My senior dog is in pain. When should I consider euthanasia?

Question

I am going through a very hard time at the moment with my senior German shepherd, Ben. He struggles with arthritis and hip dysplasia and has slowed down a lot recently. I know it might be coming to the time where I have to make a difficult decision for him and I'm finding it really hard to know what to do for the best. He is on metacam, but it doesn't seem to be making much difference nowadays. I've made an appointment for Friday, but should I get an earlier appointment? I don't know what to do. Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 72 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry Ben is having such a hard time! It's so hard when you get close to the time to say goodbye to beloved pet, especially since we are never ready to let them go. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question a lot with my clients. I recommend looking at the animal's quality of life and making a list of five things the animal loves to do. If they are no longer doing at least two of them, then their quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. I wouldn't wait until Friday for Ben to be seen. I would have him seen sooner, and discuss with the vet if a different mediation may help his symptoms, such as Rimadyl, or a combination of medications such as Rimadyl and Tramadol. If your vet doesn't think those are viable medications for him, then I would consider letting him go peacefully and without further pain. I'm so sorry you are in the position, I know how hard it is and how much you must be hurting :-(

My senior dog is in pain. When should I consider euthanasia?

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