My senior dog won't eat and is losing weight. When is it time to let go?

Question

My dog is 18 years old. He is almost completely blind and has a lot of hearing loss. In the last month I’ve noticed he had lost a lot of weight and doesn’t eat much. I’ve tried all kinds of foods. I’ve cooked him stuff fresh as well. He eats the new stuff for a day or 2 and then goes back to not eating much. He doesn’t seem to be in pain but my mom keeps saying it could be time to let him go and euthanize him. I just need some advise on eating and when to know if it’s that time. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there. So sorry to hear that Roger is having this issue and that you are having to consider euthanizing him. It can be difficult to know when it's "time" to euthanize. Dogs just don't complain about their ailments and sicknesses like we do. Their instincts for survival kick in and that can be confusing to us. All I can tell you is that the best way to assess whether or not it is time to euthanize would be to consider his quality of life. If he doesn't have the same quality of life that he once did then it is likely time to consider euthanasia. Quality of life is based on - are they doing all the normal things they usually do: eating and drinking urinating and defecating greeting you at the door when you come home interacting with you or other people/animals in the house taking their normal walks doing their usual playing are they sick at all? - vomiting, diarrhea, etc. If Roger is not doing his normal activities and seems "unhappy" then you should consider euthanasia. I believe that we are lucky to relieve their pain and suffering. Unlike with people where we continue to keep people alive despite everything. It is a very kind act to do for a pet. As far as feeding, all I can offer you to do is to keep trying different things. I am not a big advocate of feeding dogs "people food" but in this instance I think you should feed him anything he will eat. There are some appetite stimulants available to give dogs but they are all prescription medications you will have to get from your vet. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

My senior dog won't eat and is losing weight. When is it time to let go?

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