Knowing your pet has cancer is heartbreaking, especially when treatment doesn’t seem to work anymore. However, thinking about whether you should consider euthanasia for your dog can be equally agonizing. We’re going to explain how you can decide when to euthanize a dog with cancer.
When to Euthanize a Dog With Cancer
It may be time to euthanize your dog with cancer if there’s unmanageable physical pain, unremovable tumor, and continuous decline of your pet’s quality of life. These may come with lethargy, incontinence, refusal to eat, or difficulty breathing.
You’re the best advocate for your pet’s well-being. Aside from specific signs tied to the type of cancer, there are behavioral and physical signs that can help you decide if euthanizing your dog with cancer is the right decision.
Physical Indicators to Euthanize Dogs With Cancer
The physical signs are the most evident factors that will let you see if it’s time to consider euthanasia for a dog with cancer. These physical effects may cause uncontrollable pain, making your canine friend downright miserable.
Complete Refusal or Inability to Eat
There may be instances where appetite stimulants or diet changes won’t encourage your dog to eat. This is one of cancer’s effects that can lead to more issues.
- Decreased appetite resulting in weight loss and discomfort
- Frequent vomiting or diarrhea resulting in dehydration
- Complete loss of interest in treats or favorite food
Lethargy or Lack of Movement
This can be an effect of your dog’s inability to eat. You may consider euthanasia if this reluctance to move impairs your pet’s quality of life.
Despite pain management, dogs suffering from osteosarcoma will have their bones destroyed from the inside out. Eventually, your pet will limp or have difficulty moving its limbs. Moreover, your normally active dog can experience extreme fatigue and take no interest in its usual physical activities.
Difficulty Breathing
This is a major factor to consider euthanizing your dog, particularly if your pet suffers from lung or heart disease.
The large lymph nodes can block the throat if your dog has end-stage lymphoma.
Incontinence
Dogs with cancer can have unusually overactive bodily functions, causing the involuntary passing of urine or feces.
Incontinence can cause a variety of problems, including skin diseases and the risk of urinary tract infections. Soiled pet bedding and constant cleaning can also take a toll on you as a caregiver.
Emotional and Behavioral Signs to Euthanize Dogs With Cancer
Your dog’s behavior and your emotional preparedness may also help you decide the right time to euthanize your dog with cancer.
Drastic Decline in Quality of Life
Have you exhausted every way to improve your pet’s well-being, and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel?
Consider euthanasia for your dog with cancer if their quality of life isn’t getting better. Some dogs may also struggle to keep up with treatments, including surgical removal of tumors, amputation, or radiation therapy. If chemotherapy doesn’t seem to lean toward remission, it may be best to consider euthanasia.
Fear of Letting Go
The deep emotional bond between pets and humans can sometimes hinder you from making the tough decisions around end-of-life plans for your pet.
- Are you prolonging your pet’s life for their sake or yours?
- Do you feel like you can’t let go despite impending signs of your dog’s end of life?
- Can you still find ways to cure their cancer?
- Do you still have enough resources and time to care for your pet?
Related Questions
Is There an Alternative to Euthanasia for Dogs With Cancer?
If you want to delay euthanasia, consider pet hospice to provide comfort care for your dog. However, know that this option won’t cure terminal or life-limiting conditions. Instead, this is the perfect time to prepare yourself and your pet for what’s next to come.
How Do You Deal With a Dog Dying of Cancer?
When your dog is dying of cancer, you may still try various treatment options and provide comfort as much as you can. However, it’s also time to consider alternatives, assess your resources, and talk to your vet about the possibility of euthanasia.
Conclusion
When the cancer is drastically impairing your dog physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, it may be time to consider euthanizing your pet. Ending the pain for your dog will give them a peaceful and dignified passing through in-home pet euthanasia with Paws Into Grace.