My senior dog has cancer and is suffering. When should I put him down?

Question

Our dog wasn't eatting. We took him to the vet had blood work done his belly Ruben was high. We took him to a specialist to have ultra sound and xray. Our dogs liver is small intestine are inflamed lungs clear. Specialist said looks like cancer. He could do a biopsy to determine exact cancer but that's $700.00. We don't the funds to do that. My question today he's not eatting again and throwing up. When do I know it's time to put him down? I don't want him to suffer. He's 8yrs old lab shepard. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 8 years and 4 months old | 71 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there! Thanks for letting us take care of you today! Sorry to hear about Ruger. I definitely know where you are coming from as I mostly see cancer patients. What I usually tell my clients is that the time to consider humane euthanasia is when they stop being themselves. For example, when they stop doing 3 out of their 5 favorite things (eating, playing, or whatever these are), it is time to let them go without suffering. Of course this is if not considering treating the cancer. There are always palliative medications you could consider like prednisone and anti-nausea medications (as cancer can cause nausea depending on the type) just from a palliative standpoint to try to make Ruger feel better in the meantime. Sorry you are going through a rough time.

My senior dog has cancer and is suffering. When should I put him down?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

Share