Making End-of-Life Decisions for Your Dog

By Dr. Angie Krause, Zera Holistic Veterinarian

Making end-of-life decisions for a beloved dog is one of the most painful experiences a pet owner can face. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed in the face of emotions such as doubt, guilt, fear and grief. Many dog owners are unsure of how to proceed with medical choices and logistical planning. At Zera, we want to support you during this difficult time. Here, I’ll share my approach to end-of-life care for patients and my own furry companions.

Reflect on your personal beliefs

Before making a decision, take a moment to reflect on your own views and beliefs about death and suffering. Some pet owners want to avoid subjecting their dog to any discomfort, while others have a strong desire to allow their dog to pass away naturally at home. Hospice services are becoming more and more popular, offering dog owners the option of providing comfort and support for their dogs in their final days. Working with a veterinarian who respects your beliefs and priorities can make the process more manageable.

Assess your dog’s quality of life

Make a list of things that bring your dog joy – whether it’s going for a walk, eating a favorite snack, nesting on the couch or playing with a favorite toy. These activities can serve as benchmarks for how much longer your dog can enjoy life. Keeping a record of each day will help you spot patterns and make more informed decisions.

Understanding your dog’s condition

Understanding your dog’s condition and prognosis is key to making a well-considered choice. Some diseases (such as aggressive cancers) can deteriorate quickly, while degenerative conditions can take months or even years to become apparent. Understanding the condition helps you prepare for the future.

Developing a medical plan

Staying organized with medical treatments can be overwhelming during such an emotional time. Here are some important questions you should ask your veterinarian:

• How do I recognize signs of pain in my dog?
• How can I relieve their pain?
• What are the possible side effects of medications?
• What symptoms should I look for?
• When should I contact you for guidance or assistance?

Recognizing when it’s time

It’s not always clear when it’s time to say goodbye, especially if your dog has good days and bad days. Here are some signs that it may be time to let them go:

• Inability to effectively relieve their pain.
• They are unable to move or take care of themselves.
• Pain is under control, but they seem to be disconnected or unaware of their surroundings.
• They no longer seem to enjoy the things that once made them happy.

If you decide it’s time to say goodbye, consider accompanying it through euthanasia. Accompanying your dog over the Rainbow Bridge will honor the deep bond you shared and bring closure as part of the grieving process. Many veterinarians also offer in-home euthanasia services, allowing your dog to leave peacefully in familiar surroundings.

Take care of yourself.

This is an extraordinarily difficult experience, so it’s important to be kind and give yourself compassion and care. You can rely on your support system – whether it’s family, friends or trusted professionals – to help you cope with the emotional and logistical challenges. Remember, there is no excuse for asking for help. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so take the time to take care of your physical and mental health as well.

Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the most painful things a dog owner can go through, but you don’t have to face it alone. The good times and memories you have spent with your dog will stay with you forever. Take a moment for yourself and know that you are not alone.

If you’re looking for advice on managing other aspects of your dog’s health, such as how to deal with skin problems, check out our guide on how to get rid of dog dander.

Sending my love and support to
Dr. Angie.

“Dogs come into our lives to teach us how to love and leave to teach us how to lose. A new dog never replaces an old one, it just makes our hearts wider. If you have loved many dogs, then your heart must be incredibly wide.” –Erica Joan