How do you know when to euthanize a dog with liver failure? Making that decision can be incredibly difficult. But end-of-life care veterinarian Dr. Dawnetta Woodruff, friend of integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby, is here to help. Dr. Woodruff explains the stages of liver disease (including the symptoms of end-stage liver failure). Then she provides practical and heartfelt advice about when to euthanize a dog with liver failure.
When your cherished friend receives a diagnosis of canine liver failure, it can be incredibly scary. You may not fully understand what is happening. And the upcoming decisions about your dog’s health might feel overwhelming. You may wonder how much good quality time your dog has left. And you might be asking yourself how you will know it is time to say goodbye.
These are not simple considerations, and the answers are not always straightforward. But understanding a bit more about how liver failure affects the body can help provide some clarity.
What does the liver do?
In a normal healthy body, the liver has many important jobs, including:
- Producing and excreting bile (i.e. digestive enzymes that break down food)
- Metabolizing (i.e. breaking down) fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and medications
- Producing blood proteins and clotting factors
- Storing vitamins and minerals
- Filtering infectious agents, toxins, and other substances out of the blood
A functioning liver is critical to maintaining proper balance (or homeostasis) within the body. This means that if the liver stops working, the dog can become very sick and ultimately die.
Thankfully, the liver is an organ that has a large “reserve.” In other words, if a portion of the liver isn’t working well, the rest of the liver cells can “pick up the slack.” The liver will continue to carry out its vital functions. And the dog may seem completely normal, despite having liver disease. In fact, over 70% of your dog’s liver can be damaged or diseased before signs of liver failure in dogs begin to show up.
How will I know if my dog has early liver failure?
When your dog is in the early stages of liver failure, he or she may not have any symptoms. The only indication of liver disease in dogs may be changes on blood work such as a high ALP in dogs.
This is one reason it is important to follow your vet’s recommendations about screening blood work for your dog—even if your dog appears healthy. Routine lab work can catch liver disease in dogs early, when there are more treatment options available. Your vet will let you know how often your dog should have blood work based on your dog’s age, breed, medical conditions, and any long-term medications he or she may be taking.
Management of early liver disease
If your dog’s blood work shows mild problems with the liver, close monitoring may be sufficient at first. But if the liver values are more abnormal, your vet may suggest a liver-friendly diet. Or he or she may recommend supplements and medications that help to support the liver and keep it healthy. These diets and medications will not reverse the liver disease that is already present. But they may help slow the progression of the disease and increase life expectancy.
What are the symptoms of the middle stages of liver failure in dogs?
However, as early liver disease progresses to more severe liver damage, your dog may start showing symptoms of the middle stages of liver disease. Some of the more common signs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue, sleeping a lot, a lack of energy, or being a lethargic dog
- Nausea (and associated drooling, which can be the reason your dog keeps licking his or her lips)
- Bruising (large patches called ecchymoses or small “dots” called petechial hemorrhage)
- Itching and hair loss
These symptoms are a bit vague. And they tend to overlap with other diseases such as kidney failure in dogs, diabetes in dogs, and Cushing’s disease in dogs. That’s why visiting the veterinarian is so important anytime your dog seems “not quite himself or herself.” Your veterinarian can perform an examination and run blood work to determine if your dog’s liver—or something else—is to blame for the signs.
Management of the middle stages of liver disease
Based on the severity of the changes in your dog’s blood work and his or her symptoms, your veterinarian will make some treatment recommendations. Many dogs benefit from liver diets, medications, and supplements as previously discussed. And they may also need some symptomatic care, such as anti-nausea medications, to control the side effects of liver failure.
What are the symptoms of end-stage liver failure?
When liver disease progresses to its severe or end-stage form, the signs become much more obvious. And they may interfere with your dog’s daily functions and severely decrease quality of life. The symptoms of the final stages of liver failure include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Unexplained bruising (sometimes severe) on the dog’s body or gums
- Hemorrhage from issues with blood clotting (e.g. dog nose bleeds, blood in the vomit, or bloody diarrhea)
- Swelling of the abdomen (i.e. a pot-bellied dog appearance)
- Pitting edema (i.e. swelling where an indentation remains after pressing it) of the legs and feet
- Irritability or aggression
- Head-pressing
- Yellowish tint to the whites of the eyes, gums, and skin (i.e. jaundice)
- Dark brown urine and pale (almost grey) stool
- Seizures in dogs
Management of end-stage liver disease
Many of these end-stage symptoms of liver failure in dogs can be managed. But end-stage liver disease cannot be reversed. Your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medications like Cerenia for dogs to help control vomiting. And he or she may recommend appetite stimulants for dogs to encourage eating. Your sweet dog may also need medications to help lower the pressure in the brain, control seizures, or reduce other signs of hepatic encephalopathy (i.e. neurologic signs due to liver failure).
Each patient looks a little different, and there is no one-size-fits-all therapy. If symptoms are severe, your dog might need to stay in a hospital for round-the-clock care. But when caught early enough, aggressive therapy may allow your dog to feel better and go home on oral medications.
How long can a dog live with liver failure?
In addition to the fact that a dog may be diagnosed with liver failure at any of the above stages, there are also many different reasons for liver failure (e.g. toxins, infections, chronic inflammation, build-up of copper in a dog’s liver, etc.). This makes it difficult to provide a universal answer to the question of how long a dog can live with liver failure.
Some dogs have mild liver disease that progresses slowly and remains relatively stable over months, or even years. Other dogs may have a rapid progression of liver failure. And they may only live for weeks, or even days, following their diagnosis.
Since the life expectancy of dogs with liver failure is so variable, you may be wondering how you will know when to euthanize your dog. There is not one specific “end point” for every dog that indicates his or her good days have come to an end. Much of that decision depends on your dog’s and family’s particular situation.
How will I know when to euthanize my dog with slowly progressive liver failure?
When your dog’s disease is less severe, you may have weeks or months to evaluate your dog’s status. It is important to prepare for your dog’s euthanasia ahead of time as a family. And you will want to involve your veterinarian in the decision too.
In these situations, I recommend regularly using a quality-of-life scale for dogs. Or you may wish to hang a blank calendar page on the fridge. Then you can simply mark good days in green, “ok” days in yellow, and bad days in red. Having a visual representation your dog’s quality of life can help you see when the yellow and red days are becoming most frequent.
Additionally, it can be helpful to make a list of “hard limits.” These are behaviors from your dog that indicate you no longer want to push forward. You may decide that if your dog isn’t happy to see you when you get home, it is time for euthanasia. Or you may know that if most of your dog’s day is spent sleeping, you don’t want your dog to keep living like this.
It is so difficult. But establishing these limits and quality of life benchmarks can help you make better decisions when the end of life arrives and emotions are high.
How will I know when to euthanize my dog with rapidly progressing or severe liver failure?
On the other hand, if your dog requires hospitalization or care in the ICU, he or she may reach a point where the liver failure is not responding despite aggressive therapy. In that case, you will need to make a decision about euthanasia quickly.
If you and your veterinary team have tried all of the reasonable treatments, and your dog is continuing to decline, euthanasia may be the kindest option. The final stages of liver failure can be very difficult for your beloved companion to endure. And watching your sweet pup struggle can be incredibly heartbreaking too.
Choosing euthanasia in such a situation is merciful, and it allows your dog to skip over the hardest moments at the very end of the disease. You may choose to say goodbye in the hospital. Or you might want to see if your dog is stable enough to come home for an in-home dog euthanasia. Both options are kind. Your vet can help you determine which is best for your specific situation.
How does caretaker fatigue influence the decision to euthanize your dog?
As with many diseases, taking care of a dog with advanced liver disease can be mentally and physically exhausting. Medication routines, bathing, cleaning, and giving mobility assistance can be extremely time consuming. And the mental load of choosing medical therapies, worrying about your dog’s quality of life, and watching him or her struggle may become overwhelming. When considering the best time for euthanasia, it is ok (and actually essential) that you factor your own well-being into the decision as well.
One of the key components of caring for our dogs is ensuring they have love and affection from their human family. That is what gives them tremendous joy! When your caretaking duties become burdensome, the human-animal bond can begin to break down.
You and your dog don’t want to spend your final days or weeks together feeling frustrated and upset with one another. If your dog begins to resent the medications, gets angry when you try to feed him or her, or becomes upset with bathing or cleaning routines, that may be your dog’s way of telling you he or she is no longer willing to continue “pushing forward.” Likewise, if spending time with your dog is no longer enjoyable for you due to your many caretaking responsibilities, your dog may be feeling the same frustration with those interactions.
Closing words of comfort
Choosing to say goodbye is never a simple decision. Our logical brain can come to terms with the decision, knowing that it is made from a place of love and kindness. But our hearts are never ready for that moment to arrive. The decision of euthanasia can be a heavy burden to bear. It helps to consider that you are not choosing for your dog to die—the disease has already done that. Instead, you are deciding to make your dog’s inevitable death a bit easier for him or her.
It has been said that it is better to set our dogs free “a week too early rather than a day too late.” There is a lot of truth to this cliché. No matter how much extra time you have together, it will never feel like enough. Letting go before all of your dog’s joy is gone can be a very kind and brave way to show the depth of your love for him or her.
How did you know when to euthanize your dog with liver failure?
Please share your story below.
My best friend Jela, she is a Golden of 11 years and a half old, a month ago I was worried because from one day to the next a small ball appeared in her abdomen. I was worried and went to the vet. The vet gave her antibiotics and steroids to treat urinary tract infection. He did an ultrasound which never gave me the results. The steroids began to tire her out a lot and she was worried. That same weekend I took her to another vet. With the new vet we discovered she had an infection in the uterus and the enlarged liver, the vet put us on treatment to release the secretion from the uterus, because that was causing severe anemia and enlargement of the liver, he took off the steroids of the table and the new treatment included antibiotics, sucralfate and Liv 52 for the liver, she had improved a lot, she was eating again although she had bad days, not wanting to get up or eat, she was improving a lot. A week ago I took her back to the vet as routine, when he decided to do a new ultrasound where we discovered the tumor in the liver. His advice was to put her to sleep because since Jela’s health condition was too weak for surgery, if we did it she would not hold out and would die in the operating room. He took off all the medications including the Liv.52 because he said if we continue the treatment with it, it would make the tumor bigger in no time. He assumed that the tumor was malign because it increased double the size it has in less than 2 weeks. We started pampering her with her favorite food, chicken, and other stuff. Honestly, I don’t know what to do… We don’t want to put her to sleep just yet, but we don’t want her to suffer either. She was doing just fine the last week but since yesterday she stopped eating as before, her balance is sinking and she wants to sleep all day long.
Dear Paola,
My heart goes out to you as you face this emotional decision for Jela. From what you describe, her quality of life is diminishing, and she may not have many days left. It is ok to say goodbye before all joy is lost and the only thing that remains is pain. I would rather let go one day too early than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. Saying goodbye may be the only way to offer peace and freedom from her struggles. I hope you can find the advice you need and pray for your strength as you navigate this difficult path. Bless you and your sweet girl. ♥
My 5-year-old dog Calvin, a husky-pit mix, was diagnosed with liver disease in June. It started with him losing interest in his kibble, which wasn’t too concerning at first since he’s always been a grazer. But then we noticed he was more lethargic and didn’t want to play like he used to. Tests at the vet showed his liver enzymes were elevated, along with high bilirubin levels. Four months later, each day feels unpredictable, which is tough. He’s eating again and hasn’t been throwing up, but his diarrhea comes and goes, likely from the new meds and foods we’re trying. The hardest part has been seeing his behavior change—his energy levels haven’t
quite bounced back, and he’s not sleeping well at night. Lately, his breathing seems more labored, and his belly has become bloated, which makes me worry it’s affecting his ability to breathe. He’s still eating, drinking, walking, and gums are normal color but seeing him like this breaks my heart. Our vet believes we still have treatment options, which is encouraging, but it’s so hard to see him so different from his usual self pre-diagnosis. I’ve heard that liver disease can be like a roller coaster, but I just want to make sure Calvin has a good quality of live and we are not making him suffer.
Dear Kara,
I am sorry Calvin has received this worrisome diagnosis. It is clear he is well loved and is lucky to have you taking such good care of him. I hope you will be able to continue providing what he needs to remain happy and comfortable and pray for clarity when the time comes to say goodbye. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Bless you and your sweet boy. ♥
My sweet Ruby 12 year old mini poodle who is my heart and soul. Tears a flooding down my face as I right these words. Last Wednesday evening she paced the hall so we let her out . She came back in and went potty in the house which if you know poodles this doesn’t happen unless something is wrong. She vomited and had 3 more accidents over the next 2 days w a loose stool. We took her to vet and soon examination vet found yellowing of eyes and gums and tender belly. He wanted to keep her and run some test. I have never been so surprised and devastated to hear those words “liver failure “. I thought this has to be a horrible nightmare . Screaming in my head wake up! We decided to bring her home. We have been trying to get her to eat. She really tries for us. Her love and loyalty is so overwhelming . As sick as she is she wants to please us. I know I need to be strong for her but I am so afraid of her being afraid at the end.. I can’t believe her sweet little soul is slipping away. I really hope I will know when and God will give me the strength 💔
Dear Tricia,
I am so sorry Ruby’s health is declining, and she is nearing her final days. I can only imagine how hard this must be and wish I could take away your pain. I pray for your strength and for clarity in making the decision to say goodbye. Wishing you and your sweet girl peace and comfort. ♥
I’ve got 2 seniors currently, a 17/1/2 year old Maltese, and. Almost 17 year old cockapoo. The cockapoo has nodules all over his liver, and the last 3 days he has been vomiting, and diarrhea, mushy poop, and pooping a lot in general, even pooping the bed. I’m giving him digestive enzymes, Proviable, and digestive formula food to see if I can pull him out of it. He’s also on Denamarin 2 times a day, but he is old, tired, blind, and sleeps a lot. We are watching them both closely, as we will let them go together. The Maltese is still relatively stable, and this sounds selfish, but I don’t want to put one to sleep, then 3 months later do it again. They both are very old and have good and bad days, but both are tired. I’m dreading the months to come because I know we will have to make a hard choice.
Hi Sarah,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult situation with both of your senior dogs. Hoping your boy will be able to turn things around and gain some extra good quality days. Praying for strength and clarity as you navigate this emotional path. Bless you and both of your sweet pups.
We just had my almost 6 year old Goldendoodle, Pearl, put down today after learning the day before she had lab values reflecting end stage liver failure. For the past 3-4 days she was denying her usual dry food and drinking alot of water. It wasn’t until the 3rd day of not eating did I notice she had Hives on her that appeared to be yellow. That same day I noticed her urine was very very dark. I had collected her urine the next time I saw her pee and noticed it was orange color. It’s been 5 days of not eating and she was becoming lethargic. We took her to the ER and her ALT came back 5,552 and her ALP was 832. It was so alarming that they said they ran it twice to make sure those levels were accurate. She also had low protein and albumin. Her billrubin was 11.7 and was also showing in her urine. We had her coagulation levels checked which they said she failed miserably. Me and my fiancé were both so heartbroken and felt like we just got hit by a semi. Everything came on so fast and was rapidly declining. We live in Florida and have had a week full of heavy rain so my first thought was leptospirosis (although Pearl had that vaccine in February of this year). That rapid came back negative and her WBC were normal as well as her kidney values. The vet was very transparent in the prognosis of her health and quality of life. We could have done X-rays, US, and a CT but only after days of medications for her liver and fluids because she was not stable enough. We decided to bring her home for the night and have a in home vet come to the house the next day for the euthanasia. We knew this was the right decision because she become very weak and we could tell our baby’s body was just tired and done. Definitely one of the worst weekends and days of our lives since this unfortunate situation came as a surprise but I want to thank you for this article because I’ve read it and everyone’s stories over and over again. This has truly helped me cope and bring me a little sense of comfort knowing we did the right thing.
Dear Joanna,
I am so sorry for your loss of Pearl. I can only imagine how much she is missed but am grateful you were able to offer her a peaceful goodbye. It is clear she was dearly loved, and I am certain she knew how much she meant to your family. As time passes, I hope your heart can begin to heal. May her memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life.
On July 16th my beautiful, sweet and precious Kona (an 8 1/2 y/o GSD) was laid to rest in a sudden and tragic way. I’ve had dogs before, but none like Kona. I had longed for a GSD for many years and finally was financially stable and had the means to provide an enjoyable life for her. In January 2016 I picked up Kona and it was love at first site. In preparation for Kona I was going to do it right. I read books (the art of raising a puppy), prepped the house, did it all. I was diligent with training throughout her whole life, went on walks, we ran, agility, hiked, took her to the beach. I love her so much. I’ve come to this page many times with the intention of writing but just couldn’t bring myself to it. As I right this, I cry. She was my soul dog, I often felt our souls were intertwined. I’ll say this…I have a soon to be 3 y/o daughter and the happiest moments of my life were just being in the presence of my daughter and kona and seeing them interact. Which brings me to that fateful day of Tuesday July 16th. The day prior Kona was lethargic and hadn’t eaten or moved really. It continued until the next morning and her breathing seemed labored. I called my veterinarian and reluctantly scheduled an appt for 2pm, I wasn’t comfortable waiting that long and rushed to the emergency vet thinking that it may have been tick virus flare up. We’d go in, get some meds and be on our way. Within min.’s of admission I was hit with news that Kona’s pericardial sac was filled w/ fluid and is restricting her heart’s ability to function and pump blood/oxygen to the rest of her body. A mass on her heart was seen via an echocardiogram. This was at 9Am. I was given a grim prognosis that the signs are leading towards hemangiosarcoma. I approved an emergency pericardial effusion and hoped and prayed for the best. Within the next several hours I contacted EVERYONE i could think of, scoured the internet for advice/insight trying to come to terms with what was happening. I was a complete emotional wreck. 24 hours ago I was scheduling refresher obedience and agility lessons. Several hours passed, kona was “discharged” and immediately upon my observations of her in the lobby she was NOT in good health something was still wrong. I was advised that the fluid removed was in fact blood suspected to be from a ruptured blood vessel/tumor. So she was readmitted and I was advised that the sac had again filled with fluid, I was ushered into a room with Kona where clearly euthanasia took place. I was and am still absolutely gutted. I was given such a grim prognosis given the circumstantial signs indicating hemangiosarcoma. Money was not a factor and although I could have elected emergency/exploratory surgery there were no guarantees. The veterinarian was doubtful that she’d make it through surgery given her weakened state and whether she was a candidate for the surgery. I am beating myself up now for not fighting harder for my beautiful girl and lacking a level head to think through the logical options in such a state. I couldn’t bare the thought of Kona passing alone and on an operating table w/out me with such grim prospects, i made the decision i never wanted to make. I was so proactive with her health her entire life. I pleaded with my vet in April as to what other tests I could have run due to age and I was assured that the CBC results were good, she’s fine. Enjoy your time with her Chris, “you’re stealing your joy”. I have wept every day since her passing. She enriched my life and I feel as though when she needed me most i let her down. I miss her so much.
Dear Christopher,
My heart is broken for you with your loss of Kona. It is obvious she was a vital part of your life, and I am certain she knew how much she was loved. You absolutely made the right choice to offer her freedom spare her from unnecessary suffering. There was nothing you missed and unfortunately, there are no early detection methods for this terrible disease. I will attach links to other articles with more information, but I encourage you to read through the comments section as well. I hope you will see that you are not alone, and many others are dealing with the same emotions and grief. I hope with time your heart can begin to heal. May Kona’s memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life. ♥
1. When To Euthanize A Dog With Hemangiosarcoma: A Vet’s Guidance
2. Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Life Expectancy
We just made the decision to euthanize our 14 year old Catahoula mix today. She was diagnosed with a mass on her liver and in one adrenal gland. Also had kidney disease and an enlarged gallbladder. Quit eating her kibble so was making her chicken, some canned food and anything else I could get her to eat. Then got to the point she would only eat a few pieces of food. She had been vomiting the last week. Could not keep any of her meds down. She had lost 25lbs and looked disoriented and confused. Several nights she would sleep in the garage by herself (she would always sleep in the house). Her bad breath was getting worse. She was lethargic. She was drinking excessively even though I was given her fluids under her skin twice a week. It didn’t seem to help. We are at a loss, now we are second guessing if we did the right thing.
Dear Lisa,
I am sorry you had to say goodbye to your senior girl. I understand how your mind tends to ponder all the “what ifs” while grieving. Please don’t let guilt weigh you down. You made a loving choice to allow your own heart to break so your girl could find peace and freedom from her suffering. I hope with time your heart will begin to heal and you will be comforted knowing she was well loved. May her memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life. ♥
Hi,
We had to put my baby Frankel to sleep yesterday and your article helped me a lot to decide to go forth with it. He was diagnosed with advanced stage of liver failure where they grew twice in size and significantly affecting the size of his heart as well. He had not eaten for 2 days when we rushed him to the vet. He was on drips for 4 days hoping they could flush out the toxins but he continued to vomit and vet told us it wasn’t a good sign.
He was in continuous pain after his last drip on Friday and since he was at risk of having a seizure in the coming days, we decided it was time. Because we didn’t want him to suffer. It feels like we didn’t have enough time to be with him and say goodbye. I miss him tremendously. I just hope he knows how hard it was and that we will always love him no matter what. ❤️🩹
Dear Anaruby,
I am sorry for your loss of Frankel. You made a loving choice to give your boy freedom from his suffering and I am certain he knew how much he meant to you. I hope as time passes the grief will fade. May his memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life. ♥
My dog just passed away on Monday.
She was a 17year old puggle and she seemed fine but was slowing down day by day in the month of June. Her joints gave out from arthritis. And we found out on Sunday that she just completely gave out on her legs and couldn’t walk, bark, or even get up to use the bathroom, as a matter of fact she would poop laying down and it was very sad to see her that way because we had to clean up after and she wouldn’t get up to use the bathroom.
The next day, she was the same and we knew that she was suffering and she was taking her medication and vitamins for weeks in advance.
Once taken to the vet, we knew she was done because of intuition and her suffering from not using the bathroom, and she couldn’t even lift her head up at all.
We found out she had joundice, and wanted a peaceful death for her but vet explained it wouldn’t be peaceful considering the inflammation she had in her body from the bloat in her liver that will continue to grow which will hurt her body more and more.
We laid her to rest and we all said our goodbyes and gave her comfort and told her it will be alright😞.
It hurts so much. I wish we didn’t have to lay her down to rest. She was the family dog and will always be in our hearts forever.
Dear Em,
My heart aches for you with the recent loss of your beloved girl. What a blessing you were able to offer her a peaceful goodbye and spare her from unnecessary suffering. It is clear she was a big part of your lives, and I am certain she knew how much she was loved. Wishing you comfort and peace as you continue life’s journey. May her memory stay with you always. ♥
I said goodbye to my best friend Ella yesterday. In 2016 she was bitten by a rattlesnake. She survived with anti-venom medication, but her liver was never the same. For eight years I monitored her liver with my VET. I gave her SAMe with milkweed everyday. The last two weeks she slowed down, had jaundice in her eyes and our walks together were very slow. I did not want to say goodbye, but I knew the progression would worsen, and I did not want her to be in pain. I am 59 years old, and I have never felt the kind of love from anyone or anything that I got from Ella. Today I feel totally lost without her companionship. Thank you for your article. It really helped me come to some terms with my decision.
Dear Andrea,
I am sorry for your loss of Ella. I cannot think of a greater act of love than to allow your own heart to break so you could spare your girl from unnecessary suffering. What a blessing you gained 8 extra years together after her snake bite took place. It is a testament to the amazing care and love you gave her. I hope with time the grief will fade and your heart can begin to heal. Wishing you brighter days ahead. Bless you. ♥
While I have had the burden of watching my Chihuahua fight through cancer, I knew there would be an unfortunate end one day. That day came, and my wife and I were strong enough to end her suffering. This past week our Pug was diagnosed with a severe UTI, and elevated liver enzymes, way above the normal ranges. She was hospitalized and provided IV’s, then released home to us one day later. We attempted to take care of her, including giving her meds, as she would not eat. She vomited them up, and we decided that if we did not return her to the hospital, we simply would have been giving up on her. So many articles were read and so many spoke to the liver having a chance to regenerate. The Dr. himself saw this as a long road to recovery, but recovery none the less. Did he say it was serious and she could die, yes, but the emphasis was on recovery and treatment. For our Pug to not eat, it was VERY serious, but we wanted to give her the chance to come home. Two days later, after multiple update calls, indicating all treatment was being handled well, no nausea or vomiting, but she still didn’t eat., we get a call indicating she passed. This has been heart wrenching, as we were not there with her, we are broken, we thought we were giving her every chance to come home, yet our little baby of 9 years passed without the comfort of her family. This was worse than the cancer, because we still have no idea what caused it, and how she could go from normal, to not here in one week. I will forever blame myself for not coming up with another solution like bringing her multiple times a day for treatment but keeping her home. I love Chloe so much, and my only wish is she knows it and understands I was only trying to do whatever I could for her. This post is not for me to be made to feel better but to share with anyone else that may face the same situation. I know what it feels like, and I am truly sorry. I will miss you everyday Chloe and wish you play with your sister now, eat to your hearts content and run free in the grass with no allergies. Love forever Dad
Dear Dave,
My heart aches for you as you grieve the loss of your beloved girl. I can only imagine how much you miss her but am certain she knew how much she was loved. Thank you for being willing to share your story with us as it may help others when facing a similar situation. I hope as time passes your heart can begin to heal. May Chloe’s memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life. ♥
My 9 yo Bichon Luci was diagnosed with stromal cell sarcoma in her spleen and liver in March. It was inoperable, so we opted to bring her home and keep her happy and comfortable “until she isn’t”. But now I’m finding it really hard to know when that is. We are so grateful for the time we have had with her since her diagnosis. Over the last few weeks she has developed ascites and is hardly eating, even with a stimulant. Yet her tail still wags and she’s happy to wake up every morning. Caring for her- especially trying to find something she will eat every day as it changes from one day to the next – is wearing on me – greatly. This article is the first I’ve read that addresses caregiver fatigue. There is a part of me that is ready to let her go because I can’t bear to see her get worse and suffer, and I’m just tired. How can I drive her to the vet to be euthanized when she can still walk in by herself, and would likely be happy to be there? I am so afraid of letting her go too early, and equally of waiting too long. I am in a limbo of pain.
Dear Ami,
My heart aches for you as you try to navigate this emotional path. I understand why you are conflicted and know you only want what is best for your girl. It is ok to let go before all joy is lost and the only thing that remains is pain. I would rather say goodbye one day too early than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. Caregiver fatigue is real, and your quality of life matters too. I will attach links to other articles with more guidance and great advice from other readers. Wishing you strength and clarity as you find the best way forward. Praying for comfort and peace for you and sweet Luci.
1. When Caring For A Sick Pet Becomes Too Much: Pet Caregiver Fatigue
2. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
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
Thank you so much. You have no idea how much your response and additional articles helped me to gain clarity. We are letting our girl go later this afternoon – with her dignity in tact. Thank you!
Dear Ami,
It is my pleasure, and I am glad you were able to find what you needed to be at peace with this emotional decision. Hoping everything goes smoothly and praying for your strength. Bless you and sweet Luci. ♥
I’m writing this for what I hope to be something close to therapeutic. My boy Blitz is a Shepherd mix who is 13 years and 4 months old was recently diagnosed with liver failure. My wife and I are counting the days until it looks like it’s time to put him down. It’s killing us that our beautiful boy was doing great one day then sick the next.
We are living the best life he can live right now. Giving him all the treats he wants and all the love he can handle. My wife and I are so thankful for the life he’s had with us. We will miss him dearly for eternity. Mom and Dad love you so much our sweet prince. I pray we’ll see him again one day!
Dear Ruben,
My heart goes out to you as you spend these final days with your beloved boy. He is lucky to have you taking such good care of him and ensuring each day is filled with love and joy. When the time comes, I pray his passing will be peaceful and smooth. Praying for your strength and comfort as you navigate this emotional path. Bless you and Blitz. ♥
Our Goldendoodle, Brady was diagnosed with “copper storage disease” nearly 2 years ago. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster when it came to finding the right prescription food, and the right dosage of medication‘s. And while we have had nearly 2 more full years with him, it appears that things are coming to an end. His belly is distended, and after a visit to the pet ER this weekend as well as a telephone consult with his vet, we decided that it’s time to just live it out with him, spoil him, and try to make the best decision possible for him. He is still acting like himself for the most part. Still wants to fetch his ball, He is still eating and drinking, but none of his stool is solid at this point. So, we are in a position where we don’t want to wait too late, but selfishly we don’t want do anything too early either. My wife goes in for surgery on Tuesday and won’t be home until Wednesday or Thursday. We are hoping we can get her home and settled before we have to make a decision.
Thanks for listening.
Bobby
Dear Robert,
I am so sorry Brady’s health is declining and it seems as though he may be nearing his final days. What a blessing he was gifted with 2 extra years of life since receiving his diagnosis. I can only imagine how hard this choice will be but agree it comes from a place of love. Hoping his passing is peaceful and praying for comfort for everyone involved. Bless you and your family.
This is one of the most comforting articles about euthanasia I have ever read, especially the section about caregiver fatigue. Thank you so much!
Dear Dianne,
Thank you for the kind words! I am glad you found the article informative and comforting. Best wishes to you and yours. ♥
I am currently dealing with 2 senior dogs with health problems. One is a 13 yr old poodle/pom with diabetes. Other than being blind he is doing well on insulin although we can’t seem to get him at a good sugar level. The other is a 12 yr old Maltese/Pekinese mix. We knew from the biopsy that what we thought was a lipoma was actually a type of cancer. It has been a year since it was removed but has now grown back and doubled in size over the last month. Blood work shows elevated liver enzymes and the Vet does not think she is a good candidate for another surgery. We found another mass on her chest so we think the cancer spread. She does sleep a lot but she will still play with some of her toys. She is very food motivated and never misses a meal. She will run out the dog door at the slightest noise from outside and in most ways acts perfectly normal. The mass on her side is about the size of a softball and the one on her chest is ping pong ball size. Some times she will limp a bit but she has done that for years she had her ACL rebuilt 4 years ago. My Vet suggested more blood work and an ultrasound and I can afford the tests but I wonder what they can tell me that we don’t already know. She is almost 13 (June) and has cancer. She is coming to the end of the road. I know I sound heartless but it is the reality of being a pet owner. After it almost broke me when I had to put down my 16 yr old Shihtzu for cancer 13 years ago I have become more pragmatic. He gave me clear signs that it was his time but so far I can’t tell anything is wrong with her other than the big lumps.
Dear Joyce,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult situation with your senior girl. I agree, she may be in the window of time where saying goodbye is ok, but it doesn’t sound urgent or necessary at this stage. I hope you can find a way to ensure she remains happy and comfortable for as long as possible. Make the most of the time you are gifted and spoil her rotten. Praying for peace and wishing the best of luck to you and yours.
My vet called saying my 9 1/2 to American Cocker has elevated liver readings. He recommends treatment. However, we can not afford the meds. What should we do? As if now he does drink a lot of water. His appetite is good. Thanks for your response.
Dear Sandy,
I am sorry your Cocker Spaniel is having issues with his liver. Please make sure your vet is aware of your financial concerns. Many times, we will offer what we think is best, but do have other treatments or medications available as a secondary option. If you cannot afford the medication, there may be a generic form or at least some supplements that could be used to help with your boy’s liver health. Hoping you can find a clear path forward and praying for a positive outcome for your sweet boy.
my 12 year-old westie Alfie seemed fine on Saturday, but on Sunday all he did was sleep, wouldn’t eat his food or entertainment any of his treats.He was drinking enormous amounts of water but no food for 3 days, he had no interest in anything i was trying to get him to eat and he was very lethargic.We got an emergency appointment at the vets on Tuesday and was told that he was in liver failure, his blood results were off the scale, we had to decide there and then to have his euthenised, i held him as he it went to sleep, it was the hardest decision to make,but the right one for him, knowing he is free from suffering is the only consolation i have.
Dear Ann,
My heart goes out to you with the recent loss of your beloved pup. I can only imagine how much you miss Alfie but am glad you were able to offer him a peaceful goodbye. I am sure he knew how much he was loved and feel certain your presence was a comfort in his final moments. Wishing you comfort and healing for your heart. May his memory live on and continue to be a blessing in your life.
It’s heartbreaking to read these comments.
I have a lot of guilt for not having detected my dogs liver disease sooner. She was only 3 yrs and 6 mo when she passed away. She received annual check ups which included blood work and it was completely undetected. In October I took her in because I noticed she lost a few pounds (otherwise normal and always had been picky with dry food) took her to the vet just to make sure she was ok;. They ran a blood test, fecal matter, everything came back fine they said probably just a picky eater.After changing up her diet she was fine Up until a two weeks ago I noticed the slightest distinction of her abdomen so took her to the ER. The vet even explained at first glance she looked fine and maybe was putting weight on and her physical exam presented no problem. After ultrasound, MRI, and blood work (blood work came back normal) they said she had fluid in her abdomen and thought it was a leak in bladder, the following day, I took her to a specialty clinic with referral for emergency surgery, where the vet said she believed it was not likely pyometra but the only way to confirm was with an exploratory surgery and they would operate accordingly. They drained her fluid in stomach. And this is when I discovered she had a very fibrous liver. I didn’t get the biopsy results until after she passed where I discovered she was born with congenital liver disease and connecting parts must’ve been underdeveloped in the mother pups womb, even if I had known when she was a puppy the course of action would have been to make her as comfortable as possible.
She passed a week later very peacefully and I’m blessed she didn’t suffer or atleast show the signs or the complications that liver disease can present.
I’m just so devastated that I didn’t know she was sick for her whole life. She was perfectly happy, and fun we went hiking, to the lake for Christmas we went to the beach and just this new years we spent it in west Texas and visiting marfa and big bend. I miss her so much.
Dear Emily,
My heart aches for you with the loss of your beloved pup. I know you would have done anything to give her more time, but it is clear she lived a happy and joy filled life by your side. May the memories of all the good times you shared bring you comfort. Praying for healing for your heart and brighter days ahead as you continue life’s journey.
Hey Sondra, I forgot that I also give him organic ground turkey. Also got him an organic sirloin steak. I saw the little carnivore in him. Asparagus is on the menu too. but he doesn’t like it. I forgot to add Spinach and Kale. Be well, take care. Lydia
I can see the love in your words.
I got took over care for Lucy, a 6-year old boerboel in September 2023after her caregiver, my friend passed on. Sometime in November 2023, she came on heat and I had her bred. when she didn’t put to bed at 66 days from last breeding date, we diceded to go for a c-section: she has slightly distended breasts with what seemed like colostrum.
At the clinic, we discovered her blood was light and vet mentioned she wad severely jaundiced. We found out she was at end stage liver cancer and had to put her down immediately. It is still a rude shock because I thought all the while she was pregnant.
Dear Oluwasegun,
I am so sorry for your loss of Lucy and your dear friend. Hoping that with time your heart will begin to heal from all you have been through. Wishing you peace as you continue life’s journey.
We had to euthanize our 9 year old Havanese on Saturday. It was such a difficult decision. Middle of January he started not eating his treats. The next weekend he started acting different. He walked slowly and just wanted to be to himself. He wouldn’t eat all day but drank a lot of water. My wife got him to eat a few pieces of chicken that next. The next day he threw up nice and would not eat. We took him to the veterinarian Monday morning and blood work was done which showed ALT 3000 and ALP 1500. Urine very dark , dehydrated and jaundice. He was hospitalized 2 days on IV and meds. ALT came back to normal after 2 days of IV and meds. ALP was 1700. X-rays and ultrasound done. Doctor said the liver looked enlarged and dense. He was not eating so the doctor sent him home with us Wednesday evening thinking he might eat at home. He was sent home on 5 medications. 2 antibiotics, appetite stimulant, nausea med and denamarin. We had to crush up the pills and force feed him which was tough. He looked sad, lethargic, getting weaker and breathing sounded different. He drank water excessively and urine still very dark. He would not eat anything. No interest in being social or playing with his toys. I took him back on Friday and the doctor gave him a steroid shot hoping this along with the appetite stimulate would help him eat. We tried everything but he would no longer eat. On Saturday after watching him go down hill so fast and now 6 days without eating we decided to have him euthanized. Doctor suspected bile duct or liver cancer based on all the findings and without having an MRI to confirm. Doctor said many times with cancer in dogs they don’t show any symptoms until it’s advanced. We wanted to do an MRI but he was too weak after refusal to eat for so long. He was the best dog and this decision was so hard but we couldn’t bare to see him suffer any longer.
Dear Brent,
My heart goes out to you with the recent loss of your beloved pup. I know you would have done anything to give him more time, but I agree it was best to offer him peace and freedom from his struggles. It is clear your boy was dearly loved, and I am certain he knew. May his memory live on and continue to be a blessing in your life. Wishing you the best for happiness as you continue life’s journey.
Hi, Thank you for all your important information. My 12 year old “rescue” Chiihuahua, Rosie, has a heart murmur, liver disease, and now seizures. We have been to our long-time vet who has precribed the appropriate meds. Rosie is not herself now.. She was horribly abused/neglected when we adopted her about 3 years ago. We have taken great care of her, including all medical/vet check ups. She eats Hill Liver Health Diet and also takes milk thistle. We know the time is probably near and thinking about euthanasia. What are your thoughts? We are absolutely heart broken about Rosie’s conditions. Thank you. Connie
Dear Connie,
I am sorry Rosie’s health is declining and you are facing this difficult decision about her quality of life. Without examining her myself, it is hard to know if she is at the point where saying goodbye is the best option. I do think it is better to let go one day too early rather than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. Your vet can help you navigate this unknown path and help you with the timing of things. Ultimately, I encourage you to trust your intuition. You know Rosie better than anyone. Praying for your comfort and strength. Bless you and your sweet girl. ♥
Hi, Thanks for sharing my dog is going to be 12 and a week ago she started vomiting and stopped eating. She has not vomited since last Thursday but still wont eat. On Monday I took her to the vet and got blood work done and her liver levels are very high. The doctor gave her some injection treatments and bolus of fluids ever day since. On Tuesday I brought her back for her second bolus and the Doctor said she was worse as her eye and in her ears are now yellow. He said to keep an eye on her and if her eye become more yellow on Wednesday morning then the treatment is not working. If her eyes are the same or better then to bring her back for another bolus of fluids. Tuesday evening she had a full sweet potato and was playing with her toys more, so this morning I looked in her eyes and they didn’t get worse they stayed the same. The doctor said to if she stays the same or the color gets better Thursday to bring her back for another bolus of fluid so we can flush the toxins from her liver. She is also on 2 medication at home that he gave she for the next 10 days.
I am not sure how to make the decision on when to say she has had enough. Her symptoms are not eating anything but sweet potato’s or turkey lunch meat but I can’t give her that anymore the doctor said no meat as the liver can process it only clean food and she is jaundice and she shivers periodically through the day.
Dear Melissa,
I am sorry your girl is not doing well, and you may be facing some very difficult decisions over the next few days. I wish I could tell you what is best, but without examining her myself it is hard to make specific recommendations. From what you describe, it does sound like saying goodbye could be the most loving option. It is ok to let go before all joy is lost and the only thing remaining is pain and suffering. Praying for clarity and comfort as you navigate this tough path. Bless you and your senior girl.
So sorry to hear about your Rosie. I, too, have a Chihuahua named Rosie who was rescued at age 4 and was neglected and abused at a puppy mill. She is now 16 and has similar illnesses, heart murmur, enlarged liver and perhaps Cushing disease which vet says will require testing to be sure. I feel her time is getting close. Will be a difficult decision.
Thank you for sharing.
Dear Dottie,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult situation with Rosie. I am praying for your strength and for clarity when tough decisions have to be made. Wishing you and your sweet girl comfort and peace.
Our poodle Johnny 15+ years wasn’t eating , he also had arthritis on his spine , somewhat deaf and cataracts , he had very elevated liver and renal issues . For about a month I brought him in for fluids and meds for nausea and appetite stimulants. When the blood work came back they recommended hospitalization and we decided to stop his discomfort . It still pains me that we did it too soon . I know the cost was going to be thousands and if he were younger we would have , but with so many other issues we put him to sleep . I’m still torn with the decision . It’s so much easier when they just dies suddenly when they are old .
Dear Diana,
I am sorry you had to make this emotional decision for Johnny. It sounds like saying goodbye was the most loving option and only way to offer him freedom from his struggles. I am glad you were able to offer him a peaceful passing. Most natural deaths are tragic and painful, rarely are they peaceful and can leave you with difficult memories. I can only imagine how much you miss Johnny but pray as time passes your heart will begin to heal. Wishing you brighter days ahead. Bless you and your family.
My beautiful 17 year old shihtzu honey has battled on, but bloods today have shown she is in liver failure and the neurological deterioration is so apparent. She has seizures from a suspected brain tumour she was diagnosed with 18 months ago and these are becoming more frequent. We have taken the decision to let her be at peace in the coming week, and this articles kind words have given me a little comfort. You’re right, my heart will never be ready but she deserves to rest, she’s done more than enough.
Dear Stacey,
My heart aches for you as you face this emotional decision for Honey. I think you have made a loving choice to offer her freedom from her suffering. Praying her passing will be smooth and peaceful. Wishing you comfort and healing for your heart. Bless you and your sweet girl.
Hi my little girl was diagnosed with liver failure. My vet did ultrasound and blood work and there is nothing they can do but give her some medication to help her liver and medication to make her feel hungry. She is still playful and drink the only symptom she has are like of wanting food and jaundice. I know the day will come very soon but it to now when?
Dear Melissa,
I am sorry your pup is living with liver failure. There is just no way to know the specific amount of time she has left. My best advice is to keep doing what you can to maintain her quality of life and make the most of each day you are gifted. Offer comfort and love and let her find joy in these final days. Praying for your strength and peace. Bless you and your little girl.
Thank you so much for your clear explanations and sensible advice. We foster an older dog for a working friend and have been aware for some time that his behaviour has changed and he has lost weight ( he welcomes the affectionate touch rather than trying to bite my hand off !!) but last week an ultrasound scan revealed changes in his liver structure. Urine sample collection (hysterical) and blood tests followed, not got the results yet but together with his massively increased water drinking, increased urination and total lethargy, we know what to expect. Not killed a toy in weeks, one of his favourite activities!
Our friend has unfortunately bought a Westie pup who terrorises her old boy. He’s with us however right to his last breath, if necessary with the help of our very compassionate vet .
Dear M A,
Bless you for giving a senior pup a loving place to live out his last days. Thank you for sharing your story with us. My thoughts are with you and wishing you both comfort and peace. ♥
This is such a lovely and gentle article. My dog is 14 and he was diagnosed with Liver Disease in June. He is getting his blood work every month and I have a super wonderful vet. She euthanized my 18-year-old cat not long ago, and she is so dear to my dog Pan.. Right now, Pan’s liver values have dropped from 175 to 145. My vet noticed how happy I was to hear that, and she somehow knew that I was thinking he would have a full recovery. Reading this article made me feel so informed and secure in my treatment of Pan; he gets homemade for all his meals and it gives me pleasure to do this for him.
Dear Lydia,
Thank you for the kind words and positive feedback about the article. I am so glad it offered some comfort and peace of mind as you continue on this difficult journey with Pan. It sounds like you have an amazing partnership with your vet and you both are working hard to ensure your sweet boy has as many happy days ahead as possible. Wishing you all the best and give Pan a hug for me!
I am going through this right now with my 14 year old girl. May I ask what meds Pan took and what foods have helped him? I would greatly appreciate any information.
Dear sondra, I hope your sweet girl is still with you.Beginning yesterday, Pan appears to be on the decline. He is a bit more disoriented and lethargic. His gums look normal. But when I lifted him up he cried. This alarmed me. However he did eatmoat of his breakfast. Keep in mind that whatever you feed your sweet girl, it should all be organic. These are the meats I make for him: Beef Liver, slow cook chicken, Planet Earth tuna or salmon, chicken livers, you can give white fish too. The vegetables: broccoli ….I don’t use the stems. I simply cut the little florets and put then in the microwave for 45 seconds or more, cooked carrots, a medly of squash & broccolli. I also give egg yolks on the main dish.I puree the meat and veggies together for easier digestion. I also give cottage cheese, liver treats and salmom treats by Dr. Marty. Vitamin E (you can pierce it with a safety pin & sqeee it on his food, with Mil thistle ( I open the capsule and give 1/2 At Breakfast,Also Omega-3 Pet soft gels, do the same piercing of the capsule. And this is the Liver med Denamarin given every 24 hrs, apoquel for itching (he has lesions) Galliprant for arthritis and Zeniquin for anxiety wihich he sometimes has when I have to leave him at home. One of his symptoms I’m seeing more of is what looks like shivering. I think he could be at the middle of the final stages. I’ll see how he does in this coming week. He is my heart. I hope ypur little girl is doing well. Much love to you. Lydia Roll
Hi Lydia,
I am glad to hear Pan is still doing well with treatment. Thank you for offering advice and encouragement to others. Wishing you both the best for continued success and happiness. Bless you!
my 10 year old doberman was diagnosed with liver disease a few years ago. we have been giving her denamarin and I added Milk Thistle to her diet. some days she beats really well and other days babe does not eat anything. today is another bad day. she vomited one and has diarrhea today. she is extremely thirsty today, but she is incontinent, so I have been giving her a little water often. she has gotten extremely picky with her food so I give her ground hamburger. that is really all she’ll eat when she does eat. she likes greek yogurt sometimes as well. I have thrown away more food in the last month than I care to think of. We have made the decision to not undergo any extreme treatments. Any advice on how to keep her comfortable and ease her upset stomach?
Dear Teri,
I am sorry your senior girl is nearing the end of her days. It may be a good idea to contact a hospice vet in your area to help offer guidance as you navigate this tough road ahead. I do think your girl may benefit from a probiotic supplement. I have had great success with Purina FortiFlora. Not only does it help to promote gut health but has also worked as an appetite stimulant for some patients and can help to resolve diarrhea and vomiting (depending on the cause). If you are looking for other healthy options of foods to offer your girl, here are links to other articles with more ideas and information pertaining to your situation:
1. 14 Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (And May Just Love)
2. Thanksgiving Food For Dogs: 10 Dogs Can Eat & 10 to Avoid
3. How an Appetite Stimulant for Dogs Can Help Your Pup
4. Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
Hoping you can find the best way to ensure your girl can maintain her quality of life for as long as possible. Make the most of the time you are gifted, and I wish you both happiness and peace.