Deciding when to euthanize a dog with arthritis can be difficult and devastating. To help provide clarity and comfort, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby invited end-of-life-care veterinarian Dr. Dawnetta Woodruff to share some heartfelt advice from her years of supporting families and their beloved dogs through that final farewell.
When your beloved canine family member has received a diagnosis of arthritis, it can be a scary moment. You may wonder what will happen next, and how his or her life will be altered. How long can he or she live with the pain and decreased mobility that comes with arthritis? Will you know when to euthanize your dog with arthritis?
The answer to those questions is multi-factorial and depends on the severity and progression of your dog’s arthritis.
An arthritis overview
Osteoarthritis in dogs is a progressive disease that affects the joints. It often starts because a dog was born with poor conformation. When the joints are not properly formed, as is the case with hip dysplasia in dogs or some instances of luxating patella in dogs, they wear down faster than they should.
Arthritis can also happen secondary to injuries such as a torn ACL in dogs or a broken bone (in or near the joint). Plus, age-related wear and tear on the joints, and/or increased strain on the joints from obesity can also contribute to the breakdown of the joints.
In a healthy joint, cartilage is present over top of the smooth bony surfaces. It functions to cushion and protect the bones. However, when cartilage becomes inflamed and irritated due to injury or poor conformation, it eventually wears out.
At this point, bone-on-bone contact occurs, which is quite painful. And as arthritis progresses, it actually begins changing the shape of the affected bones. The bone edges become rough, the joint’s normal fluid increases, and joint swelling becomes evident on X-rays. Sometimes that enlargement can even be visible when you look at your dog’s joints.
Symptoms of arthritis
At first, though, your arthritic dog will look very normal, as visible changes often progress gradually. Eventually, you may notice:
- Your dog’s walk will become less smooth, and he or she will appear stiff when moving—especially when he or she first gets up after a long rest.
- During walks, your dog may slow down or have a hard time walking the distances he or she used to run with ease.
- Going up and down the stairs may become more difficult for your dog, and he or she may not want to jump up on the couch or the bed anymore.
These, and other signs of arthritis in dogs, are all reasons to bring your dog to see your veterinarian. This allows your vet to create a plan to help your dog feel his or her best both now and long-term.
Arthritis management options
How your vet recommends managing your dog’s arthritis depends on how severe it is when it is diagnosed and how it progresses. Your veterinarian may recommend:
Joint supplements
Giving your dog joint supplements for dogs such as Dr. Buzby’s Encore Mobility™ hip and joint supplement can help give your dog the necessary building blocks to keep the joints lubricated and protected.
You could also consider adding Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs to your dog’s diet in the form of a fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are fantastic for dogs with arthritis because they have natural anti-inflammatory properties and help support joint health.
Weight management
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight or helping your dog lose weight is an incredibly important part of arthritis management. Extra weight puts more stress on your dog’s joints and will speed up the progression of the disease. This increases pain and decreases life expectancy.
(Wondering if your dog is overweight? Start by finding your dog’s body condition score (BCS) or ask your vet if your dog could benefit by losing some weight.)
Alternative therapies
There are many therapies that can provide comfort, decrease inflammation, help keep your dog mobile, and offer great natural pain relief for dogs. They include:
- Physical therapy
- Underwater treadmill for dogs
- Laser therapy for dogs
- PRP for dogs
- PEMF for dogs
- Dog chiropractor
- Acupuncture for dogs
Also, combining some of the above therapies with gentle exercise (when tolerated) can help your dog hold on to as much muscle strength as possible.
ToeGrips
With time, your canine friend will lose lean muscle mass, and you will see worsening weakness. As the weakness progresses, using mobility aids like Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips will be helpful to keep your dog moving comfortably about your home.
Pain medication
Your veterinarian will probably recommend beginning pain medication as part of the plan to relieve arthritis pain in dogs. He or she may start out with something simple like a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID). These medications, such as carprofen or meloxicam, are similar to ibuprofen for humans but are safe for your canine companion.
Over time, the pain management program will evolve into a multi-modal approach. This means the vet will combine different types of medications (i.e. gabapentin for dogs, tramadol for dogs, or amantadine for dogs) to help decrease pain in different ways.
Managing discomfort from many different avenues gives a much greater result than using any one method on its own. This can help maximize the time your dog can live comfortably with arthritis.
How long can a dog live with arthritis?
Sometimes, dogs with arthritis go on to live full lives. Their arthritis is well-managed for many years until their life comes to an end for unrelated reasons. However, in other circumstances, arthritis progresses more quickly, to the point that it is keeping a dog from enjoying his or her life.
In this situation, it is natural to wonder, “How much longer can this go on?” and “Is it fair for him or her to live in pain?” You may also question, “Is it right for me to consider euthanasia? He is still healthy otherwise.” or think “She still seems so happy! But I know she is hurting. When do I need to let her go?”
How do you know when to euthanize a dog with arthritis?
This is a complicated and difficult decision. Our natural tendency is to look for the good, and focus on the joy our dogs have in their lives. Dogs are blessed with the ability to deal with physical pain without attaching human emotion to it. They don’t feel sorry for themselves—they just try to have the best day possible.
This is one of the things we love about them! But it also makes it difficult for us to truly know when it is time to set them free from their pain.
Watch for “red flags” that indicate your dog is declining
It is common for families to look for one “big red flag” as a sign that it is time to say goodbye. This “big red flag” might be the day their dog completely stops eating or the day he or she can’t stand up at all. These things can certainly let us know the time has come for humane euthanasia.
However, it is rare that advanced disease such as arthritis only affects one area of life. More commonly, we see many “small red flags” that all add up to a bigger problem, rather than the one “huge red flag” we’ve been watching for.
These smaller red flags can be things like:
- Decreased (but not absent) appetite
- Increased thirst secondary to constant panting
- Restless sleep because your dog is in pain and unable to find a comfortable sleeping position
- Accidents in the house—When dogs can’t get up easily to go outside, they may wait until the last minute. And then the need is so urgent that they can’t make it outdoors. Or they may have accidents because they go outside and try to squat but can’t hold the position long enough to fully empty the bladder or pass stool.
- Your dog, who loved affection, may become nervous (tensing the muscles or trembling, even walking away) when you approach to give him or her attention in the form of touch.
Individually, these smaller red flags may not seem like a huge problem. But as more and more concerns arise, the “small” things add up, and they can severely decrease the quality of life.
Conduct a quality-of-life assessment
Looking for these “red flags” is one helpful way to know when the time to euthanize your dog is approaching. However, there are many other tools available to help evaluate the quality of life (QOL) as well. No one tool or method tells the full story.
Another approach I like is to use a quality-of-life scale for dogs. There are a variety of assessments available that take into account a dog’s health, appetite, mobility, hydration, sleep habits, hygiene, and more. You can pick one you like and use it on a regular basis or try out a few different ones.
It is best to perform the quality of life assessment at different times of the day. Otherwise, for example, if mornings are the best, and that is the only time you do your assessments, you could be missing the big picture.
Having different people in your family evaluate your sweet pup’s quality of life is also helpful. That way you can talk about your observations and concerns together. Or if you are the only one caring for your dog, talk to a trusted friend or fellow dog owner.
It can also be helpful to ask your veterinarian for his or her input. These additional or outside observers can help you see things clearly, and from a more objective point of view.
What should you do if you think your dog’s quality of life is declining due to arthritis?
You may find that your dog’s quality of life stays steady for a long time and then slowly declines. However, in other situations, the quality of life can decline rapidly. This is especially true when there is a loss of mobility or an inability to control pain.
If your dog’s mobility is getting worse, if he or she won’t take pills well, or if he or she is dealing with concurrent health issues (like liver disease in dogs or kidney failure in dogs), you may wish to seek help from a veterinarian who offers dog hospice care. These caring individuals can help ensure that your dog’s last days are as comfortable and dignified as possible.
Or, you may wish to have a discussion with your dog’s care team regarding end-of-life arrangements. This may involve preparing for your dog’s euthanasia at the vet clinic or scheduling an in-home dog euthanasia. You may also want to start looking at dog memorial ideas that can help honor your dear departed dog.
Know that there isn’t one “right time” to euthanize your dog with arthritis
Deciding when that final farewell will occur isn’t clear-cut. There often isn’t only one precise moment in time when euthanasia is the best choice. Instead, especially when it comes to dogs with arthritis or other chronic conditions, there is a window of time in which euthanasia may be the right (albeit difficult) choice.
Some dogs may take their medications well and allow you to help them up. This may allow them to truly enjoy their life a bit longer. For other dogs, lifting them up and helping them outside is stressful, and taking medications is a battle. Since their days are full of difficulty, it may be kindest to set them free earlier in that window of time. Every dog and situation is different.
Understand that euthanasia is a loving gift
As a dog’s family, it is common to wish you could do more. But at the end of a long and difficult road (such as managing osteoarthritis), sometimes the kindest thing you can do is know when to give your dog an escape from the struggle. Choosing euthanasia is not a failure. It is a way of allowing your dog to skip over the very hardest days that are still ahead of him or her. And that is a merciful and kind decision, made with love.
While you might not be ready for your dog’s life to be over, there often comes a point where watching your dog struggle is just as heartbreaking as the thought of setting him or her free. That is when you know that you are probably as ready as you will ever be.
Be kind to yourself on this journey
Even so, the weight of these decisions can still be overwhelming and burdensome—as can anticipating the grief that will come when your cherished dog passes on. Plus, caretaker fatigue is very real but sadly not talked about nearly enough.
It is a given that you love your dog. And you are willing to do whatever it takes to keep him or her comfortable and mobile for as long as possible. But it can be exhausting to keep up with medications, therapies, and the constant worry of how well your dog is going to be able to get up or move around. Sometimes it may feel like taking care of your arthritic dog is a full-time job. And the day-to-day ups and downs can become emotionally taxing for you and your sweet pup.
There may be times when these burdens may feel like too much to carry. You know you and your dog can’t keep going with the way things are. But how can you bear to make the decision to say goodbye to your beloved companion? The weight of that decision is immense, but you don’t have to carry it alone.
Sometimes, as pet owners, we need to seek help from friends, family members, veterinary professionals, and/or therapists who focus on pet loss and grief. This kind of help, and access to pet loss and grief resources, are certainly vital after a loss. But they are needed just as much before the loss as we grapple with the decision of when to set our dog free from his or her struggles. There is no shame in reaching out for help.
Take comfort from your dog
Finally, you already know this, but dogs are excellent at sensing how much we love them. And if they could talk, they would probably want us to know that it is ok to let them go on a good day. It is ok to say goodbye before every bit of joy is gone and only pain and sadness remain. They know you are doing your best to care for them, they trust you, and they love you unconditionally.
The decision of when to euthanize your dog with arthritis isn’t an easy one, but you can, and will, get through it. And you don’t have to do it alone.
If your dog had arthritis, how did you know when it was time to say goodbye?
Please share your story below.
Hello,
My cocker spaniel is 15 and has pretty severe arthritis in one of his hind legs. He’ll often slip or fall walking at home. When I come home, he’s overly excited and will run around. This is when he often falls. I’m so worried he’ll end up breaking a bone. Do you have any tips on how I can calm him down so he doesn’t overexert himself?
Hi Claire,
I understand your concern for your senior guy and think it is great you are searching for advice. Instead of focusing on keeping him calm, it may be easier to try and help him with traction and mobility. Here is a link to an article with more information: Why Your Dog Is Afraid of Hardwood Floors & 5 Practical Solutions
Some dogs show great improvement with the use of yoga mats or rugs in high traffic areas, and I highly recommend you take a look at ToeGrips too! If slipping and falling is still an issue even on carpeted surfaces, then you may need to talk to your vet about anxiety medications or calming supplements. Hoping you can find the best way to keep your boy safe and active. Bless you and keep up the good work.
I have not done it yet – but found this article because I am preparing for this awful choice. This is something I have always thought about and prayed I would NEVER have to make this decision. My 12-year-old Rottweiler, who has been by my side for that entire 12 years was diagnosed yesterday with end-stage arthritis. He has been having issues for about little less than a year. In his prime, he weighed probably near 140, then began to decline through the years. He is currently around 100-110. Two days ago, he stopped getting up. Now he won’t get up or walk or go to the bathroom unassisted. This happened SO FAST. I mean literally. The vet showed me his extremely swollen right elbow and I had not noticed it but knew he was favoring that leg. She took an x-ray because she swore he had a bone tumor, but he didn’t. The joints have no cartilage and they are rubbing together and he has bone spurs on the joints causing severe inflammation. I had no idea. I knew he kinda favored that leg, but Maximus never led me to believe it was THAT bad. Now my boy can’t even move. She started him on a steroid to see if it will help but so far, it is day 3 and he still won’t get up unless I help him. She basically told me the meds will only manage it and it is so far long that there will be no cure to this. Considering my max just lays in one spot and will not get up or move around barely, it leads me to believe I will now have to make this decision and I am desperately searching for guidance on when to know if this is right. I don’t see myself being able to bear the thought of walking in there and doing it. Being without him, but then I consider his pain and life. I am so torn. I am not going to make a decision until the meds get good in his system to see if his quality of life gets better, but so far, 3 days, and he won’t get up on his own and when I get him up, he falls. My heart is so broken. He has been with me through so much and I never wanted to be the one to stop his little heart. He is panting bad now than before. He is eating somewhat and drinking water, but it is like he is a different dog not being mobile. 🙁 When I do make the decision, I will come back and write again because I am really hurting over this.
Dear Amy,
I am sorry Maximus is struggling, and his quality of life has diminished so quickly. I understand your grief and know you don’t want to make the wrong decision. But please hear me when I say that 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. You have the ability to offer your sweet boy a peaceful passing and free him from his failing body. I know that letting go will break your heart, but I can’t think of a bigger act of selfless love than that. I will attach links to other articles with more information and advice from other readers. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best choice for you and Max. Wishing you comfort and strength. Bless you both. ♥
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. In-Home Dog Euthanasia: Heartfelt Answers to 12 FAQs
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
I am SO grateful for this site. I made the decision to put my 14-year-old lab/husky down three weeks ago and am suffering from wondering and guilt off and on. He didn’t have so many of the symptoms of old age that I keep reading about … he had a strong heart, great lab work, pooped and peed and ate well, and wanted to go on walks. However, he did have arthritis in his front legs, was stiffening in his hips (he had had two TPLOs in the last four years, from which he recovered beautifully) … and he was on Gabapentin, Amantadine and Truprofin. However, he panted constantly, often through the night, and paced at night. He maneuvered stairs OK but often hesitated before going up or down, and sometimes struggled going up. He used a ramp to get in and out of the car since the TPLOs. He had stopped climbing on favorite furniture, and often spent hours lying in two spots in the garden that he had made for himself. On walks, he was slowing down, though he would occasionally have an unexpected burst of speed and energy for just a minute, which delighted me. It was hard for me to know what to do, because the mobile vet that I used seemed to push alternative therapies (including some kind of cell injection that is new and very expensive which I tried for two months and saw no effects from) … I know there is acupuncture and other stuff I could have tried, but didn’t. I did put warm compresses on my dog’s front legs myself from time to time. I live alone so it was especially hard to try to make decisions by myself, especially since this dog has been my best friend and companion for 14 years and I couldn’t imagine life without him. But after watching him pant through two nights with little sleep, and pace around during the nights, I made a quick decision and called a vet to come. (My own vet was getting married so I didn’t even try to call her.) The experienced vet who came did perform the euthanasia, but my dog was, of course, behaving quite well that day, and I honestly felt that the vet had doubts about whether this was the right time. I had told her that all of my extended family had either visited that morning to say goodbye, or Face-timed, and I thought that the vet may have felt sort of trapped, though as a professional I’m sure she gave it more thought than that. Nevertheless, since my dog’s death, I have struggled between guilt and self-understanding. I try to remember the reasons that I made the decision to put my dear dog down, and sometimes they come to me and sometimes I feel that I should have tried harder with medications. Everything I read says to consult my vet, but I never felt that my vet listened to my own doubts so that’s not an option, and I never heard a word again from the vet who actually put my dog down. It’s just hard, especially when I read all the lists of reasons that others made this decision and my dog didn’t have a lot of those reasons. But thank you very much for this chance to tell my thoughts. I would appreciate some feedback very, very much.
Dear Jeanne,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved boy. It is normal for your mind to ponder all the “what ifs” while grieving, but please don’t let guilt weigh you down. Here me when I say you did the right thing. Everyone has to navigate these emotional end of life situations in their own way. Just because yours is different from others doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the choices you made. 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. You allowed your pup to pass peacefully with his dignity still intact. Bless you for making such a selfless loving decision for him. May his memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life. Wishing you peace and brighter days ahead. ♥
Thank you for this article, and to the reader who shared her story of having to lovingly let go of her 14 y/o best friend. That’s the situation I am in now. It’s heartbreaking. But finding information and comfort like this has helped me immensely. 🙏
Dear Megan,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult decision for your senior pup. Praying for strength and comfort. Bless you. ♥
My 13 year old female pit bull has been such a wonderful dog her whole life…she was born in our yard. The yard was hers; the kitchen and the sunroom and the garage were hers. She would bounce 2 feet in the air when I brought her food to her; strangers heard her bark! And it all changed in the last week horribly….It started with the stairs from her deck to the yard. One day I was on one side of the yard picking up stuff she leaves around and I turned around and she was coming down the stairs (4 stairs) and fell and rolled over. I was hysterical. After that I got the pain meds and the anti inflammatories from the vet, but didn’t realize until me and my son talked about it that she had been panting for months and I just thought it was the summer heat because she loved the sun. But on top of this she was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023 and the vet gave her a year…So I don’t know what is what…right after the pain meds she becomes super dog. I never had to walk her outside of her yard because it is so big and I would clean it up every day….So now I take her out 3 times a day and we can’t go very far…just need to pee and poop and that was hard because of the garage stairs; I would use her harness to help her down but she was scared to death. Some days she would fly and others she wouldn’t go near the steps. My son had to carry her up and down many times. And then outside she couldn’t walk for long and my heart was breaking because she wanted to walk further, but she was panting out of control even with the pain meds. She was tripping just going out to the deck. And she lost her beautiful bark…today my next door neighbor saw her and I told him briefly what was going on and he said it was time…I am heartbroken, confused and torn. I will speak with the vet on Monday…
Dear Susan,
I am so sorry your pup’s health is declining, and you are facing this difficult decision about her quality of life. I am glad you had planned a visit with your vet. They should be able to offer advice and guidance as you navigate this emotional situation. I know how hard it is to let go, but sometimes saying goodbye is the only way to give a beloved dog freedom from suffering. Praying for your strength and for clarity. Bless you and your sweet girl. ♥
It’s so good to read through everyone’s situations and your responses. It’s good to know I’m not alone. It’s so hard to know when is the right time. And that’s what I’m struggling most with. My lab/husky just turned 14. He’s been struggling with arthritis for a couple years now, has been on medication. 3 months ago he started urinating in the house, and it’s been become much more frequent. Got him test and blood drawn for everything, and have been told it’s just old age. He looks great! I think the biggest thing is that he’s aggressive and growling at my babies and I can’t stand to see him falling and u able to walk up and down stairs. But I just keep going back and forth with thinking well could I do more, but it’s taking such a toll on me and my family and my home. Today was a tough day for me to realize I really think I need to do this for him. But it’s killing me. I can’t let go and I don’t know how to say good bye to my best friend. I don’t know life without him. My parents and best friends have all recently told me it’s time… and that really helps but hurts that they know too. I guess I need to know that I’ve done everything I can and that this truly is the time for him to be free.
Dear Brittany,
My heart aches for you as you try to make this emotional decision for your beloved pup. I know you would do anything to give him more time, but sometimes letting go is the most loving option and only way to offer peace and freedom from struggles. From what you describe, I am suspicious that your boy may be dealing with dementia (canine cognitive dysfunction) as well as arthritis. This can definitely cause them to start having accidents in the house and can change their personality (causing aggression or other new behaviors). It worries me that your boy is growling at your babies. Safety is huge and this may be the main factor in having to make a decision sooner rather than later. I will attach links to other articles with more information. Praying for clarity and strength as you navigate this difficult path. Bless you and your family.
1. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
2. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
3. In-Home Dog Euthanasia: Heartfelt Answers to 12 FAQs
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
I want to say thank you for this article. We just made the difficult decision with our boy, Dyson, on July 27. He was in pain from his arthritis and medications were not helping anymore. I recited the paragraph in the “Take Comfort From Your Dog” section like a prayer to help calm and give me the strength to make the decision. It was such a comforting statement and I am so grateful for it. Dyson, who was right about 17 years old, went for a walk in the evening. We intended for it to be a bit longer than what his walks looked like in his pain, but he insisted on going even further, to what I thought would be our old usual 1 mile loop. Instead, he turned a different direction to go to a park he enjoyed. Again, at his insistence. So we did. He did what made him happy and I am so glad I got to be there on a good day for him. That was the evening prior. On the morning of, we again walked to places he enjoyed and ended it by giving him a cheeseburger and ice cream. Again, another good day for him. We let him go on a good before only pain and sadness remained and your words helped me to accept it.
I thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart for sharing those words.
Tristan
Dear Tristan,
My heart aches for you with your loss of Dyson. I am glad the article was a source of comfort and strength as you made the emotional decision to let go. What a blessing he was able to enjoy such a happy day and do all the things he loved. Thank you for being willing to share his story with us. May Dyson’s memory always bring a smile to your face. Wishing you brighter days ahead. ♥
Hello finding some comfort reading your stories
My Freddie (yorkie) is 16 and has severe arthritis in his back legs most of the time he cannot walk steady and just pulls his back legs behind him but not all the time. Going for walks are now not possible
Going to the toilet is a major challenge now as 9 times out 10 he cannot hold himself up for enough time to poop and will fall back into his own business
I have recently had a hip replacement and now finding things extremely difficult in caring for Freddie and I feel he isn’t having an amazing time either 🙁
However he eats like a horse and water
How do I judge if he is having a decent quality of life ? I’m so torn as to what to do now
Thank you
Dear Pete,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with Freddie. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you with your own health issues to tend to. I will attach links to other articles with more information on how to know when is best to say goodbye. Generally, I would rather let go one day too early than one day to late and allow unnecessary suffering. It is ok to say goodbye before all joy is lost and the only thing that remains is pain. Being a full-time caregiver to a senior pup is a heavy burden to carry. You have to think about your quality of life too! Hoping you can find the answers you need to make the best choice for everyone involved. Praying for comfort and peace for you and your sweet boy. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. When Caring For A Sick Pet Becomes Too Much: Pet Caregiver Fatigue
3. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
I had to say goodbye to my beautiful Olde English Bulldogge Leon 3 weeks ago. He was the absolute light of my life for 15 years. I knew it would be awful being without him, but it is even worse than I imagined it to be.
Leon had osteoarthritis that progressed the last two years. I brought him for laser therapy, hydrotherapy (until I had to stop when it became to difficult for him) massage, and acupuncture. He also got Apoquel and Librela injections, and took Gabapentin.
I assisted him in getting up when I was home. He got up on his own when I wasn’t home, until one day three weeks ago when he couldn’t. I noticed when I checked my camera and rushed home from work. I hoped that the next day would be better, but it wasn’t. My boy could no longer get up on his own, and struggled even with my assistance. He became very vocal, making sounds I had never heard him make before. I knew he was in pain.
I loved him too much to let him struggle in pain and suffer. It was the hardest decision I have ever made and worst day of my life.
Every day is a struggle and my head is full of guilty thoughts, wondering if I said goodbye too soon, did everything I could possibly do, and thoughts of thinking maybe he would have gotten better.
When I feel like that I come back to this article and read it agin. I am grateful I found it, as it gives me peace and makes me feel like the decision I had to make was the right one for Leon, as much as it hurts me to be without him.
Thank you, Dr. Buzby.
Dear Sherri,
My heart aches for you with your loss of Leon. There is no greater act of love than to allow your own heart to break so your boy could find peace. I can only imagine how much you miss him but am certain he knew how much he was loved. I hope with time the grief can begin to fade and your heart will heal. May Leon’s memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life.
Thank you, Dr. Buzby. Your kind words mean so much to me.
MY 14+-year-old Golden Dixie has been fighting Arthritis for a while now. She has been taking prescription joint supplements since I adopted her and her sister 4 years ago, and Derramax pain meds for the last year+. She has been fecaly incontinent for the last year + but has been mobile enough to be able to go out and pee in the yard. Recently though, she has taken a turn for the worst. She shakes almost constantly…at first it was just her back legs but now it’s all her legs. She needs my help allot more now…to get up from a laying position and to get up single stairs she used to be able to navigate. She has fallen a few times and been trapped on the floor. A week ago, she fell between the recliner and couch while I was at work, and I found her when I got home in a puddle of her own pee. She pants almost constantly, but she still is able to settle down and sleep. I have had to start feeding her laying down, and I am worried soon she won’t be able to stand long enough to pee…if she’s moving, she’s ok, but when she stops for more than a minute she goes down to the floor. She walks a little crooked and can’t bend her body to navigate small spaces anymore, which is why she gets stuck. Often, I find her alone in my bedroom staring at the wall laying on the big dog bed panting by herself. I am worried that she is in a lot of pain…when I pet her, I have to be extra gentle because she jumps like I am startling her when I touch her. She still seeks out my attention, but she rarely wags her tail anymore when she used to wag it almost nonstop. I have had 5 Goldens in the past 20 years and Dixie and her sister Tilly are #4 & 5. I had to adopt them together because they are bonded. This isn’t the first time I have been faced with the decision every pet owner dreads…but with all my other dogs, it wasn’t a judgement call…it was necessary and clear that it had to be done. This is the first time I have been faced with this difficult dilemma, and it’s compounded with the worry how her younger (10) sister will take her departure. I knew what I was getting into when I adopted older dogs…. but this is one of the toughest I have had to face…I want to do what’s best for her…a vet once told me that its better a little too soon that too late and they suffer…but it’s so hard to tell if she’s at that point. Some days I feel she is…and other days she is allot better.
Dear David,
My heart aches for you as you face this emotional decision for Dixie. From what you describe, it sounds like her struggles are slowly turning into suffering. I am also a bit suspicious that some of these newer behaviors may be due to canine cognitive dysfunction (aka doggy dementia). I will attach links to other articles with more information and guidance on how to know when is best to say goodbye. Praying for clarity and strength as you navigate this difficult path. Wishing you and Dixie comfort and peace. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Signs of Dementia in Dogs: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment
3. When to Euthanize A Dog With Liver Failure: A Vet’s Advice
4. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
5. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
Hello – my 13 year old lab/rottweiler mix is scheduled to be euthanized this coming weekend. My heart is broken and I feel so anxious – am I making the right decision, etc. Daisy has severe arthritis in all four limbs. She cannot go on walks anymore, struggles to go up and down the stairs and often needs help and carried back down. Most recently she has been diagnosed with an aggressive oral cancer as well Daisy is super sweet and wags her tails, gets up and down sometimes with help, sometimes on her own but can only walk short distances and just watching her try to walk is painful. These last few days I’ve noticed excessive panting, drooling more frequently and coughing sometimes after she eats and drinks. I am sure this is in large part to her oral cancer. We have chosen to euthanize her humanely in our home so we can be with her loving on her until the end. Even though we know that with her combined medical issues that we are doing what’s best for her, it definately has taken a toll on our hearts. It’s so hard to decide when he right time is.
Dear Richelle,
My heart aches for you with your recent loss of Daisy. I am sorry she was already struggling with painful joints and then received a cancer diagnosis as well. I am certain your decision to give her freedom from suffering was the most loving option and feel sure she knew how much she was loved. Hoping her passing was peaceful and that she found comfort in your presence. May her memory be a blessing in your life, and I wish you brighter days ahead.
I have a soon to be 14 year old husky mix. He’s always been very avotive and his favourite thing is to be outside exploring. He’s had arthritis for the last couple of years so we started gabapentin a while back, 6 months ago we started Librella injections and recently started daily Onsior. My vet suggested it may be time, as he’s started to get uncoordinated with balance, and has had atrophy in the affected hip as well as a large lipoma. I know his quality of life involves being outside and active, and not laying around the house. He’s still eating/ playful and loves affection. Mentally it’s like he doesn’t know his body is declining, he still tries to jump and play with dogs going by and isn’t mentally tired. It’s incredibly hard to watch him struggle on his bad days and stressful knowing I can’t pick him up if needed if my partner is away. I feel burnt out, but also see a mostly happy pup doing otherwise well. I struggle the most with the thought of him trusting me so much that euthanasia feels like almost a heartbreaking betrayal..
I really appreciated your article. In my mind I can’t imagine his last day being on a good day… it was a good perspective to read. Thank you
Hi Mandy,
I am sorry your beloved boy is starting to struggle a bit and his health is declining. I can only imagine how difficult and stressful it must be as you face some emotional decisions in the near future. Try to make the most of each day you are gifted and spoil your boy rotten. Hoping you can continue to ensure he remains happy and comfortable for as long as possible. Bless you and your sweet boy.
Dear Mandy,
we recently went through a very similar situation with the 13,5 years old Labrador from our landlord, who chose us as her family when we moved in. She was with us every day and only went home to sleep. We are on the first floor and she could maneuver the stairs but in recent months she started to decline – lots of balance issues, falling, … (in addition to a lot of other symptoms that were associated with pain, that were not managable with medication anymore).
It was also incredibly stressful for me – like you mention – that I would not be able to pick her up if she fell while walking or help er up the stairs whenever my partner was not here to do it.
What really helped a lot was the Help-em-up-Harness! It was not really ideal on our stairs because Shila had mobility problems with her front and hind legs in the end, but we at least could manage if need be. It did very much help when we were out walking. Sometimes front or hind legs would give out, one time she walked down a curb and fell down flat. With the Help-em-up I could help her up easily and she did not mind wearing it at all. Maybe this (or something like it) will ease your stress as well.
We did say goodbye to Shila a little over four weeks ago. We just saw that she was in more and more pain, even really short walks were visibly painful for her. She almost had no energy any more and a lot of times avoided pets … and the panting, and a weak heart, and and and. It was really hard to make the decision because except for a few cognitive episodes whe was still sharp, but her body gave out.
Oh, and what really helped during her last months was a big fluffly bed in addition to some of her orthopedic beds. She really loved it, it was soft and easy on her joints.
I send you lots of strength and love.
Gitte from Germany
PS: I like the “skipping over”-part in the article above. Although I know it was the right decision and the right time to euthanise her, at the same time it did/does feel a bit like a betrayal. There is a great TED talk on youtube “the emotional cost of euthanasia” that mentions “the cost of betrayal”. Getting over that and griefing our beloved pet is a process. Articles, videos, expierences … all are helping me process everything.
Dear Gitte,
I am sorry for your loss of Shila. She sounds like an amazing pup and what a blessing she found her way into your life! I appreciate you taking the time to share your story and offer support to others. This is exactly what this space was meant for. May the memories of all the good times you shared with Shila continue to bring joy to your days. Bless you and your family. ♥
I have a 17 year old mixed breed adorable “pup”. He still has a great appetite and loves treats but he is having many problems. His hind legs often give out. I put on booties that help a bit but not much. To get to the doggie door he has to go down 4 steps. He can eventually get down but can’t climb back up. When and if he manages on his own he is panting heavily. He hasn’t been able to control his bowels for the last year. He does go out to pee though. He follows me everywhere. I hear him crying in another room and realize he can’t get up. We can’t leave for long for fear of that happening. Even though in the morning is is all excited about eating I don’t know if that’s enough. I have an appointment for him to be euthanized this afternoon but am seriously considering canceling. I feel so guilty because he seems happy in the morning. He used to love walks but can only go 1/2 block before he can’t go any further. Help! I love this guy. He’s the sweetest dog. But he doesn’t have much of a life anymore.
Dear Martha,
I can only imagine the emotions you must be feeling, and I understand why you are conflicted in making this difficult decision. From what you describe, I do think saying goodbye may be the most loving option for your boy. Even though he has some happy moments in the mornings, I am not sure they outweigh the struggles and anxiety he faces during the rest of the day. I hope you were able to find the advice you needed to move forward with which ever choice you decided to make. Praying for comfort and peace and wishing you brighter days ahead.
Hi! My 8 year old Boston mix suffers with severe osteoarthritis in all 4 of his limbs as well as dysplasia in hips and luxated patella’s. Constant panting, sensitive to touch in his limbs as well. Decreased appetite. He sleeps well through the night however. He shakes almost constantly. I’ve had him on a combo of rheumican and CBD and neither is making a dent. He can’t go on walks anymore (hasn’t for some time now) and struggles with stairs. I have no idea what to do. Gabapentin has not been successful for him either and the financial impact of increased meds as well as the potential to not be effective feels paralyzing. He seems so happy generally but I know he’s in pain and I’m just stuck on what to do next in his best interest. We’re going back for a vet visit to reassess soon but surely this can’t go on forever.
Dear Alice,
I am sorry your senior boy is struggling with chronic pain. Unfortunately, you are right when you mentioned that this suffering can’t go on forever. While there may be other treatments to try, sometimes saying goodbye is the most loving option and only way to offer relief. I am not sure if your boy is to this point and am glad you have an appointment already scheduled to discuss options with your vet. I will attach links to other articles with more information and ideas about arthritis pain therapies. Praying for clarity and wishing you all the best as you navigate this difficult path.
1. Amantadine for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know
2. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
4. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
I’m finding it difficult to make the decision of euthanasia and when it’s time. My doxie will be 17 this year and he’s been in kidney failure for a year. His arthritis is getting very bad but he does not act in pain. He takes gabapentin and galliprant along with omega 3 oil and joint meds. He can not walk at all really. I carry him outside and carry him to his food and many times I have to stand him back up while he’s eating cuz he falls and can’t get back up. He barks when he needs to go outside and when he wants to eat. His appetite seems normal but he’s getting so boney feeling. If he acted in pain the decision would be much easier to make but he doesn’t and I don’t know how long to keep going.
Dear Wendy,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your Dachshund. I understand how hard it is to truly evaluate quality of life, especially when dealing with chronic conditions that decline very slowly. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers. Ultimately, you have to trust your intuition. You know your boy better than anyone. I do think it is better to let go one day too early rather than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. I pray for your strength as you navigate this emotional path and for clarity in your decision making. Bless you and your sweet boy.
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
3. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
My 13 year old Cockalier Spaniel has only 3 weeks ago been diagnosed with severe arthritis. He has been through so much in the past 3 years with ACL injury that thankfully healed without surgery and then he was diagnosed with anal gland adenocarcinoma and had to have tumour and anal gland removed. This recurred 18 months later and he had second anal gland removed last August. He got a large cancerous tumour in the same area again only in early January and although I was sceptical as it was the third time the vet opted for surgery. It is just 2 months since his surgery and I am heartbroken 💔 as I was being vigilant for cancer coming back but never expected arthritis. It was very sudden onset but has been getting much worse. He is on anti-inflammatory, gabapentin and pardale daily but in so much discomfort. I had to sedate him earlier in the week as he was crying so much. He can barely walk and I am so stressed taking him as the pain seems much worse when he does walk (literally 2-3 mins). He has started snapping and biting when the pain is bad which is so difficult as I just want to comfort him. Please guide me as to what to do. I don’t want to make this about me and my emotions but it is breaking my heart and my stress is through the roof 😢
Dear Elaine,
My heart breaks for you and your senior boy as he endures this severe pain. Without personally examining him, it is hard to make specific conclusions, but I will say that a sudden onset does not seem right for arthritis. Also, I have not seen arthritis pain get to the point that sedation was needed. All of this has me very concerned! I feel like something else must be contributing to these issues and more in-depth investigation is warranted. You may need to ask about referral to a specialist. With all that being said, if your boy is suffering daily and there is no sign of relief in the future, the most loving option may be to say goodbye. The pain he is living with does not sound like it offers a good quality of life. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your pup. Praying for your strength and for clarity.
Franklin is 1 only 1 year old. About 6 months ago he was diagnosed with Luxating Patella. In the last two weeks he has had multiple episodes where his back leg dislocates and he can’t walk. He goes lame and yelps and cry’s until I pick him up (as quickly as possible) he recently started defecting on himself in the house and my bed. Not wanting to poo outside. I took him to an emergency vet and they did labs and he had no abnormal bloodwork. I have a vet appointment tomorrow and I’m scared they may recommend Euthanasia. What’s the best thing I can do for Franklin. He still wants to run and play but struggles to walk mid play and yelps and cry’s? I’m just heartbroken seeing him suffer. What can be done for him?
Hi Heather,
Goodness, I am so sorry Franklin is experiencing this extreme level of pain. I am glad you planned to have him evaluated by your vet. I would be very surprised if they recommended euthanasia as there is a surgery that can be performed to resolve his luxating patella. Here is a link to another article with more information: Luxating Patella in Dogs: A Complete Guide
Hoping you were able to get some answers and find the best way to offer relief. Praying Franklin is back living his best life and I wish you many happy years ahead.
Our sweet 13 year old black lab has been dealing with arthritis in her hind legs for the past 3 years. It was manageable with galiprant, joint supplements and exercises… until 2 weeks ago. Our girl can’t stand up on her own, can’t go up or down a single stair, cant go for walks, can’t wag her tail, her back legs give out when walking/standing and she has accidents daily. We’re shocked how fast she deteriorated. She’s a different dog than she was a couple of weeks ago. We never realized arthritis could be the reason to say goodbye. She still eats and drinks, and like all labs she’s such a trooper, so it’s hard to know when it’s the right time. We added gabapentin to the lineup to see if it could help get some nerves back online, but our vet was clear that it may do nothing. And we’re not sure if Adeqon makes sense… if she’s suffering, why drag it out? We wish there was a clear answer. We want to do right by her, and we weren’t prepared to not know what that looks like. When dogs reach this point is there any meaningful way to ease their pain and regain a functional level of mobility? Our vet says the decision is up to us but, as this will be our first time making it for a pet, we’d really like to know what a vet would do if it were their own pet.
Dear Lisa,
I am so sorry you are facing this difficult situation with your senior Lab. There are a few other things I can think of to try and make her more comfortable. But honestly, it is also ok to let go and give your girl the freedom and rest she deserves. I know saying goodbye is hard, but sometimes it is the most loving option. Without examining your pup myself, it is hard for me to say which is the right decision. I do think it is better to say goodbye one day too early rather than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. If you want to exhaust all options, I encourage you to talk to your vet about more aggressive pain management with medications such as amantadine or low dose ketamine. There are also many integrative therapies that could help reduce inflammation and pain. I will attach links to other articles with more information, but ultimately you have to trust your intuition. You know your girl better than anyone. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for everyone involved. Wishing you strength and comfort. Bless you all. ♥
1. Amantadine for Dogs: Everything You Need To Know
2. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
hi Lisa
I have a Black lab her name is Lola she’s gonna be 14 April 10th. I’m going threw dame situation as you my girl.all the sudden has determined. she was on galabrandt for 2 years i started her on the adequan injectjons praying that would help was on 3 different pain meds even got the wuffles nothing has helped my baby .. I’m in anguish with my poor baby the vet is gonna switch her now to pretosone she has to wait 3 days for wash out period I k ow im.in denial she has a hard time getting up when I walk her she’s wobbly and falls then if she sees another dog or anything to excite her you world never know she’s I. pain filled with excitement running then . it’s a hard decision I have to make and so upsetting to see her this way . I just hope I have the strength when it’s time .. I’ve called already for someone to come to house but I’m gonna see how the pretosone works.o. her . even though the vet said this is our last option because she wo t get I to car no more either. I just wanted to reply when u seen your post . thank you Tracy
Dear Tracy,
I am sorry you are in this difficult situation with Lola. How did things go after starting the prednisone? Hoping you noticed improvement and praying your girl was able to regain some quality of life. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Bless you and your sweet girl.
My dog is 10 Years old and today I could not get her to stand up and her back legs crossed when I helped her stand but she could not walk. I took her to my vet and she had and X-ray done and she has severe Arthritis in all but 3 vertebra. She is a Lab/basset hound mix with very short legs and my chose is to put her on meds that may not work or have her put down because it’s only going to get worse. I had another dog that I had to put down a little over a month ago from Cancer and that was Minnie’s best friend and she has been depressed about that and I thought that’s what it was or maybe it just made it worse. She had little signs of old age but today just happened fast. Do I let her suffer by keeping her on Meds or not let her suffer ?? I don’t want her to suffer because I was selfish about 2 of my other dogs that had cancer till it was very bad.. Please any info that could help me decide, she is at the vets tonight .
Dear Janet,
I am sorry your senior girl is experiencing these mobility issues due to arthritis pain. I understand your concern and think Minnie is lucky to have you taking such good care of her. There are many different ways to offer relief from arthritis pain, but at some point, the medications will not be enough and saying goodbye will be the only way to free her from her struggles. Without examining her myself, I can’t say for sure if it is time. I encourage you to trust your intuition as you know her better than anyone. I do think it is better to let go one day too early than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. Praying for strength and clarity as you navigate this emotional path. Bless you and your sweet girl.
I have a 15 year old Pekingese who has been diagnosed with arthritis in her upper neck and front shoulders. She is on pain medication but have a worry about keeping her on that type of medication. I don’t want her to be. in pain and she screams and cries all the time, she has problems walking but she still has so much life. I worry about what to do when it will be time. I think it’s coming but then she plays and somewhat active. I just don’t want her to be in pain or live on pain. medication for the rest of her life , I’m not sure what to do. She is also very vocal and talks all the time so I’m not sure what his pain and what is just her normal talking. It’s so hard to know what to do.
Dear Mary,
I am sorry your senior girl is so painful. As long as the medications seem to help, I would not be concerned with using them long term, especially when the alternative is humane euthanasia. But if the medications are not helping, then I encourage you to reach out to your vet. They can decide if her treatment regimen needs to be adjusted or altered to offer better pain control. Your vet can also give you their expert opinion on your girl’s quality of life. Sometimes the most loving choice is to say goodbye. I pray you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for everyone involved. Wishing you peace and a clear path forward.
My 12 1/2 yo Shih Tzu was diagnosed two weeks ago with osteoarthritis (he also has anxiety.) The galliprant we started w along with a supplement seemed to get rid of the skip in his walk we were noticing. Two days after finishing the prescription, his legs suddenly started giving out. He wasn’t eating drinking peeing or pooing and he was shaking & panting & couldn’t be consoled. Fast fwd…he has had two pain transfusions and now takes 300 mg of Gabapentin almost every 8 hours if we’re lucky, usually less. Last week he got his 1st shot of Librela where we see some slight improvement. However we’ve read that the big Improvement is seen after the second shot. My question is how long do I keep this extreme pain regimen up? Without the Gabapentin he’s in excruciating pain, & will climb in our lap with tremors. Do I owe it to him to see what the 2nd shot will do? Before this he was a 2x/day 30m walker but other than that a pretty chill dog, never super active to begin with, loves his sleep. But to keep up with his pain regimen (diluted & administered by medicine dropper) someone has to be home when the pain breaks through. That means more time off from work, which I’ll do, but is this another “red flag?” My anxiety is through the roof watching him suffer, but I don’t want my decision based on me, even though I know he feels it. FYI… All other organs have been reported healthy….thoughts?
Hi Katana,
I am sorry you are in this difficult situation with your senior guy. I can only imagine how stressful it must be for you. There really is not a right or wrong way to proceed under these circumstances. If you wanted to wait and see how your pup responds to the second injection, that would be a fair choice. But if you decided to pursue euthanasia, it would not be wrong either. I know you want to do what is best for your sweet boy but please make sure you are taking care of yourself as well. Caregiving is very hard and emotional. I will attach links to other articles with additional advice on how to treat arthritis pain, and some with guidance on how to know when it is time to say goodbye. Wishing you strength to continue down this tough road and clarity in your decision-making. Bless you and your little pup.
1. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
2. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
3. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
4. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
I am in the same position. I don’t want Rita in pain but not sure how long the pain medication should go on. She limps around but I just am not sure how much pain she is in
I said goodbye to Bear, my 16.5 year old girl, just 5 days ago. It has been so much harder than I expected.
Bear experienced ostearthritis in her hind legs for about 18 months. In recent weeks it advanced to the point where she needed round-the-clock care. She could very rarely stand up without assistance; and once up, she needed help to stay up. She would wobble about in a beeline and often fall over. She even ate laying down most of the time. She regularly peed as she lay down and sometimes pooped as well. Her body was not straight and her tail twisted around to her side, no longer able to wag.
She had many ups and downs – there were multiple times I was sure we were “at the end” and prepared for the worst, but then she rallied and seemed much better.
Bear needed to be hand-fed most of the time and finally needed to be syringe-fed (again – there were some weeks back in September when she also needed it). Then when she woke up crying through the night and her eyes showed such depression… and she had no reaction when some of her favorite people came to see her… I knew it was time and called for the vet.
In my heart I knew that her time had come but I still fear that I made the decision too soon. Maybe she would have rallied again and been a bit better. She still had some movement and still ate a treat just a few hours before the vet came. But reading your article gives me some comfort that she was in that window and perhaps I was right to not wait until all her joy was gone.
Dear Michael,
I am so sorry for your loss of Bear. It is normal to ponder all the “what ifs”, but I assure you the decision you made was for the best and I know it came from a place of love. I am glad the article offered some comfort and peace of mind. Praying for healing for your heart and best wishes for brighter days ahead. ♥
My max a 16 year old staffy. Was diagnosed with arthritis 3 years ago. He’s got worse over the last 6 months his had the librela injections and it hasn’t really made a difference. He also has pain medications daily to help with the pain. He can’t bare weight on his front leg and when he gets up to go to the toilet his wobbly and has fallen a few times, he’s started to drink alot more than he ever has and doesn’t eat as much as he would he has probably a quarter of what he would used to eat now. All he does is lay down and only gets up when encouraged to use the toilet or have his dinner. He whimpers and huffs and cry’s alot of the time, he doesn’t show much affection either he was always so loving giving kisses and cuddles he doesn’t mind a cuddle so
Much but he doesn’t want to give kisses anymore, I don’t know what to do for the best I love him so much and it breaks my heart at the thought of loosing him. And I keep thinking will I be doing the right thing in putting him to sleep will I regret it thinking I’ve done it too soon, I just don’t want to see him in pain anymore. I also can’t imagine life without Him.
Dear Melissa,
My heart aches for you as you face this emotional decision for Max. I know you would do anything to give him more time, but sometimes saying goodbye is the most loving choice and only way to offer freedom and peace. It sounds like Max’s quality of life has diminished and he is no longer finding joy in his days. I would rather let go one day too early than one day too late and allow unnecessary pain and suffering. I pray for your strength and clarity as you navigate this difficult path. Bless you and your sweet boy.
Hi, Hercules, my 6 1/2 dogue de bordeaux (french mastiff) is not an old dog in years, but due to having been born from a dishonest breeder who put fake papers on an already sick female for reproduction, Hercules has had many health issues since a very young age.. First severe growing pains that caused three months of yelping, then at 11 months old, operated on both front legs for free floating bone pieces and dysplasia, and was diagnosed with severe hip displasia to a point I was told I would be lucky if he made it to the age of 4:years. Despite all that, he was a natural when it came to assisting and helping me with my PTSD and all that comes with it. So, he has been my assistance dog for many years now and is absolutely crucial in my everyday life. Vets have always been astonished at the fact that he never reacts to manipulation when he is in pain and have always told me, you will never know when Hercules is suffering because he just won’t react to pain. this is why I am so concerned, this is the third year in a row that when winter arrives, one of his front paw area swells up and he is unable to put any weight on it and this will last all winter, even with medication. I almost lost him three times already due to other health issues where twice he had to be in intensive care and the third time, last fall, when he had lost too much blood due to severely swollen prostate. Now, seeing him start his three legged winter again, and due to all the rest he has been through and knowing he hides his pain and was not supposed to make past 4 years old, is it possible he is in a much worse state than I believe, as he hides it…and I am keeping a severely hurting loving guy without knowing?
Dear Marie,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your big guy. It is possible he is suffering more than you realize, but that is such a hard thing to assess. In this situation I encourage you to trust your intuition. You know Hercules better than anyone. Saying goodbye may be the most loving option, but if you choose to keep trying medical management, I do have some suggestions. A holistic vet could be a great help and you may also want to reach out to a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They could offer supplements, herbal remedies, laser therapy, acupuncture, and so much more. I will attach links to other articles with more information. It is clear your sweet boy is dearly loved and a vital part of your life. Hoping you can find the best way to make him comfortable and restore his happiness. Wishing you both all the best.
1. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
2. Could Acupuncture for Dogs Help my Senior Dog?
3. PEMF Therapy for Dogs: 7 FAQs Answered by a PEMF Expert
4. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
Our almost 12 year old goldendoodle has arthritis in both hips and the vet is suspicious of a CCL tear ( surgery is not an option as the vet thinks recovery will be too much for her). She is on an anti inflammatory, gabapentin and just got the leybrella injection. While she seems to be showing some improvement, she still needs some assistance. I’m struggling to know if and when the right time is to let her go. She is eating and drinking but we have had to give her rice and beef, or a wet dog food, she won’t eat her kibble. I could use some sound advice.
Hi Tracy,
I am sorry your senior girl is experiencing chronic pain from arthritis and a knee injury. Is it the pain that has you worried about her quality of life or is it her decreased appetite? I am just wondering if your vet has done any lab work recently. It would be good to rule out any other medical causes before assuming everything is related to the arthritis. Also, did her decreased appetite start around the same time you began giving these pain medications? These drugs can have side effects and the most common are GI issues, nausea, and lack of appetite. Hoping you can find the answers you need to make the best choices for your sweet girl. Praying for clarity as you navigate this difficult path.
I had to say goodbye to my most precious companion a few days ago. She had been struggling with arthritis at the age of 3. On X-rays it showed the fusion/ spurs on her spine. That was 5-6 years ago. It started as back pain and we put her on galliprant. As the years went by I was around the clock giving her meds for arthritis and other health conditions. My world revolved around her. I had cameras up to watch her from work to make sure she looked okay. If not I would run home to check on her. I stopped exercising her as much bc my gut told me with her back it was no longer a good idea to rough house. She was controlled for many years. She had bouts off and on where I would have to put her somewhere quiet, give her her meds and the next day she always felt better. Last year she started screaming, arching her back and would not lay down. I was so scared. We took her to the vet and we had to add gabapentin. She also lost function of her tail. I never got to see her wag or lift it ever again. She was diagnosed with cauda equina or LSD. We took her home and was rested with around the clock meds until she was stable. Then I switched up her gabapentin to just at night. She seemed to be okay until we noticed her walking stuff on her front end. I also noticed a huge change in her demeanor a month and a half ago. It was like she was so depressed and withdrawn. She was anxious. I knew it was the beginning of the end. I didn’t know if it was the gabapentin or progression of the disease. I took her to the vet and told him it was the beginning of the end. He recommended Adequan as a last effort. It seemed to help her front end but she started losing her balance with her back end. I did take her off gabapentin bc I felt like it made her balance worse. She seemed to feel better in general but a few days later she could hardly lift herself up from the floor. It wasnt the gabapentin. Her front end would drag her back end off the floor. When she got up she could hardly make it outside to potty and come back in. It was like she had just ran a race. It was horrible to see. It was like all the sudden she lost all her strength. I see now that the reason she was walking so stiff before the Adequan was because she probably couldn’t feel her back end and then one day she couldn’t hide what was going on. It took over. The Adequan only lasted about a week anyways and loading her up to go to the vet …was traumatic for everyone. I knew it was time when i felt just as much pain and anxiety keeping her here then letting her go. Every day I had so much fear and panic wondering how she would get up from the floor. She could only get up to go outside to use the bathroom and the last couple of days she was going potty inside too. Keep in mind my dog would not and did not like me helping her. When I would touch her to help her up she would scream. I never understood that part bc I almost feel like if she would have just let me help her more she would still be here but that’s not true I know. She just didn’t want help. Even in her sling that I had to use she would try to get away from me in it. I still wonder why? She also developed a UTI during this last month. She as on two weeks of meds and it came back. I think just in general her body was weakening. The day she displayed signs of another UTI, couldn’t potty outside anymore hardly, fell over again, couldn’t walk straight….and seemed so restless being at home alone….we took her to the vet to say goodbye. I was scared to live another day watching my love suffer like that. I knew I would never be ready. I knew I would never feel like it was the “right” time…I just knew it would get worse and I didn’t want to see those days and I most importantly never wanted her to go through those days. She didn’t have to and I wanted to release her. It was peaceful. I was so scared that she would feel the fear and anxiety she did everytime going to the vet. She might have felt some…but overall I felt peace within her, me, the vet and the room in general. I held her head in front of me close to mine and I gazed into her eye. It was just me and her in the room. That’s what it felt like. We blocked everything out and what the vet was doing. I told her to wait for me in Heaven and she was gone in 2 seconds. I wouldn’t Have wanted it any other way. My baby got to see me and hear my voice. I don’t know what the future looks like. I know everytime im constantly reminded she’s gone and it hurts. I also am happy she was mine and I look at photos of her everyday. I can still find joy when I didn’t think I could. I will miss her for the rest of my life…but one day is a day closer to seeing her again.
Dear ham,
My heart aches for you with the loss of your beloved pup. It is clear she was dearly loved and lived a wonderful life by your side. I can only imagine how much you miss her but know you made the selfless choice to offer her the peace and freedom she desperately needed. May the memories of the good times you shared be a blessing in your life. Wishing you comfort and happiness as you continue life’s journey.
My 10 year old dog has declined very fast. Had surgery on both on knees years ago and developed arthritis. It’s gotten to the point now that she favors her left leg. Her gait changes if I take her on a walk. She has a hard time sitting down as well as getting up. She doesn’t like stairs very much anymore and she whines and paces for most of the night unable to get comfortable. I’m the caregiver, who doesn’t get much sleep trying to keep her comfortable. At this point it’s pain medicine and a sedative. She doesn’t eat anymore unless I add salmon or chicken to her food. She’s drinking fine and really wants to be happy. It’s all happened so fast. But I’m afraid I’m in the window. I know euthanasia is the best, I still look for little glimmers of happiness from her that are becoming less and less. As I write this I know more and more it’s time. .
Dear Wendy,
My heart aches for you as you face this emotional decision for your senior girl. I agree it sounds as though she is in the window, and it is ok to say goodbye before all happiness is gone. I pray you will know when the time is “right”. Wishing you strength to navigate this difficult path. Bless you and your sweet girl.
Hello our beautiful 13 1/2 year old Samoyed Moët is struggling with arthritis in back legs. He’s on Meloxicam x 1 daily Gabapentin x 2 daily & 4cyte x 1 daily. He still looks forward to short walks but finds sitting down painful & he whinces when doing so. His back legs collapse a few times throughout the day he’s eating drinking ok & still seeks my company. His front left leg is now limping also. Moets grooming is monthly and is very hard for him now. He is very loving. I know the time is coming soon but how long do I let him go? I’d rather him go a day earlier than a day later. Thank you
Dear Anne,
I understand why this decision is difficult, especially when your pup is still eating and mobile. Truly evaluating your senior guy’s quality of life is hard because we want to focus on the positive and our emotions get in the way. Without examining him, myself, it is hard to give you specific feedback. Like the article mentioned, there is a window of time where saying goodbye is the right choice. It sounds like Moet is probably in that window but maybe in the earlier stages. It is ok to lean on your vet for support and to ask their opinion. I pray you find the answers and advice you need to make the best choice for everyone involved. Wishing you strength to face each new day and comfort for your heart.
This post isn’t necessarily about euthanizing a friend, but I’ve read the comments and I think you may have some good advice for me. I am considering adopting and almost 13 year-old black lab. I’ve had a labrador before, and for the last year of her life she would defecate in her sleep almost nightly. I loved her and kept her around probably a lot longer than I should have. To be honest, my fear with adopting this new lab, who let’s face it, is ancient lol, is that I can see his hind legs are a little weak. The Humane Society told me he does have arthritis in his hind legs, and I’m fearful of being in the same situation I was with my other lab. I think my question is, when a dogs hind legs become affected with arthritis, is it a given that they will become incontinent during their sleep?
And if the answer is yes, is there a treatment that can help?Thanks in advance! Jill
Hi Jill,
These are all great questions! Arthritis does not cause incontinence. Sometimes a dog will start to have accidents if arthritis pain is bad enough that they are trying to avoid posturing to urinate/defecate and would rather just go on themselves to avoid the pain. Also, as dogs become more advanced in age, they are prone to developing other issues common to seniors such as dementia. Dementia can make dogs that were previously well house broken start to become urinary and/or fecal incontinent. The accidents you witnessed with your senior girl may have been due to dementia and not necessarily her arthritis. There are many supplements and medications that can help with this as long as you have a solid diagnosis first. You would want to rule out medical causes before pursuing treatment for cognitive dysfunction/dementia. I will attach some links to other articles with more information. I hope you can find the answers you need to decide if adding this new boy to your home is the right fit. Wishing you all the best!
1. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
2. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
3. Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Hello,
My name is Julie and I have a 16 yr, almost 17yr old lab mix. She developed severe arthritis in both her front paws over the last year. She has cataract in both eyes and us losing muscle in her back legs to where she struggles to lay down or go up and down stairs. She eats well and doesn’t have any issues with peeing in the house but sometimes poops in the house if she cannot get outside fast enough. She excessively pants all the time and I feel like she is doing that out of pain. I dont want her suffering and don’t know what to do. She is my sweet baby add hate to make the decision but don’t want her to suffer. please help!
Dear Julie,
My heart goes out to you and your senior girl as you navigate this difficult path. I understand how hard it can be to decide when it is best to say goodbye to a beloved pup. It is rare that the “right time” is perfectly clear and straight forward. As the article stated, you are probably in the window of right time, and it is ok to let go before every bit of joy is gone. Please reach out to your vet and let them help you through this process. They can take a look at your girl and give you their honest opinion on her quality of life. I will attach links to other articles with more information. Hoping you find the answers you are looking for to help you make a choice with which you can feel confident. Wishing you and your sweet girl comfort and peace. Bless you both.
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. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
Hello
My 12 year old German Shepherd cross has had surgery in both hind legs for torn ACLs over recent years and now has severe arthritis in her hips. She struggles to stand up for long and when she sits down her legs are straight out in front of her and she struggles to get back up and slips around hard floors.
Accidents in the house are increasing, even if she has just been outside. I give her bone and hip supplements with her food and she’s never made any noise about pain. Our vet has in the past couple of weeks prescribed 2 pain killers and I can’t see any difference in her movements and am trying to gauge her pain levels and whether it’s time to say goodbye to her just yet.
Do you have any advice or experience around this as I want to make the right decision for her, but am finding it difficult without knowing if she’s in pain. Her quality of life isn’t great with limited mobility, but she seems to enjoy spending time with our family. Any advice would be much appreciated x
Hello Jo,
So sorry to hear that your beloved pup is struggling with severe arthritis and decreased mobility, and you are having to face the difficult decision of if it is time to say goodbye to her. Painful dogs don’t always vocalize, so some of the signs to watch for are withdrawing from the family, increased panting, restlessness or an inability to get comfortable, decreased appetite, reluctance to participate in the activities she once loved, aggression towards humans or other animals, or standing or lying in an abnormal position. I’ll link an article below that discusses the signs of pain in more detail.
If you are seeing some of those signs and the pain medications don’t seem to helping, or if you feel like her quality of life is steadily declining, it may be time to consider letting her go. There isn’t a universally right time to make that decision, but based on what you are saying, I would suspect that she is quickly approaching or already in that window of time in which euthanasia may be the kindest decision. I hope you are able to find clarity and peace with whatever you decide.❤️
Here is that link: 7 Signs Your Dog Is in Pain [video and examples]
Thank you so much for this. My old lady is still happy, she still tries, still WANTS to so much and in some things she still manages, but it’s been a very long time now of no real playing, of legs giving out suddenly, of failing at climbing the couch and ending up on the ground (she won’t stop trying!) or needing help getting up after a nap. We still have walks but we go maybe six feet on the sidewalk before she’s limping too much. She still loves it, though.
Due to unrelated issues (I realized while reading that yes, the panting probably makes it worse), she’s started drinking absurd amounts of water and the constant need to get up and go outside to pee is clearly putting a strain on her even with the meds. At this point I have alarms to scratch her regularly because she can’t even reach high enough if she itches and her last joy (besides people giving her attention), begging for food and getting toast bites, is just her getting near the chair and laying down, not even able to stay sitting to look at us. She still gets excited for it, but she can’t hold herself up.
At almost 15 years old with some breathing problems starting on top and considering there’s no chance I”m letting her go through the physical and mental hell winter has been for her last year again, I’ve decided not to give her the stress of more testing on her bladder and lungs just for ME to know and we’ll let her go while she’s still herself.
And since I’ve had the call with my vet this afternoon to schedule, I’ve been googling every version of “Am I doing this to soon?” I can think of. But you’re right, and this is skipping the bad days. The last surgery gave us a year, the stronger medication gave us all spring and two months of summer, but there’s few good days ahead no matter what, and I don’t want her last days to be pain or panic, It’s the least I owe her.
Oof, this was long, sorry. But thank you so much for the reassurance and putting my thought process into words. She’s my first dog (from 15 to 30!) and I’ve been terrified of doing wrong by her.
Audrey,
It is always so difficult to face the loss of any dog, but especially your first dog. It sounds like she had a wonderful life growing up with you and that you have taken amazing care of her. From what you have said, I agree that you are absolutely making the right choice to let her skip over the difficulties of winter and the hardest days that were yet to come. Thinking of you as you grieve the loss of your sweet girl.❤️
Our Female rescue of 17 years is having a lot of difficulty getting around and stumbles often but she still eats well and still uses the bathroom well also, she goes pretty quickly without much trouble. She does make a mess at night on the floor but we don’t hold that against her one bit, I tell her it’s ok, it’s alright and pat her head. I’m starting to feel a bit guilty for not putting her down but then I see a little spark in her from time to time and I feel it isn’t time just yet.
Dear Cosme,
I am so sorry to hear that your girl started having difficulty walking. You are a great dog parent for telling her that is okay when she made a mess and supporting her in her senior years. Thank you so much for loving her and caring for her. Wishing for peace for you during this difficult time ♥
Yesterday we said goodbye to our beautiful Buster after 13 years. I know it was only yesterday but the grief is overwhelming and all I can feel is guilt that we did not make the right decision and if Buster didn’t feel ready to go. The vet said his arthritis was really bad and we needed to consider how painful it was for him, she tried him on the strongest medication for 2 weeks and he deteriorated if anything. He struggled to stand up and if he walked, his back legs would cave in and he would collapse. It was heartbreaking to watch but the thought of having to say goodbye was even more heartbreaking. I wanted to keep him here for my own selfish reasons but I am just struggling to accept that he is gone and wondering if we made the right choice. I just hope he knows how much he was adored and missed already and we made the decision out of love because he was in pain. Your article has brought me some comfort as most of the red flags mentioned we could relate to so maybe we did make the right decision I just can’t wait until time passes and the grief is easier to cope with.
Hi Cliodhna,
My heart breaks for you. Losing a beloved dog is so difficult, and it is easy to second guess your decision to say goodbye. However, I hope you hear me when I say that you made the right choice for Buster. You tried the strongest pain medications and exhausted the options for keeping him comfortable. And then you made the loving decision to set him free from his weak and painful body. It is clear from your post that he was a treasured member of your family, and I have no doubt that he knew just how much you loved him. Thinking of you as you grieve this loss.
Thank you for this article and giving such a great perspective on how to look at osteoarthritis. my American Eskimo Dog is 17 years old. She probably hasn’t really been able to go on a proper walk for a few years now, but has been content with stroller walls and simply sniffing the air from the front yard. She’s on carprofin and her appetite shifts, but has been mostly ok. The past year she’s had trouble with wetting herself at night or waking at night and panting out of discomfort. I’ve had so many nights of interrupted sleep that it’s second nature to me now and I haven’t really sat down to consider the impact it has had on both of us. It wasn’t until I picked up my dog from my brother who was taking care of her while I was out of town that he gave me his honest, outside opinion that the time may be near to consider euthanasia.. While it’s been on my mind this past month, to hear from someone from the outside how my dog’s condition is affecting both of us was shocking as much as it was validating in a way. This is all very fresh and I still don’t know how I’ll be able to decide when to let her go.
Dear Denise,
I am so sorry you are facing this difficult situation with your senior pup. While arthritis pain can definitely cause these issues, I am also a bit suspicious that your dog may be dealing with some dementia/cognitive dysfunction. I will attach links to other articles with more information. I recommend you talk to your vet and see if there are any other medications or supplements that could help restore your sweet girl’s quality of life. If there is nothing left to be done, then I agree it sounds like your girl is struggling. A lack of sleep and daily anxiety/stress can lead to a greater level of suffering than we would like to imagine. It would not be wrong to consider euthanasia in this case. It may be the most loving option and only way to give your pup peace. I hope you can find the advice you need to make the best choice for everyone involved. Praying for your strength and comfort. Bless you both.
1. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
2. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Solutions
3. Senior Dog Anxiety at Night? 9 Solutions for Better Sleep
4. Sundowners in Dogs: A Veterinarian’s Guide
5. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
I have a 6yr old golden retriever she has had 2 knee surgeries 1 for patella laxation and the other knee was for acl. Lately she is having a hard time getting up after sleeping for a while. She hasn’t been diagnosed with arthritis yet but I know it is affecting her. It is difficult to get pain meds down her she will take other pills just not pain pills. Are the anti inflammation and arthritis medications hard on fur babies stomaches. It just breaks my heart to see her struggle and want to play but not able to.
Hi Nancy,
I am sorry your Golden is having issues with arthritis. While it is possible the anti-inflammatories could be upsetting her stomach, I am much more suspicious that she may just not like the taste or smell. Here is a link to an article with some great ideas you may want to try: Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? 5 Easy Solutions for Uncooperative Pooches
Also, please make sure your vet is aware of these new mobility issues. They might want to do an exam to rule out other possibilities that could be contributing such as a ligament problem in the other knee. I am hopeful you will find the answers you need to help your girl continue to feel her best.
My 17 years old girl was euthanized due to severe arthritis. She was otherwise very healthy. I’ve been struggling with grief because I feel like I cheated her out of life and could’ve done more. She was very stoic, very difficult to tell if she’s in pain unless it’s unbearable. She was also a tripod, and years of overcompensating caused severe arthitis on her hip and both shoulders. Each hop was hard for her. She didn’t want to get up until she absolutely had to even with food bribing ( she’s a foodie) and she struggles to pee and poop and has frequent UTI. She was independent and hated assistance. I was worried she wasn’t enjoying life and was simply existing.
I question if if I did it too early. I’ll never know. I think I waited a bit too long with my other dog and she maxed out in all pain meds and pain was not managed even though we did therapy .
I just hope my girl forgives me and I have to live with the wondering of if I did it too soon. She was healthy. I live with chronic pain and didn’t want her to suffer unnecessarily. Maybe I overreacted. I’ll never know.
Thank you for this article. Dogs personality is also an important factor.
Hi Brittany,
My heart goes out to you. It is always so difficult to say goodbye to a beloved dog and then wonder if you made the right decision. While I never got the chance to meet your sweet pup, based on what you are telling me, it sounds like you took great care of her and did the right thing by letting her go when you did. Like Dr. Woodruff talked about in the article, there isn’t one universally right time. So much of it depends on the dog’s personality and situation. You made the most compassionate decision that you could with the information you had, and that is all your dog (or anyone) can ask of you. I don’t think your dog needs to forgive you for anything, and I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to be trapped in guilt or uncertainty. You loved her well and you loved her enough to set her free when her body started to fail. I hope in time you are able to come to peace with the timing of saying goodbye to your dear dog and take comfort in the 17 great years you had together. Thinking of you! ❤️
Because of arthritis my almost 12 y/o pomeranian doesn’t use his back legs anymore … I’m considering one of those doggie wheel chairs … but at the same time he lays down all day and I have to feed him by hand.
He takes pain medication twice a day and just began losing bladder and bowel control … sometimes he wakes up at night crying. I love him and he loves me and I’m doing everything for him (medication, acupuncture, quiropractor, home care, supplements.) But his quality of life keeps declining and his arthritis just keeps getting worse.
Even though all of that helps to prolong his life I am starting to feel that I’m putting him through a lot of pain just for his companionship, and it is starting to feel not ok. Not sure if it’s time to let him go.
Hi Phil,
My heart goes out to you. It is so difficult to watch our beloved dogs struggle with pain and decreased mobility and wonder when it is time to set them free. You are doing an amazing job caring for him and I can tell how much you love him. I completely agree with my dear friend Dr. Woodruff who wrote the article—when you reach the point where watching your dog struggle is as heartbreaking as the thought of losing him, you may be as ready as you will ever be. I hope you were able to find some clarity regarding what is best, and that when the time comes for you to say goodbye to him, you can take some comfort in knowing how much he loved you and that you did everything for him that you could. Thanking about you! ❤️
i have a 14 year old shi tzu who last year lost both his eyes due to glaucona, he is also deaf but adapted wonderfully, still playing, knowing the layout of the house and living for mealtimes and snacks! the problem is his arthritis has gotten terrible almost overnight, although he is on monthly Librela, gabapentin and Loxicom. He struggles to get up, walk around and get over obstacles now. Lots of knuckle walking and resting on his elbows when eating. luckily I work from home for a veterinarian and he is quite content hanging out with me and me carrying him outside for potty breaks etc. we put rugs down everywhere for grip and I have loads of interactive toys like snuffle mats and balls, squeaky toys etc. But is this cruel, am I being selfish? He doesnt seem stressed, no panting or frustration, but is this too much for him being blind, deaf and now having mobility issues… i struggle to make the decision
Hi Alexa,
I understand your concern for your senior guy. While he is facing some challenges, I am not sure he has a poor quality of life. Without examining him myself it is hard to know for sure. It would be good to talk to your vet and get their opinion on if your pup is painful and if they think he is suffering. Is he still playing with his toys? Is he happy when he knows you are in the room with him? Does he have things he enjoys doing? There are many blind and deaf dogs that live full happy lives. The main thing is if the pain medication is keeping him comfortable. Weakness and pain are different, and you can have knuckling without pain. With all that being said, you know your boy better than anyone. I encourage you to trust your intuition. If you think it may be time to say goodbye, then you are probably right. Praying for clarity in your decision making and wishing you both comfort and peace. ♥
My Bassett Hound/Pekingese cross has had osteoarthritis for probably longer than I’ve known but it’s really bad now. He’s 15-16 years old and his front legs are really bad. I have ramps in the and outside of my house and he wears padded socks for the slippery floors. I bought a dog stroller over a month or so ago and we go out for 2-3 long walks each day. He loves it and so do I. But tonight was extremely difficult cause he could barely walk. I have to carry him a lot. He’s 40 pounds and I’m petite so it’s not easy. It’s so difficult right now cause he seems so great in every other way. Has a voracious appetite, still loves to play with his ball and really wants to walk – just struggles. I’m hopi g my vet can prescribe a better pain med but I fear the worse. It’s our ten year together anniversary this week which is even tougher. I know he’s very elder so I’m aware he’ll have to go soon.
Dear Dee,
I am sorry your sweet boy is struggling with so much arthritis pain. He is such a lucky pup to have someone like you advocating for his well-being and taking him for stroller rides! I hope your vet is able to offer you some additional treatment options. Praying you find a way to keep your guy happy and living his best life. Wishing you all the best of luck. Bless you both.
Our beautiful 13 yr old English cocker hunting dog has cataracts, is deaf, and has hip arthritis. He is on Rimadyl and Gabapentin. He still somehow manages to get the ‘zoomies’ occasionally, and enjoys human food over kibble, but pants & paces, has occasional accidents & his hind legs can splay out. Every day – every hour- can be different lately. It is heartbreaking just waiting for the morning we have to say, ‘this is the day’.
Dear Susan,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult decision for your senior guy. You are absolutely right that the in between waiting period can be so emotionally draining. I pray for your strength and clarity to know when to let go. Wishing you comfort and peace for your heart.
My 11 year old collie has been struggling with one leg in particular. While on holiday he was placed in his usual kennels. He has a tendency to jump at shadows and they left him in a run with concrete flooring for too long – they admitted that. When we came home I thought he was grumpy because we went away but he nipped and growled at both my daughter and myself when he was lying down.
After reading your article it makes sense now. this is when he is most painful. I know he is drinking more water than he used to he is on medication but only the last 3 weeks. Your mini red flags are relatable to him. He’s never been aggressive to any of us and we now know to leave him alone if he’s in his bed!
However, we are never ready for this moment! He IS my baby! Even though I’ve had children lol he knows he’s my baby! He is the last link I have with my mum – who died of dementia! She had named him and he was so gentle with her while we cared for her at home.
Reading your article I’m thinking this is the “window” but how I’d love to put it off! I guess this is the price you pay for loving them and the agreement you make with them to look out for their good! 💔
Dear Kathleen,
My heart aches for you as the time draws closer to say goodbye to your senior boy. He is so lucky to have someone like you advocating for his well-being and playing an active role in ensuring his comfort. I wish I could make this process easier for you and help shield your heart from pain. Just know that allowing your own heart to break so that your sweet guy can find peace is the ultimate act of love. Praying for your strength as you face the days to come. Bless you both.
I am facing the ultimate decision. I have been blessed with 15.5 years of snuggles, cuddles, wet noses, wet kisses, walks on the beach, playing fetch, and giving treats to my big boy, Akita mix. He is more than just a furbaby. He was a constant companion I never thought he would make it this long. It is time. He has arthritis that has slowly taken the joy out of his life. I made the appointment. He has stopped doing all of the above. His eyes have dulled and he can no longer greet me at the door. We did all of the medicated therapies, I want him to be free while he still has some dignity left. I am very concerned for our other dog once Gryphon is gone. I was hoping you would have some advice? Gryphon has been his constant companion as well and you never see one without the other. He grooms him, licks his eyes, ears and mouth. They share the same bed because he is a much smaller breed. I know he will grieve his big brother’s absence as much as us. Is there anything we can do to help him? I am so glad I stumbled across this blog. It will help prepare me for the coming days.
Dear Rose,
I am sorry Gryphon is nearing the end of his life and you are facing the difficult decision of when to say goodbye. It sounds like he lived a wonderful life full of adventure and love. What a blessing to have shared almost 16 years together making memories. I wish I had some great advice on how to help your other little guy through the grieving process. You will need to treat him almost like you would a grieving person. Give him time, attention, love, and support. He may be depressed for a while, or he may bounce back fairly quickly. Each dog is different. I pray Gryphon’s passing will be peaceful and smooth. Wishing you and your little pup comfort and strength to continue forward.
My 13-year old border collie cannot get up on many surfaces due to osteoarthritis affecting his spine and the hocks on his back legs. He eats well, and will even take short walks, but he is a very different dog than he was 9 months ago. His gate is unsteady; he cannot climb stairs, or play with tennis balls, etc. To get him up, I have to pull on his front legs and push a rug underneath him – this is difficult for him and me. He also has lost his hearing, and his eyes have cataracts. I feel it’s time for a quality of life decision, but I am having trouble making that decision.
Dear Melissa,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult decision for your senior boy. I highly recommend you talk to your vet about these concerns. They can do a quality-of-life evaluation and let you know if saying goodbye is the most loving option. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers. Praying for your strength and comfort. Bless you both.
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
3. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
Thank you for publishing this article. Almost daily, we acknowledge the moment is upon us in which a decision needs to be made. This article reaffirms we need to make that decision sooner than later. Our Belgium Malinois Shepherd is 11 years old and was diagnosed with arthritis about 4 months ago. Sadly, the disease has progressed rapidly, and he is already on max carprofen and gabapentin, along with a joint supplement. I don’t think he is in much pain, but he no longer has the strength he once had. His hind legs have all but given out completely. His heart is still playful at times, but this is no longer an option for him. His senses are still sharp – his ears perk up as he hears the word treat from another room, but he no longer gets up to retrieve them. His smell is still sharp as ever – he knows when we try to mask those pills. His eyes glisten with happiness when we are near, and he still loves attention and to be pet. However, when I listen to his soul, I know in my heart – the time is very near if not truly upon us. Although we have said goodbye to pets in the past, it is still just as difficult to let go now as it was then. So, thank you for reminding us that it is ok to say goodbye to our beloved pet before every bit of joy is gone and its ok to let him go on a good day.
Dear Karen,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult decision for your senior boy. I am glad the article was helpful and offered some peace of mind. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great comments from other readers. Thank you for sharing your story with us and please know you are not alone. I am hopeful you will know when the time comes, and your sweet boy will pass peacefully surrounded by those who love him most. Praying for your strength and comfort. Bless you all.
Dear Karen,
I am not one to reply to any feeds, but your story hit home. We are in the exact same position with our 12 year old Sable German Shepherd. As much as it broke my heart reading and tears rolled down my face, I must admit that your words were beautiful written! Thank you for expressing exactly how I feel. My heart goes out to you and yours.
My 14 year old golden retriever is currently taking a mixture of pain meds for osteoarthritis. He has also had an infected paw pad due to an injury which is not healing well. The vet mentioned could maybe anaesthsatise him to see if anything in paw.
I am not sure about this due to his age.
Hi Jacqui,
I understand your concern with anesthesia and your senior guy. There are many things to consider that determine if your dog is a good anesthesia candidate and age alone should not be the deciding factor. I always recommend some lab work and testing to make sure no abnormalities are present that would increase the risk of anesthetic complications. If your dog’s test results are normal and he is otherwise healthy, then it is probably a good idea to go with your veterinarian’s recommendations. I will attach links to other articles with more information. I am certain you will find the advice you need to make the best choice for you and your sweet boy. Wishing you the best of luck!
1. Is My Dog Too Old For Anesthesia?
2. Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?
My 13 year old Lab is having so much difficulty with mobility. She’s been getting around well but 2 days ago I noticed she couldn’t get up and has suddenly lost her appetite, not completely but she’s not eating like she was few days ago. She’s always had a good appetite even with her mobility pain. This just happened suddenly, not wanting to eat and just drinks water. Last month she went to her Veterinarian and she noticed she has some back legs strength loss, arthritis. i did offer her some food while she was laying on the floor and she ate most of it. You can tell she’s in pain when she tries to get up and her back legs just slide right back down.. I feel so overwhelmed.
Dear MRSCB,
I am sorry your senior girl has recently had such a dramatic decline in her health. While the progression of arthritis pain could cause her to lose the ability to get up, I would not think a sudden loss of appetite would be related. Since I have not personally examined your dog, I can’t make specific conclusions. I highly recommend you contact your vet and discuss these concerns. They may need to do some testing to make sure nothing more serious is happening. How is your pup doing today? Hoping things have improved and your sweet girl can maintain her quality of life. Wishing you both the best of luck.