How to Know When to Put Your Dog Down

Putting your dog down is similar to losing a family member.

Welcoming a dog into your home is a lifelong commitment, at least for the dog's lifetime. How long your dog lives depends on the breed of dog and any underlying health conditions. Whether your dog becomes ill or just grows old, there may come a time as the dog's owner when you'll need to decide whether to put the dog down. Although it's a personal decision, there are a few factors to consider when it's time to make the choice.

Instructions

1. Consult with your veterinarian about any treatments available for your dog's health condition. Some health conditions can be treated with medication. Weigh treatment options against the age of your dog. If your dog is 15 years old and requires an expensive surgery that may prolong it's life for a few months, it's probably not worth the expense or the pain your dog will endure. However, if the dog is young and requires only medication or a minor surgery that will help it live a full life, the benefits outweigh the costs.

2. Watch your dog's behavior. When your dog can no longer do the things it enjoys or those it needs to do, such as walk, eat or relieve itself, it's time to put the dog down. At this point, the dog is suffering. Putting the dog down is a quick and painless way to relieve the dog of its suffering.

3. Evaluate your dog's quality of life when you consider medications or surgeries. In some cases, medication or surgery can prolong your dog's life for months or years. However, in many cases, the quality of life your dog has after the surgery or while on medication is still poor. If the surgery or medication can't restore your dog to its former self, it's time to put the dog down.

4. Check your dog for symptoms that are often precursors to death. If the dog's paws and nose feel cold to the touch or the dog's gums are discolored, the dog isn't getting enough oxygen. Shallow breathing and lethargy can also be signs that the end is near and it's best to put the dog down.

5. Think about what's best for the dog, not you. Dogs become a part of the family and are treated as humans by some owners. It's a difficult decision to end a dog's life. Some owners do everything they can to prolong the dog's life simply because they can't bear to lose the dog. It's important to put the dog first.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't allow anyone to make you feel badly about your decision. Putting a dog down is a personal decision. You are the only one who knows what's best for your dog.

References

• Slate; When Should You Put Your Dog Down?; Jon Katz; October 2003
• TribLive; Knowing When to Put Your Dog Down; John Ross; August 2005
• DogTime: When to Say Good-Bye to Your Dog

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish