My old dog is dying. Is natural death or euthanasia more humane?

Question

My 18 y/o American Eskimo, I dreadfully type, appears to be in his end stage of life. He has not ate in 5 days, is lethargic, has abnormal gait, keeps trying to hide, etc. We took him to the Vet x3 this week, all they did was give NS bolus 500 mL sub q and Remeron (which didn’t help). I personally believe he may also have a bacterial infection because he had vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness when we picked him up after boarding Sunday. Is it unethical to let him pass here? I dread euthanasia... Pet's info: Dog | American Eskimo Dog | Male | neutered | 30 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

In all truth, yes it's unethical. Dying is not a pain free process, and some dogs suffer terribly before dying. Euthanasia is pain free, and the dog goes without further suffering. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I do this all the time. I do recommend having Frosty put to sleep if it's his time. I'm sorry.

My old dog is dying. Is natural death or euthanasia more humane?

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