When Is The Right Time To Euthanize Your Friend?

by Cynthia
(Mission Viejo, CA)

I have a 14 year old American female cocker spaniel. I got her when she was a year old and she's on about 7 different medications for various problems; eye cataracts, hypothyroidism, pain in her back, crystals in her urine and GERD (acid reflux).

She also has major skin problems where large crusty wet sores appear on her back. I shave the area around it and clean it so it won't open up again by pulling from the fur.

She just had three sores clear up and another one just burst. She's black with a white chest and chin and areas of grey now but the back side of her back is turning a bit brown. I'm not sure if that's due to age or from her sores.

She also has large sizes of fatty tissue on her chest and her ears are constantly bothering her because of the excess of wax and large sores throughout the canals.

I call her vet at least every two weeks for something and he's very kind and sometimes doesn't charge me if he needs to see her.

For the last two weeks, she stopped eating her regular breakfast and dinner. She still eats but not very much any more.

She sleeps most of the day and night but she loves her early evening walk. She's very slow during her morning walk and sometimes doesn't do that much.

Making a decision to euthanize her is difficult and I don't know if I'm considering it because I'm thinking of myself or her well-being.

So, when do you determine it's time to euthanize your dog?

Do you have advice for Duchess and me?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Response from Pauline (Web Owner)

Oh Cynthia, what a terrible situation to be in - what a dilemma!

You obviously love Duchess very much - you're giving her so much love, attention and care, but there's only so much one can do.

On the one hand, she's in her 'winter years', has considerable health problems, and now she's stopped eating. It sounds like these problems may be beginning to affect her quality of life.

If that's the case, ask yourself when does her quality of become unacceptable or unbearable. I think you'll know the answer.

On the other hand, if the medication is helping and she's not in pain, just slowing down, why not enjoy each others company for a little while longer?

Your vet may, at some point, broach this subject, or he may be waiting for you to ask for his advice. (By the way, he sounds like a very caring vet.)

Cynthia, I don't think anyone in their right mind would judge you, should you take the decision to have Duchess put out of her misery, but I'm afraid only you can make that decision for her.

I sincerely wish you both well, and whatever decision you make will be the correct one.