
Dear Linda,
I am sorry your senior guy is living with this troublesome tumor. It sounds like you and your vet have a good partnership, and they are doing a great job at helping to maintain your dog’s quality of life. I know the days ahead will be tough and trying to decide when to say goodbye is never easy. Praying for clarity and strength. Bless you and your sweet boy.
Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
My 10 year old Chihuahua was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in March. It is growing rapidly but he is still eating, playing, drinking and enjoying life I think, But it is now pressing on his face and I don’t know if he is in pain. He does not whine or anything, still enjoys walks etc and is. I don’t want to say goodbye to him yet but I don’t want him to be in neither.
Hi Jannine,
I am sorry your boy has received this devastating diagnosis. It can be very hard to tell if a dog is in pain because they are so good at hiding signs of discomfort. Anytime pain is suspected, especially with a growing tumor, it can be a good idea to do a trial course of pain meds and see if you notice any improvement or an increase in energy and playfulness. Please don’t hesitate to talk to your vet and discuss your concerns and wishes. Praying for clarity and strength as you navigate the difficult days ahead. Bless you and your sweet boy.
My baby has recently been diagnosed with a tumor behind his liver he has a mermur and fluid on his lungs he is at stage of palliative care but I’m struggling to understand how to notice when the time is right
Dear Jeannine,
I am sorry your boy’s health is declining, and you are facing this difficult decision of when to say goodbye. As long as the palliative care is keeping him comfortable it is ok to give him more time. Once pain medications and other treatments become ineffective, it may be best to let go. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers as well. Praying for strength and clarity as you navigate this emotional path. Bless you and your sweet boy.
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
3. Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
my 12 year old pitty has a a tumor growing under him ,the vet never tested it said he wouldnt survive the surgery last week it had grown the size of a grapefruit and a 1/2 the moles were so big but it never bothered and he was on two meds to keep it down but last 4 days it was bright red and where the moles are they had turned black, vet said there was never she could do but comfort meds as the swelling went down the black moles started cracking open and today i noticed that there was about a 4 inch open area where the black skin fell opened, he eats great pees etc but it being an open wound like that and no surgical is it time to put him down like keeping it covered with and clean with belly bands want help, could he all of a sudden get a deadly infection, hes the best dog i have ever owned just thinking of him on the vet table looking at me like he always does just kills me
Dear Edie,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult situation with your senior guy. From what you describe, I am concerned that your pup may be experiencing more pain and discomfort than he is letting on. Dogs are great at masking signs of pain and will often continue to eat despite grave circumstances. I do think you may need to ask your vet about quality of life and see if they will offer their honest opinion. It is ok to let go before all joy is lost and the only thing that remains is suffering. I would rather say goodbye one day too early than one day too late. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your boy. Praying for comfort and peace. Bless you both.
Hello, I wanted to add my personal experience with anticipatory grief for setting our dear Piper girl free coming 1-19-26. Piper is a Border Collie. Her “gotcha” day was Aug 15, 2014. Her birthday is Dec 24, 2010. She is 15, and we have been given 10+ years of her curious, people pleasing, sweet soul. We will never know her whole story before she was ours, but we figured out quickly she had mistreatment in her young years. As a herding breed, some are bred to work and only work. It took nearly 6 months of patiently loving her to gain her trust, and finally get her to even eat in front of a human. She spent most of her life with us as a “Goose Dog” hazing geese off airport, golf course and school grounds! She LOVED being a goose dog!
Last October a large bump appeared on her muzzle/cheek. I watched it for a few weeks after informing her vet. Then I called and said- we need to biopsy this- it’s growing rapidly and her breath reeks. This was just a few days before her 15th birthday on Christmas Eve last year. I knew the results were going to come back as cancer, so we got her a special doggy cake to celebrate 15! The results came in… and my heart sank. I cried every day snuggling her. I am in NO way ready to let her go. But the most LOVING thing we can do is set her free! In our area (Portland, OR) there is “Lap of Love”, a licensed vet comes to your home and facilitates compassionate euthanasia. Our date is coming up and the anticipatory grief is real. All 3 kids grew up with this sweet pup. There will never be another like her- but how incredibly rich the past 10 years have been because she was in our family.
– a grieving dog lover
Dear Brittney,
My heart goes out to you as you prepare to say goodbye to Piper. It sounds like she has lived a wonderfully full life with your family, and I am certain she knows how much she is loved. Lap of Love offers a GREAT service, and I highly recommend them. I hope Piper’s last day will be filled with happiness and comfort. Wishing you and your family peace. Bless you all. ♥
Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace