When to Euthanise a Dog With Cancer

Know When It's Time to Say Goodbye

No matter which road you choose, the time will come when you'll need to decide when to say goodbye. But how do you know?

When It's an Emergency

Deciding when to euthanise a dog with cancer is clearer in some situations than in others, like emergencies. An example of a sudden emergency is a dog with a brain tumor who's having frequent recurring seizures. Another example could be if your dog has a tumor growing within their spleen that's bleeding into their abdomen (or belly). Emergency situations like this can be emotionally difficult because there's not as much time to prepare. The silver lining is that your decision is clear. In these situations, you don't have to think about when to euthanise a dog with cancer; you just have to act.

When Your Dog's Quality of Life Declines

But what about when the time to euthanise isn't as obvious? Maybe your dog has bone cancer and pain medication isn't helping, or maybe your dog has a liver tumor that's keeping them from eating enough to sustain their desire to play. You want more time with your furry friend, and it can be hard to know when to say goodbye. In these situations, euthanizing is a personal decision that depends on many factors, including your dog's quality of life. Several sites provide quality of life scales to help with this decision, such as The Ohio State University. You'll also want to watch for signs your dog is in pain.

Signs Your Dog Is in Pain

While crying or whimpering can indicate pain, many dogs who are in pain don't make a sound. When you're couch-bound with the flu, you likely lie there quietly rather than groaning the whole time. Dogs are the same way: They'll yelp with acute pain, like you would when stubbing a toe, but they're often silent when experiencing chronic pain.

According to the American Kennel Club, some of the more obvious signs of pain include restlessness, increased breathing rate and trembling, but here are some more subtle signs to watch for:

• Decreased appetite. Decreased appetite can indicate your dog is experiencing discomfort and losing their zeal for life. This isn't the case for all dogs, though — some dogs eat up until their final breath. It's not safe to assume that your dog isn't in pain just because they're eating.
• Lack of movement. Reluctance to move is a big one. Has your dog stopped greeting you at the door, waiting for you to come to them instead? Does their range of daily activity entail walking outside to go potty and then coming back in? This is a good indicator that your dog is in pain.

Sometimes these changes are so gradual that it's difficult to notice them. It can be helpful to look at old photos or videos of your dog as a reminder of how they used to act and to give you a basis for comparison. A friend or family member that doesn't see them every day can be helpful as well.

Optimise End-of-Life Nutrition

In addition to learning about treatment options and observing your dog for signs of pain and decreased enjoyment, you'll want to do all you can to keep them comfortable in their final stage of life. Living with and fighting cancer requires substantial nutrients & calories, so some dogs need to be fed extra to account for the tumor that's draining their nutrients. Many dogs will still lose weight (called cachexia) from cancer, but feeding them a high-calorie food can help slow down that process. Check with your vet to determine the best food for your dog.

As you consider when to euthanise a dog with cancer, remember this: There's no one right or wrong answer. Some people think if they don't pick the exact date, they've failed as a pet parent. If you care enough about your dog to read articles and do your best to inform yourself, your dog is in good hands. As you face saying goodbye to your best friend, remember the good times you had, and know that you'll do right by them to the very end. Your dog will love you for it.