Love and Loss
When it’s Time to Say Goodbye
By Camp Bow Wow
The aging process is difficult, whether in a human or furry family member. You might notice your once dark-coated pup now sporting a grey muzzle. He no longer trots on his walk with you, and he struggles to get out of his bed. While we wish our beloved pets could live with us forever, there’s a truth to the concept of dog years. The time comes for all of us when we look at our elderly pet and wonder when they’ll cross the rainbow bridge.
Your vet can help you discern what’s normal senior pet behavior and what’s a sign for concern. Wendy Brooks, DMV, addressed the issue in an article titled, “Assessing Quality of Life & Euthanasia in Companion Animals” for VeterinaryPartner.
“Some pets simply become debilitated by age or disease to a point where their life quality deteriorates to an unacceptable level,” she wrote.
“The euthanasia decision for a beloved pet may be one of the most difficult choices you must face during your entire lifetime. It is hard to make a life-ending determination like this for someone (a pet) who cannot tell you what his wishes are and yet a judgement call must be made.”
A common question is, “When is the right time?” A pet parent doesn’t want to lose their beloved companion a day to soon nor keep them in pain a day too long.
It is important to consult your vet if your pup starts evidencing medical issues, because some things can be treated with remarkable results. Antibiotics can clear up chronic bladder infections. Oral medication and a monthly shot to reduce inflammation can go a long way toward relieving arthritis pain and putting pep back in an elderly pup’s step.
But there comes a time when all the love, attention and medical intervention isn’t enough. Some criteria to consider: Is Fido resting comfortably? Does he seem free of pain and respond to you? Is he interested in food? Unfortunately, it’s hard to interpret every sign. As pack animals, dogs conceal weakness and pain until they are unable to continue. One vet told a local family a dog will continue to eat, to try to go outside to the bathroom and wag their tail until they just can’t anymore.
Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinarian who developed Pawspice, created a scoring system called the HHHHHMM scale that evaluates a pet’s Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and importantly, More good days than bad. When considering quality of life for a senior pup, it can help to physically mark a calendar with a smile/frown to help keep track of trends.
As hard as it is, a decision must be made if your pup is suffering. Consult your vet for how best to make a loving transition for your furry family member. Some people prefer to remain with their pet until the end, others need to release their pup to the caring arms of the veterinary professionals. Know that either is ok. And give yourself (and your children and other pets) time to grieve. It’s completely normal to mourn the passing of your furry family member. It’s a significant loss, and it is going to hurt.
In honor of beloved Darcy Morgan, SNIPSA rescue who passed March 24, 2025.
