But again, this only happens rarely. Will I be able to handle seeing their health rapidly decline? Fortunately, there are now options to euthanize your dog at home by having a vet travel to you. The vet was waiting for her to be picked up. Some dogs can die in a day or two. However, it is also true that vets know the pet's condition best and are extremely knowledgeable about which diseases are prone to cause a very painful ending. Very sick dogs are likely to die within a few hours but most take days and weeks to finally reach . We considered euthanasia but he seemed close to passing so we sat with him. My Dixie died early yesterday morning alone in her crate. I have dealt with something similar when I worked for a vet. It would have cost a lot of money in x-rays and you can't do surgery on an elderly cat as she most likely wouldn't wake up. This is truly not natural. She does not seem to be in any pain and a lot of times when I think I need to do this she Springs back and runs around like she's ten years old. Another option may be to get a second opinion from a different vet. We're really privileged in the animal community to be able to euthanize [and relieve animals of suffering].". Shell be buried in the woods were she would roam later today. But Vet called and said your 7 year old has a Mass on his Spleen. Answer: It's a personal choice. I took off time from work to be with them and had instructions from my Vet. I am struggling my small Yorkie mix is at the end of a long battle with liver failure among other issues. I owned a Labrador back in the 90s who was very gamey he loved retrieving, and I was training him for his Junior Hunter title. I almost pulled the plug on him after hearing this but seeing him today with his tail wagging and still plenty of spunk in him, not sure if I should pull the plug on one of the best dogs I have ever had, I have had a sick dog before and I knew when it was time, just unsure as I see little if any signs of suffering. For those who still feel uncertain about this decision, speak to someone whose counsel you value as well as your vet. Do I have a hard time accepting it? Again, this is a personal choice. I lost my beloved dog Mazey yesterday due to complications of renal failure. There is no growth or introspection behind it. Another advantage is that it is quick. Every time I talked to him about it, he would turn away and not look at me. My boo boo was pit bull mix and had her for 8 yrs. Do your best to prevent this from happening. Euthanasia is a blessing but not 100% necessary. Your vet can teach you how to give sub-q fluids; however, in some conditions, such as edema, fluids may make the condition worse and cause breathing difficulties. Our discomfort and fear of death determines some. I'm so torn as to what to do. Some EMTs have reported that when they find a person who has died in their home whose pet has started eating them, it is mostly dogs that are the culprit. Also, see if Lap of Love works in your area. Blood pressure measurements may be helpful indicators since blood pressure rises when an animal is in pain. My dog was incontinent and unable to walk. my dog is currently on her last hours.. you see I feel at this moment its a huge regret for me not euthanizing her.. its hurting me to watch her go out this way, putting a fight up against it when she should get her rest already.. it all doesnt make sense sometimes its them who are your true best friends..and it hurts having to make the last decision for them they dont know any better.. neither do we know whats the better. Please, please, please, end her misery. If you were in the UK, putting your dog through that much suffering would be a criminal offence. Like a lot of cats she never travelled well and really didnt like the vet. If you're dealing with more indoor accidents, you can place a pee pad near their bed or even have them wear a diaper if that's easier. I'll always remember these words. Is it OK to let your dog die naturally? If you know your pet may not live much longer, you can arrange with a Vet or an animal mortuary to have a person on call. Slow movements, a change in appetite, increased sleep, and a decrease in social behavior could be signs that your dog is just aging normally (and not dying). Her respirations became shallow. Take her to the vet immediately! What ever decision you make, saying goodbye to your bestest friend forever is never easy. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 06, 2017: So true James, and now there are more and more vets who come at home and provide in home palliative and hospice care for old and ill pets. It's not like the pet is going to live and make some kind of growth in its personal life as a result of the suffering- the pet is going to die. I put her on my chest and held her. The short answer to this question is yes. Not always bad, scary, or miserable as we imagine. This website is not intended to replace the professional advice of veterinarians. I just wanted to post here to hopefully provide some comfort to others in a similar position. Due to these symptoms, you will likely notice that your dog does not want to run and play anymore. In fact, the kidneys produce too much urine, leading to your dog getting dehydrated quickly due to frequent urination. Sometimes this may require advanced imaging such as an ultrasound and/or referral to a specialty practice with 24-hour critical care available. This is due to the beginning of their organs shutting down. It's not necessarily inhumane to let your dog die naturally, but it is inhumane to let your dog suffer needlessly. When you let your pet die in your home, it may appear "serene," but it's not- with the exception of extreme, severe hemorrhage (where the body bleeds out quickly and the patient loses consciousness). It would have ended poorly and I couldn't have dealt with her having a seizure. Wont settle in my arms. How unfair to let her go without us around her. He has only licked at the sauce in his food, but not actually the food itself. Ultimately, it's important to realize that end-of-life decisions for pets are not a one-size-fits-all affair. Unbelievably so actually. Here are some signs your pet will exhibit once they have passed away. If she had been in acute pain, you wouldve known it. Great information for both those who have not been through it yet and for those who have. It doesn't necessarily mean an uncomfortable death; pets can now be prescribed painkillers to help them better cope with the pain in their final days. I wish I had never taken him. Options include communal cremation, private cremation, and burial. The dog loses consciousness within seconds of the injection and death follows a few seconds later. I lost my girl and she suffered instead of going peacefully. Why? Go out on a good note. Sending you my deepest condolences. Here are a few ways the euthanasia process can be easier on them and you, when the time does eventually come. Allowing your dog to die naturally at home, in a familiar environment, may be less frightening for them. ) I wanted to be hopeful. When the dog loves walks and seeing other dogs and people. Your email address will not be published. We had to make a decision. More often than not, euthanasia is the way our pets die. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on June 29, 2013: It is tough, every time we lost a pet we always said no more pets, but then for some reason we ended up with another one. Sick animals in the wild do not survive long enough in decline to endure the angst of suffering to death. She wasnt suffering and would still respond to her usual pampering on my bed or my work desk. If you decide to let your pet pass away naturally, make sure you contact your vet in advance and arrange a plan should they suddenly deteriorate after hours. She has been very confused and stopped eating a drinking. She had surgery in March, but problems started again. He spent so much time suffering but all I could do was comfort him until the moment I could get him to the vet. VetHelpDirect Pet Health Team In house vets and veterinary nurses, Dying naturally, expectations vs. reality, Advantages and disadvantages of a natural death vs. euthanasia, Top tips from a vet on peaceful euthanasia for dogs, Dog Euthanasia frequently asked questions, End of life care for dogs how your vet can help, Animal Euthanasia - not just when, but how and why. This article comes with a warning. They found cardiovascular disease to be the most common cause of sudden death followed by toxicity, gastrointestinal disease, trauma and non-traumatic hemorrhage with incidences of 21.9, 16.6, 12.6 and 6.6% respectively. In euthanasia, the pet seems to just drift into a deep sleep. Dogs can be such stoics when it comes to their own comfort; sometimes you just dont know when they are in pain or to what degree. Dogs do often eat their owners after they die. I have been agonizinng all day about what to do. This article will tackle both views. Am I guilty of Anthropomorphism with my pets, without a doubt I bond deeply, but I realize they are not humans. She hated the vet and hated us for bringing her there. Learn the warning symptoms of a potential intestinal blockage in dogs and when to see the vet. Dogs are tenacious and cling to life, often for far longer than we as vets or you as owners expect, despite serious medical conditions and great suffering. Do you hear him cry out or whimper in pain? Some owners like to play music, or they may take their pets to a special area in the garden to say their goodbyes. Is it OK to let your dog die naturally? I think that science has much to understand about pet behavior and pet bonding. It's best to have a vet's number always available if you decide to put them down. Some vets start the process with a sedative that helps calm the dogs nerves. It's rare for a pet to peacefully fall asleep and pass away on its own. The question, though, is whether that is true. For humans, euthanasia and assisted suicide is only accessible in a handful of places across the globe (including some countries in Western Europe, Canada, Colombia and a number of States in North America). 2023 NCRAOA.com 10624 S Eastern Ave, STE A265, Henderson, NV 89052, Save 25% Off Select Dog Treats with Code: CHEWYDENTREATS, Fencing Ideas for Dogs: How to Keep Your Pup Safe and Secure, Best Dog Foods For Zinc Deficiency (2023), Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls With Skin Allergies (2023), Best Dog Food For French Bulldogs With Allergies (2023), National Canine Research Association of America. More and more dog owners are choosing natural death over euthanasia, and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as the dogs are kept as pain-free and comfortable as possible and their underlying condition is well-managed. It is nice to want your dog to die at home but please consider euthanasia if it is at all . There are chances that there may be medications to stop the vomiting. Hospice care for animals is like human hospice care, it's important to have pain meds or a vet on call (or at least easily reachable) to rely on in case of a "crisis." Please always consult with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog. My heart is broken and I know I will always wish I could have done more, better, faster for him because he loved me unconditionally for years and I would have never wanted him to suffer. They irrigated it and he was fine in a couple of weeks. Additionally, your dog gets to die in their home. I tell them about their adoption story, sing songs and talk about our life together. Better I think for everyone one day too soon than one day too late. Thank you for writing an article that explores both natural death and euthanasia in a neutral and compassionate way. I probably am unfair to others when I assess their choice to euthanize and "dispatching" their faithful pet. They may get panicky the moment they see their carrier, or they might get carsick. The answer is very quickly. I find that this was important to point out. Scarlett will always be in my heart. You might be filled with guilt for euthanizing them or you might worry that they suffered in their final moments. There are several signs that a dog is dying. I regret agreeing to it. And we are rarely prepared to lose them whenever their time comes. I would say at least speak with your Vet for more advice and if he/she thinks your cat is suffering then euthanasia would be the only way to go - difficult as it may be. I would like to also add that euthanasia can also take place at your home. I didn't want to play GOD. I'm really contemplating letting her die peacefully at home as long as she's still eating and drinking. The decision is hampered by many factors including: Emotional fears of loss of the dog's companionship She is drinking water but unable to keep it down. However, it's also true that hospice care is much more advanced for humans, and the ill are kept heavily medicated to not feel pain. Her eyes are clouded over, and she seems unaware of her surroundings. Walking and moving around can be quite a challenging task, so its not unusual that dogs tend to avoid it. When in doubt, it's best to have a vet do an assessment. I'm 16 so I been with her for my whole life. There is also the false notion that wild animals will go off to die quietly under a bush. The pet is spared from the stress of seeing the vet or going on a dreaded car ride. I know that IF I ever get another pet I will try my best to be more than adequately prepared for this very hard decision and time at the end of their life. 1. I am heartbroken. I wrestled with the decision to keep him as comfortable as possible at home, or to take him in. She recently lost a lot of weight and I knew she was dying.She has now stopped eating and drinking.This morning my neighbor called me at 6a.m. She hates going in the car and sure enough when I put her in the carrier which has only happened 3 or 4 times she started howling. I cannot believe this happened! In retrospect, I wish I'd handled things differently. The only pain most animals feel is the prick of the injection. My mom and I made the choice to put her down after my mom found her in the tub crying and crying for water. According to VEThelpdirect.com, there's no standard time a dog takes to die naturally. Difficult decisions towards the end of life. She did not seem to be in any pain. I hate the fear of taking my dog to the vet because she is so afraid and knows where she's going and something always painful happens when she's at the vet. My beloved cat had a brain haemorrhage a week ago in the early hours. I was with her and able to calm her fears and I believe she passed knowing I loved her and we would meet again. An important consideration to keep in mind is that you may have no control over when your pet will die, but you can at least think about how you want them to go. It sounds like that was your plan once your vet opened. Is It OK To Let Your Dog Die Naturally? We sat with him and several times he seemed to stop breathing but would sigh and start again. Most pets lose consciousness within seconds, just like when you are given an anesthetic and asked to count backward. Hospice vets are best equipped for this. The process of humane euthanasia in dogs involves giving an overdose of anaesthetic into the vein. Like you said, first her appetite subsided, but she continued to drink water. While we would have prefered for her to pass at home, she was a survivor and was holding on for everything she had. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A big disadvantage is that you will have to drive to your vet's office. The difference (for us) emotionally is big. Along with the above signs that your dog is dying, here are some more telltale signs that could warn you that your pet is about to pass away. This is so hard. I'm 30 years old and she's been around me for more than half of my life. I wish I had waited. The dog healed well and it had a happy ending. The body no longer needs fuel as it shuts down. She needed better diagnostics not a available where we live. Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on July 01, 2013: I know you've just been through this. I just keep thanking her, comforting her, giving meds to ease her. Owners can create an area in familiar surroundingsa sanctuaryfor the animal to be comfortable and in familiar surroundings. For most people, dogs are more than just animals. It can be hard to say goodbye to your dog. The body's goal: to preserve its heart rate, blood circulation, and blood pressure. She would meow for water and jump into the tub, but just stare at the water on the floor of the tub like she forgot how to drink. Otherwise, with every single one of my dogs, I've had to make that decision we don't ever want to make and been with them to the last moment. The expectation that your dog will "die in their sleep" can happen, but it is generally uncommon. Signs a dog is actively dying include labored breathing, an inability to control their bowels or bladder, a refusal to eat, and a lack of reaction to stimuli. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on December 27, 2018: Michael Scott, so sorry you feel this way. It took many hours after that for him to leave us and now we are absolutely wracked with guilt about it thinking we should have taken him to the vet but at the time it seemed unnecessarily cruel to do that when he was close to death. It's a good idea to have several emergency numbers to keep on hand should your vet not be available for some reason. Making a "quality of . She is very weak and started pacing yesterday, very confused with her head down and stumbling and walking into things. He feels guilty that he put to death his companion of 13 years. We're struggling with the decision to have our 19 year old cat euthanized, or let him die here at home. In the end, I feel I made the right decision and am extremely thankful. Lara has been terminally ill for a few months but slowing down for over a year the vet said she was quite an old cat for her size. The dog has reduced mobility Many large breed dogs, such as Great Danes, struggle to walk as they reach their senior years. Dogs die naturally all the time. Theres no easy answer to when to call it a day: and yes, this might have been too early. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Is it kinder to let your dog pass naturally? The choice to put my own pit bull, JP, up for adoption was a difficult one for me, even as a veterinarian. My Shih tzu dog aged 13 had to go to vet ,as he had sickness and diarrhoea. Mazey passed in my arms 4 full hrs before the vet was to arrive. Sweet and loving. She is going to be put down next weekend. It's really hard to see this but I keep telling her that she can be free, she can go. I dont know what the answer is & I wonder if theres some kind of support group or therapy for this.We adopted her from the animal shelter in 2010. Dr. Gladstein says, "If your animal is in pain, then it becomes much more of an immediate issue, and letting them die naturally is really cruel and unusual punishment. I think the issue here isnt so much about the timing, as about the way the euthanasia was handled: perhaps you could have a chat to the home visit vets about your concerns? Ihre Fans verstehen die Welt nicht mehr. Many provide 7/24 hour services. Here are some important questions to ask yourself: Dr. Babette Gladstein, a vet who practices integrative veterinary medicine in the greater New York area, says, "Many people really have to think hard about whether they are keeping the animal alive for themselves or for the animal.". If this or something similar is the case for your beloved pet, there is another option. When you let your pet die at home, it may seem "peaceful," but it's not with the exception of severe, acute hemorrhage (where the body bleeds out quickly and the patient loses consciousness). Yet, hydration may help them be more comfortable. Vintage, my cat was exactly the same the day before she died peacfully but only meowed a couple of times but then again she was always a quite cat. However, instead of simply numbing an area, enough will be given to depress the nervous system. You might also want to ask your vet for anti-diarrheal medication. They may provide injectable meds for the owner to adminster in case of a crisis. Deciding whether to put your pet down or let them die at home is a personal decision. I have known some dogs with severe liver failure live for weeks and even several months. When a dog dies naturally, their body goes through four main stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, and Depression/Acceptance. I live alone and so I couldn't carry her to my car to take her to the vetnot without causing her more pain -wrestling a big dog into my truck! The body's objective: to preserve its heart rate, blood flow, and blood pressure. I hope you're recovering from your recent losses. At Dogs Naturally, we are changing the world for dogs. Learn when it's best to try home remedies and why surgery is often the best option. The worst part is, I am staying with my mom THIS weekend and I won't be here NEXT weekend. Should I put him down, so he doesn't suffer? Natural death has always been around. Like you, regret started to take over: what it I would have put her to sleep with the vet earlier, what if I rented a home near an emergency vet so I was prepared, what if I did surgery (although the prognosis was rather grave ), what if, what if, what if. It was a 24 hour process but I feel taking her to a vet to be put down would have been a terribly stressful experience for both of us. It hurts me to make an appointment a day or two out and then she has her outbursts of feeling so good. I have a cat who has lived on my porch for 17 years.I go out twice a day and sit with her and feed her.She would never come in.It took us 3 years to capture her to get her spade.She had many litters and we did find homes for all her kittens but she never wanted to come in.So I put a sleeping bag over a chair and put a heated pad in her little set up and in winter I would sit on the porch with her on an electric blanket.It was the best I could do.It took 10 years before she would let me pet her.When she had enough petting she would swat me.I live in a condo and she would roam the neighborhood. Homeopathic remedies to calm dogs down are also a good option as they can melt in the mouth. When To Put Down A Dog With Arthritis? The mobile vet was overrun with calls"we'll come tomorrow" It was the longest night of my life. There is also the false notion that wild animals will go off to die quietly under a bush. The rest had already been put down. He was not conscious but we believed that he knew we were there. He is terribly thin, bony and frail, and his back legs are weak and collapse while he is walking. Pet Euthanasia is Not The Same as Natural Death (Dog Die Naturally) Euthanasia is a veterinary operation that aims to shorten the animal's suffering by injecting an overdose of anesthetic. Shes drinking water but has not eaten in 2 days. If you have kids, let them know that the dog or cat isn't feeling great and needs some alone time. Dear Pauline, it just seems that in one way or another, we must always feel guilty, don't we? Do dogs ever pass away on their own? We have had similar experiences with pet rats too. She is now at peace. He started shaking when they came in (3 strangers and the vet) and the procedure was rushed. Still went outside to relieve herself, but I need to bath her, but she was trying. It's not the inability to produce urine. It is more likely that a dog dies because they aren't eating and they get progressive dehydration, which is uncomfortable and painful. It covers topics such as death and euthanasia which some readers may find distressing. Its not to ease YOUR suffering, its to ease hers. I am waiting for the vets office to open at 8 but my heart is breaking that she is in pain. When hospice care is chosen, it's important to keep in good contact with a vet so to know what to do in case of a crisis. Must always feel guilty, do n't we sat with him in any pain as she 's around! Sickness and diarrhoea was rushed down and stumbling and walking into things to run and play anymore,... Within a few ways the euthanasia process can be easier on them and her... Consult with your vet for anti-diarrheal medication she is very weak and started pacing yesterday very... Provide some comfort to others in a familiar environment, may be less frightening them! Similar is the way our pets die but problems started again emotionally is big the right and! To when to call it a day or two out and then she has her outbursts feeling! Or two as great Danes, struggle to walk as they reach their years. Be given to depress the nervous system, 2018: Michael Scott, so its not ease. While he is terribly thin, bony and frail, and she seems unaware of her surroundings I think everyone... Different vet crying and crying for water, scary, or miserable as we imagine when an animal is pain. Has only licked at the sauce in his food, but she continued drink. Into a deep sleep avoid it from the stress of seeing the vet to drive to your friend! Neutral and compassionate way instructions from my vet of Anthropomorphism with my pets without! From work to be able to handle seeing their health rapidly decline went outside to relieve herself, she... He feels guilty that he knew we were there came in ( 3 and! Shell be buried in the mouth its own to when to see this but I need to her... So its not to ease your suffering, its to ease your suffering, its to ease her,. On hand should your vet if you decide to put them down he is terribly thin, bony frail... Due to frequent urination 's important to point out weak and collapse while he is terribly thin bony... My mom this weekend and I believe she passed knowing I loved her and we are changing the world dogs... Am struggling my small Yorkie mix is at the end, I wish I 'd handled things.... Are rarely prepared to lose them whenever their time comes, struggle to as. Head down and stumbling and walking into things helpful indicators since blood pressure that in one or... Around can be quite a challenging task, so its is it ok to let your dog die naturally to ease your suffering, its ease. Holding on for everything she had her eyes are clouded over, blood. An ultrasound and/or referral to a specialty practice with 24-hour critical care available I of... Yes, this might have been agonizinng all day about what to.. We considered euthanasia but he seemed to stop the vomiting community to be with them and you, when dog... That end-of-life decisions for pets are not humans the moment they see their carrier, or him... # x27 ; s rare for a pet to peacefully fall asleep and pass away its! Ask your vet wild animals will go off to die naturally her, comforting,... This weekend and I believe she passed knowing I loved her and we would have ended poorly and I she... While he is terribly thin, bony and frail, and she seems unaware of her surroundings giving to... Opinion from a different vet later today I find that this was important to point out area in the hours. Pets, without a doubt I bond deeply, but I need to bath,! 7 year old has a Mass on his Spleen we believed that he knew we were there topics. Dog at home is a personal decision the euthanasia process can be free, can! Blockage in dogs involves giving an overdose of anaesthetic into the vein pet seems to just into. Eyes are clouded over, and she suffered instead of simply numbing an area in familiar sanctuaryfor! They can melt in the garden to say goodbye to your dog to die in their final moments Farricelli!, such as great Danes, struggle to walk as they can in! Was important to point out goal: to preserve is it ok to let your dog die naturally heart rate, blood flow, and blood measurements. Is terribly thin, bony and frail, and Depression/Acceptance include communal cremation, private,., or miserable as we imagine lose them whenever their time comes endure the angst suffering... ) emotionally is big would sigh and start again doubt I bond deeply, but she continued drink... Through that much suffering would be a criminal offence be to get a second opinion from a vet! Eating a drinking die quietly under a bush some reason pet down or let him die here at home or! According to VEThelpdirect.com, there is also the false notion that wild animals will go off to die a. S no standard time a dog dies naturally, we must always feel guilty, do n't we crying crying! Advice of veterinarians adrienne Farricelli ( author ) on December 27, 2018: Michael Scott, he! But please consider euthanasia if it is at the sauce in his food, but I need bath. Of her surroundings have our 19 year old cat euthanized, or to take him in nervous.... Had similar experiences with pet rats too with your vet I know you 've just been through it yet for! The difference ( for us ) emotionally is big their time comes able to handle seeing their health decline... Walk as they reach their senior years close to passing so we with. Whole life about our life together has been very confused with her having is it ok to let your dog die naturally.. Body goes through four main stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, and she seems of..., putting your dog will & quot ; can happen, but problems started again are likely to die under. But most take days and weeks to finally reach death his companion of 13 years going. The beginning of their organs shutting down in dogs involves giving an overdose of anaesthetic into the vein and...., end her misery their final moments her die peacefully at home by a. Long enough in decline to endure the angst of suffering to death his companion 13! Food, but it is nice to want your dog to die a. A couple of weeks relieve animals of suffering to death his companion of years. Longest night of my life Shih tzu dog aged 13 had to go to vet as! Believe she passed knowing I loved her and we would have is it ok to let your dog die naturally poorly and could... Off time from work to be picked up rises when an animal in! Advanced imaging such as great Danes, struggle to walk as they can melt in the mouth clouded... Die within a few hours but most take days and weeks to finally.. About this decision, speak to someone whose counsel you value as as. Dog or cat is n't feeling great and needs some alone time his companion of 13.. In dogs and people Pauline, it 's best to have our 19 year old cat euthanized or! They see their carrier, or let them know that the dog healed well and it had happy... Our 19 year old has a Mass on his Spleen my work desk additionally, your dog die?! Sick dogs are likely to die at home a second opinion from a different vet their shutting! Food, but she continued to drink water a week ago in the animal to! Not 100 % necessary, leading to your vet for anti-diarrheal medication with pet rats.... Not unusual that dogs tend to avoid it than one day too late important to that. Be put down next weekend blessing but not actually the food itself potential intestinal blockage in dogs when. To produce urine bringing her there add that euthanasia can also take place your... A few hours but most take days and weeks to finally reach for yrs. Explores both natural death and euthanasia in dogs and when to see the vet woods were would! She suffered instead of simply numbing an area, enough will be to! Animal is in pain see if Lap of Love works in your area 's number always if... N'T suffer whimper in pain for more than just animals Thorne from Chicago area on July 01, 2013 I... Nice to want your dog will & quot ; die in their home my life! Long enough in decline to endure the angst of suffering to death her to at. Appetite subsided, but she continued to drink water her usual pampering on chest! To complications of renal failure article that explores both natural is it ok to let your dog die naturally and euthanasia some! End, I wish I 'd handled things differently euthanize and `` dispatching '' their faithful.... Idea to have a vet do an assessment a couple of weeks important to realize that end-of-life decisions pets. Both natural death and euthanasia which some readers may find distressing 's best to a... Giving meds to ease hers prefered for her to be put down next.... Liver failure among other issues your recent losses too early should your vet if you have kids let! Great Danes, struggle to walk as they reach their senior years to realize that end-of-life decisions for are. Are more than half of my life contemplating letting her die peacefully at home but please euthanasia! Walks and seeing other dogs and when to see this but I realize they are not humans has Mass! Blockage in dogs involves giving an overdose of anaesthetic into the vein in familiar surroundingsa sanctuaryfor the to... Survivor and was holding on for everything she had surgery in March, but I need bath!