Should you put your dog to sleep because of an illness or injury? Is pain or old age making your dog’s life difficult? Here are a veterinarian’s signs and tips, to help you know if it’s time to say good-bye to your dog.

These guidelines are from Marie Haynes, a veterinarian who had to put her own dog to sleep. She shares her story, and offers information about pet euthanasia. In How to Deal With Guilty Feelings After Your Dog’s Death, she offers even more information about putting a dog to sleep.

“If you can save your dog or cat even one day of discomfort, you must,” says Dr Haynes. And that’s the number one sign it’s not too soon to put your dog to sleep: if suffering, pain, or a low quality of life is involved. Answering the question “what is a low quality of life for a dog?” is different for everyone…but the bottom line is that if your dog is suffering in any way, then it’s time to say goodbye.

The problem is knowing what level of discomfort is “too much.”

“Someone said that every time you bring a puppy home, you know one day one you’re walking into a tragedy because dogs live such short lives,” says John Grogan, author of Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog (a wonderful book that went on to become a massive movie success in a film adaptation starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. They played a couple who adopted a dog called Marley).

As Grogan’s dog Marley shuffled into old age, he brought about some of the biggest emotional lessons for the family, especially with regard to loss and grief. Grogan and his family had to decide if it was too soon to put their dog to sleep, and it wasn’t easy. There were no clearcut signs for them…other than Marleys old age.

“Dogs start slowing down, it’s a great human lesson for children and young adults,” says Grogan. “I felt a grief that I had not experienced before, even though I had lost relatives. You see an encapsulation of a life span, and you see what’s coming for you as a human. It takes people about 70 years or so but it takes dogs about ten.”

Sometimes it is a clear decision. Sometimes a dog is in so much pain, so wounded, or so old that the only and best option is to put him to sleep. Most of the time, though, the decision to euthanize a dog – who is a treasured, loved part of the family – is not easy.

There are no easy signs, and the definition of “good quality of life for a dog” is different for every pet owner. Plus, as one veterinarian told me, it’s often difficult to tell whether a dog is in pain or suffering. But, there are a few signs it really is time to put your dog to sleep.

These questions are not always easy to answer. Pet owners often want veterinarians or other dog experts to tell them if it is time to put their dog to sleep. Pet owners do not want the responsibility of putting their dogs to sleep too soon…or even too late.

Does your dog have diabetes? Read Caring for a Diabetic Dog: Insulin Treatments and End of Life Choices.

It can be tempting to ask the veterinarian or other dog experts to decide if it’s time, but our vet said this has to be the pet owner’s decision. The vet only sees a snapshot of the dog’s life, while the pet owner has the big perspective and the whole lifespan.

“I see a scared, sick animal in the hospital,” says Dr Haynes. “I don’t see a pet owner’s beloved dog. You have taken care of your dog all its life. This is your final chance to take care of your dog.  If you can spare your companion pain and suffering, then putting your to sleep is the ultimate gift…no matter how hard it is for you.”

How will you know if it’s time to put your dog down? Here’s what the vet says: There will come a day when it is absolutely clear to you that your dog is not enjoying life. That day is one day too late. If you can save your dog even one day of discomfort, you must.

Deciding on euthanasia is difficult, but it could be the most loving thing you do for your dog. It helps me to believe I’ll see my dog again one day, in the afterlife or God’s new Kingdom. One of the best ways to cope with the grief of putting your dog to sleep is resting in the peace, joy, and love only God can give.

“My shepherd/cattle dog cross, Eddie, had a multitude of problems and I couldn’t decide if it was time for euthanasia.  Then, one day he tore his cruciate ligament.  He had already previously torn the ligament on the other knee and although it was healed he had severe arthritis in that knee.  With both knees injured, Eddie was unable to walk.  My decision to put my dog to sleep was finally made for me.

I went to my office and collected the supplies I needed for euthanasia.  Eddie was such a good boy as I shaved his front leg and placed the needle in his vein.  I will never forget the look of love and trust he gave me as I made the injection.  Then, the life just went out of him and he was gone.  Once he had passed away, his buddy Joey (my other dog) came in the room but he did not seem to care about or comprehend what was happening.  Then, my two cats came in and I swear they suddenly had a look of glee in their eyes as Eddie was very much a cat tormentor!”

Grogan – the author of Marley and Me – said, “We were watching Marley’s decline and we were in denial about it. We knew the kindest and most humane thing for this dog was to put him down…because he was suffering.”

He, his wife, and his two grown children took the loss of their dog hard. “We really grieved as a family together,” said Grogan. “It surprised me how deep that grief was and how long it was. We didn’t talk about it for weeks. It was months before we got a new dog.”

When you adopt a dog, you make a decision to share your life with another living creature — a creature with its own personality, needs, and quirks. Dog owners go to great lengths to ensure their dogs are enjoying a happy home life. This makes it more difficult to answer the “should I put my dog to sleep?” question. It doesn’t feel kind, loving, or compassionate to put a dog down…but it may be the best way to take care of your beloved dog.

“It’s amazing how people alter their life to accommodate a dog, especially an aging dog,” said Grogan. “Dog owners put off holidays, spend a lot of money on medication. I really do respect the individual, you wouldn’t think twice if someone put the same amount of money into a race car or a boat… but you need to ask ‘Am I doing this for the dog and his quality of life, am I doing it for me?'”

This is a painful decision. Even if you know in your heart that it’s time, and even if all the signs say you should put your dog to sleep, you will never be the same. Your life will change forever. It will change how you feel when you open the front door after a long day, and it will bring a shadow of grief to your home. Grieving your dog’s death will bring up other types of grief, which you may not have fully worked through. You may be surprised at how difficult this decision and death is for you – after all, it’s “only” a dog, right?

No. Your dog is not “just a dog.” If you haven’t dealt with the pain of your past experiences, then putting your dog to sleep will awaken the grief. Read through the readers’ comments below; you will see that not only is the decision to put a dog sleep painful, it also gives rise to different, deep and often surprising types of grief.

An Orthopedic Dog Bed for Joint and Pressure Pain Support for will give your elderly, sick dog support and comfort. The last thing you want is for your dog to be in pain – especially if you’re seeing signs that make you wonder if you should put your dog to sleep.

This bed is especially helpful for dogs who have joint problems, or need surgery for skin or internal diseases. It’s machine washable, and has a built-in bolster for neck and head support.

If you’re spending a lot of money on medications, surgeries, or medical equipment to keep your dog alive, it may be time to ask yourself some difficult questions.  Are you avoiding the decision to put your dog to sleep because you don’t have the courage or strength to say goodbye?

One of the most common problems with older dogs is incontinence. If you’re trying to decide if you should put your dog to sleep, you’ve probably seen your dog have accidents all over the house.

The Disposable Dog Diapers for Elderly Dogs will make your life easier. Your dog can pee or poo when necessary, even if you aren’t home to provide access to an “outdoor toilet.”

In The Amazing Afterlife of Animals: Messages and Signs From Our Pets On The Other Side, Karen Anderson offers hope and faith in something beyond this earth. The uplifting and insightful stories in this book will help you break through your grief so you can begin healing.

Included are actual messages from departed animals who share details about what they experienced as their life ended and from beyond the veil of the afterlife. You will discover how pets feel about dying, euthanasia, cremation, reincarnation and so much more.

Identifying the signs, messages, and signals from the a world beyond death is a comforting way to stay connected to your dog after he or she dies. This books shares simple ways to look for, and read, communications from your dog in the next life.

In Should You Put Your Dog to Sleep? 6 Signs an Animal is Suffering, I share Dr Haynes’ signs it’s time to put your dog to sleep. They’re based on her professional and personal experience with sick, elderly dogs.

Euthanizing a dog you love is a very difficult decision, but here’s the most important thing to remember: putting your dog to sleep is the final act of love and compassion you give your dog.

If you decide it is time to put your dog to sleep, decide if you want to be present during the passing. Undergoing euthanasia is similar to falling asleep, and you can be with your dog when he drifts away. Euthanasia is generally painless, and almost always goes smoothly.

For extra support, read through the comments below. You’ll see you are not alone. Feel free to share your experience. Writing often helps us make difficult decisions with more clarity and insight.

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I decided yesterday to have my little Daisy Jack Russell put to sleep. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. 2 years her health has deteriorated – after a very hot summer. The last year she had unrinary incontinence – which we had under control but for bed wetting. Then the appetite got less, the interest in life got less, she wouldn’t come and sit in the lounge with us – preferring her bed. She wandered continually from the kitchen to the courtyard. Then she wanted nothing to eat, I changed the food and that generated interest for a day or two. Her bowel movement was black and her legs were weak. The vet gave her some meds including injections and there was a brief improvement although she collapsed on the table after the injections. The same problem came back, I couldn’t get her to eat anything, she wouldn’t drink – even if I managed to get drops of liquid into her mouth. The morning I decided that I was being selfish to her, was when she went outside and was sick but at the same time rolled over as if fitting. She fought to get herself up. Despite her nearly 17 years, she didn’t look old. I spent the day cuddling her – not something she would normally tolerate; she was active and fiercely independent.

She came into my life quite unexpectedly after 4 previous homes. The last, that of my partner – who died. She saw me through some dark times, just sitting by me – watching.

The vet told me the process, she would give her an anaesthetic sedative, she would go to sleep as if prepared for an operation, then a second would be given and that would slow and stop her heart. She would feel nothing, no pain. I stayed and held her and first she relaxed into my arms and the final injection her body was heavy. She had gone. It felt like I had betrayed her taking her to the vet – I know I did it for her but the grief is overwhelming.

Daisy is laid to rest in my garden. I will plant a tree in autumn for her to rest under. I hope she understands.

Our Pom is 21 years old, he is mostly blind, deaf and can no longer control his bladder, he is always coughing, he no longer has any teeth, and he doesn’t really eat, even though the vet said that he can eat hard or soft food, he eats neither. He often times just stands and stares off into space. He has where he can’t bend his hind leg and is always panting. Sometimes he will hop around like a when he was a puppy. I know it is time and so does my husband, but he keeps saying that he is not ready for him to go. It is so hard as we just recently had to put down our 18 year old Chihuahua when she had a stroke. I have to have the conversation with my husband and be there for him when that time is ready.

Hi our boy is 11 he’s still got happy in him, he’s mind is still there,he has cancer and kidney disease. His back legs are getting weaker. I’m so scared to make that decision its heartbreaking :(

Im in tears reading this right now. have been throwing up for days and cant sleep. My 12 year old boxer is still there in her mind and shows love but her back legs are not working and she has a tumor on her back and another one on her private area. OUr appointment is at noon tomorrow. Worst day of my life I am very certain. Please prey for my baby Sophia

I’m so sorry. It is such a dreadful thing to experience. I have been there so many times. It is never anything but awful, even though it is necessary. I will pray for Sophia and you.

Its 1:am, as I set here reading this article, I have made the decision to put Bonnie down. She was diagnosed with cancer and it has matastasized from her front paw to her chest. I adopted Bonnie 2 years ago, she was 7 years old. I’m 80 and had a back-up plan for my daughter to take her if I went first. She has prescriptions from the vet and she is resting not in any pain that I can tell. I love her so much.

Sandra, I’m so sorry this happened after such a short time with Bonnie. I have been through losing my dogs at very young ages. I am 75, so I know it’s different at this time. I know she must have had a wonderful two years with you.

I want to thank Laurie for putting out some really good information.

I’m blown away at the compassion in the comments section. Beautiful.

We have a 17 year old Siberian Husky named Chunk who is going to have his final day on April 4th. Myself and our 6 month old baby boy are going to spend the day with him. My wife has had him most of his life and although we have been married for 5 years, I still feel like I have known Chunk forever. He’s my first dog. He was bitten by a rattlesnake in 2018 and survived. The day our son was born he had a seizure and we though he had died.

I truly believe that he tried his best to stick around to make sure our baby boy was ok. Where the baby would sleep, Chunk would be nearby. Over the last few months, his health has rapidly declined to the point that it is time. I’ve been making excuses as to why he could hardly walk or stand anymore and why his incontinence had become an issue. We tried injections, different medications, nothing helped. After a lot of consultation, we have made this decision for him.

I hope he knows how much we love him. We have many fond memories and videos of him at the beach, curling up next to us and our baby, and just having fun. My wife has had dogs all of her life so she is more levelheaded than I am about this. I don’t want to do this, but I know it’s the right thing to do. We have two other dogs who are coming with us to say goodbye to Chunk.

As hard as that will be, we need to be there for him. He was always there for us. I love you forever buddy.

Dear Mike, What a lovely tribute to Chunk. Dogs are like no other creatures. They make you feel that you are the best thing that ever happened to them, always, without fail. I’m sorry that you are losing him, but your compassion and love for him is very evident. He absolutely knows how much you love him.

Hi Susan,

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are going to make sure he is never forgotten, and we have lots of pictures with him and our baby boy. It’s amazing we have the technology to keep memories alive. All the best, Susan.

I'm Laurie Pawlik, creator of She Blossoms. If you're starting over in a new season of life, you'll find encouragement and tips in my free weekly Blossoms email.