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How do I know when it's time to put my senior dog down?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Labrador | Female | spayed | 86 lbs

When is time to put my dog down? 12years old black lab. Diabetic on 42u insulin bd. Mostly blind but can find her way around the house. Arthritis and is slower and less stable but walking around. She still try's to hump when excited. Has lost all obedience unless foods involved and sometimes forgets house training. Happy and waggy 75% of the time. Grade 2/3 soft tissue sarcoma, had one lump removed from head but further lumps to chest/belly/shoulders. Loves barking. Occasional falls. Loves fuss

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2017

This is always a hard decision as our loved ones get older. My rule of thumb is to look for when they have more bad days than good days or they quit eating or quit getting excited about things that ALWAYS use to make them excited. From what you're telling me it doesn't sound like she is ready to be euthanized BUT you know her better than anyone and with her age and all of her problems, whenever you make that decision it will be be The Right time for her and you. She is so lucky to have such a loving family and to have lived such a LONG life. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thank you for your post! It sounds like Banj is still enjoying life despite her challenging medical conditions she is currently dealing with. Diabetes can be a tough disease to manage along with a cancerous mass. My dog was 20yrs old when he passed away. He passed on his own the same day I decided to let him go with injections. What I tell my clients is that if it seems like the quality of life is not good and they are suffering, that is the time to let them go. It is one of best decisions you can make for your friend in the end that is suffering. There are plenty of ways to keep them comfortable in the final years such as pain medication for arthritis, anti-nausea medication, appetite stimulants, etc. It sounds like Banj is still enjoying life so I would not jump to making this decision right now based on what you are saying. Now, if the appetite goes away and Banj is more lethargic / weak and declining, I would say that making a decision to let her go may not be a bad decision to make. Banj is quite old for a dog her size so it is not surprising that she is slower and probably sleeps quite a bit too! As long as you are on top of the diabetes control and she is doing well, keep doing what you are doing and at this point I would probably consider 6 month exams and rechecks with your vet to ensure everything is going well and continues to go well. Please let me know if you have any further questions / concerns.

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