How do I know when it’s time to euthanise my dog or cat?

A Vet’s Guide

Few decisions in life are as difficult as deciding when to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Our pets are cherished members of the family, and the thought of life without them can feel overwhelming. Many pet owners share the same fears when facing this moment - letting their pet go too soon, or waiting too long and prolonging unnecessary suffering. The truth is there is rarely a single perfect moment. Instead, the goal is to make a compassionate decision based on your pet’s comfort, dignity, and overall quality of life.

Most importantly, you don’t have to navigate this decision alone.

At Furwells, we are here to support pet parents through this difficult time. Together, we discuss your concerns, your pet’s comfort, explore palliative care options where appropriate, and help guide you through decisions about timing, with compassion and honesty.

Families often find it helpful to navigate these decisions by discussing a pet’s quality of life -essentially, how comfortably and happily your pet is living day-to-day.

How is quality of life measured?

Our pets cannot tell us when they are struggling, so they rely on us to notice changes in their behaviour and advocate for their comfort and dignity. One of the most widely used veterinary tools is the Quality of Life Scale (developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos). This framework evaluates several key areas of a pet’s wellbeing, including pain, appetite, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and whether there are more good days than bad.

Each of these areas offers valuable insight into your pet’s daily experience and can help guide decisions about palliative care or end-of-life planning.

1. Is your pet comfortable or in pain?

Comfort is one of the most important factors when assessing your pet’s wellbeing.

Signs that pain may be affecting your pet can include:

• Panting or trembling while resting

• Reluctance to move or difficulty getting up and moving

• Crying, whining, or hiding

• Reduced interest in being touched or interacting

Many painful conditions can be managed with medications or supportive care. However, when pain becomes persistent or difficult to manage, it can significantly affect your pet’s quality of life.

2. Is your pet still eating and drinking?

A healthy appetite is a powerful indicator of wellbeing.

Veterinarians become concerned when pets:

• stop eating or drinking

• refuse even favourite foods

• experience repeated vomiting or nausea

• show significant weight loss

Loss of appetite is common in serious illness and can signal that the body is beginning to struggle.

3. Can your pet move comfortably?

Mobility plays an important role in your pet’s independence and dignity.

Signs mobility is declining may include:

• difficulty standing or walking

• frequent falls or collapsing

• inability to climb stairs or go outside

• difficulty toileting or soiling themselves

• reluctance to move or exercise

While supportive tools, medication, and environmental adjustments can help some pets, severe mobility limitations or pets who are immobile, experience a decline in their wellbeing.

4. Is your pet still enjoying life?

One of the most meaningful questions to ask is:

“Is my pet still enjoying the things they used to love?”

Think about your pet’s favourite activities:

• greeting you at the door

• going for walks

• playing with toys

• sitting on your lap

• interacting with family

If your pet no longer shows interest in these activities, seems withdrawn or is disengaged from the world around them, it can be a sign of declining wellbeing.

5. Are the good days outnumbering the bad?

Many veterinarians recommend tracking good days versus bad days at home using a simple calendar or diary.

A “good day” might be one where your pet:

• eats well

• moves comfortably

• interacts with the family

• appears relaxed and content

A “bad day” might involve:

• pain or distress

• lack of appetite

• difficulty moving, standing or experiencing a fall

• noticeable discomfort

If bad days start to outnumber good days, it is recommended to speak with your veterinarian.

6. Are your pet’s basic needs becoming difficult to meet?

Quality of life can also decline when pets begin to struggle to perform basic daily functions independently, frequently requiring the intervention or care of human family members.

Some examples include:

• frequent accidents or inability to toilet normally, or independently

• difficulty staying clean or grooming themselves

• severe confusion, disorientation or distress

• repeated medical crises or hospital visits

These changes can indicate that the body is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain normal function, and can significantly impact a pet’s comfort and wellbeing.

What to do when you’re still unsure

Even after reflecting on your pet’s quality of life, it is completely normal to still feel uncertain about the right time. These decisions are deeply emotional, and the responsibility of choosing when to say goodbye can feel like a heavy burden to carry.

If you are struggling with the decision, please know you do not have to face this alone. Many families find comfort in talking things through with a veterinarian, experienced in end-of-life care for pets. We are always here to listen, offer guidance, and help you navigate this difficult decision with compassion.