Understand the signs when it's time to say goodbye to your dog

By Mary Alusin

The bitter reality of keeping a pet is it will pass away either from old age, illness, or an accident. There are even moments when you have to face the difficult choice of having to euthanize it. Some dogs may pass on peacefully on their own. However, there are those motivated by the will to survive as they continue living despite how bad their lives have become.

It is common to find most pet owners trying to prolong the life of their aging pets. They could be using sophisticated veterinary treatments, but the question is, is this for the best interest of your dog, or are you doing it for yourself?

Factors like aging and death are beyond human control. But one of the best things you can do for your pet to prevent it from unnecessary pain and suffering. A pet dog should be kept alive for as long as it is experiencing a quality life. Not sure how to determine that? Consider using this checklist to ask yourself 13 key questions. If your dog no longer has a quality life, you should consider euthanizing your pet dog. It may be a difficult choice to make, but it is for the best interest of the dog.

When to say goodbye

Euthanasia is a medical process wherein veterinarians deliberately take the life of an animal. It’s usually done to relieve an animal’s suffering, prevent an uncontrollable behavior or diseases, or control an animal population.

But when it comes to your pet family member, is there a best time to say goodbye to them? The truth is saying goodbye to our pet dogs is never easy. But no matter how difficult it is, signs are telling you to let go of your dog and think that he or she is in a much better place. With that said, here are five indications that will tell you it’s time to say goodbye to your dog.

Terminal illness

A terminal illness is one that can no longer be treated by medicines. The cost to euthanize a pet dog that is suffering from an incurable disease is much cheaper than keeping the dog alive and spending so much on treatments. Keeping it alive is only adding misery to the poor thing.

Pain

If your dog is in so much pain that even medication can’t help, it is only fair to let it go. Some signs that your dog is in pain include:

Excessive noises of groaning and grunting
Panting excessively
Trembling
Limping
Restlessness
Not able to eat or drink
Excessive licking or scratching of a particular part of the body

Low quality of life

If the life quality is not good enough, it’s about time to consider pet euthanasia. The following signs show whether the dog still enjoys a quality life:

Feeding – the dog is fed well, and you can see that it has a good appetite.
Hydration- a healthy dog should be able to drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration. If it is not drinking water, it means that there is something wrong with the dog.
Hygiene – a dog leading a quality life should be able to go to the bathroom by itself. Take keen observation if you realize that your dog has started lying on its mess or developing some sores.
Happiness – this is a significant determinant of a healthy dog. Note how your dog responds to his favorite toys and family members. If it’s used to be happy and jumping around the house, but suddenly it starts isolating itself, then you know that its quality of life is deteriorating.
Mobility – a dog that is leading a quality life can move around on its own. It gets excited about going for walks.
Finally, the dog should experience more good days than bad days. If it’s experiencing nausea, frustration, and vomiting more often than usual, then it does not have a good life.

Loss of vital bodily functions

If your pet can no longer perform some bodily functions like urinating and defecating on its own, you know it is time to say goodbye. Such dogs will remain in one position until you move it because it is too sickly or tired.

Breathing difficulties

The most painful experience that anyone could go through is having breathing problems. Now imagine the same happening to your dear pet dog. Would you rather watch it endure such pain or give it permanent rest? Do not keep the pet alive for your interest. If you love it, ease its misery and let it go.

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