Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My senior dog is suffering, how do I know when to let her go?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | spayed | 13 years and 1 month old | 11 lbs

My dog is 13, has arthritis, completely blind in one eye, almost completely deaf, has trouble breathing, sometimes yelps like she's in pain, but she still has good days when she almost seems like a puppy again. I have been told by many friends and family I should have her put down, how do I know if I should or not?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 6th, 2017

That's always a difficult situation to be in. You really need to weigh her quality of life against the times when she isn't feeling well. If she seems generally happy, and is having more good than bad days, then enjoy the time you have with her. But if she doesn't want to do the things she's always loved, if she's very painful and there's nothing therapeutic to help ease that pain, then letting hr go and releasing her from that struggle is a very kind and loving thing to do. I've faced the same thing with my own pets and I will again. It's never easy, but when the time comes, it's the best thing for everyone.

Vote icon

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 23rd, 2018

    What a hard decision for you to make! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I recommend looking at Brooklyn's quality of life. You have a dog who has extreme arthritis, which means she is likely very painful. Despite eating, she is still loosing weight which suggests to me that there is a serious underlying disease causing it such as kidney failure, diabetes, or even cancer. Finally, she cannot control her bladder. I'm not counting in being blind and deaf because there are many dogs who can have a good quality life despite those issues. In my opinion, it does sound like her quality of life is pretty low, and letting her go may be the best option. Now I can't tell you what to do, ultimately it's your decision, and you can discuss things further with your vet to help you make this choice. Even if it was time, it's still a hard and sad thing to do, but you'd be letting her go without further pain or suffering. I hope this helps, and I'm sorry you are in this position.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 30th, 2019

    I'm sorry Buddy isn't doing well. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I recommend looking at his quality of life. Make a list of five things he used to do, and when he's no longer doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has declined to a point where letting him go should be considered. You can also ask his vet for their point of view. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 13th, 2021

    It's never an easy decision. When the bad days outweigh the good has always been my rule of thumb. If she still seems happy and engaged with you and things she's always liked, then fine, spend as much time loving her as you can. But if what you described is her constant state of being, it's time to consider letting her go. There are a number of services that come to your home to help her pass in peace in familiar surroundings. The best of these in my opinion is Lap of Love. They are a wonderfully caring group of individuals that help you as well as your pet. When the time comes they make the transition as peaceful as possible.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored