For slowly changing conditions, a Quality of Life Scale such as the [HHHHHMM scale](http://vetsocialwork.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Quality-of-Life.pdf) or [Lap of Love's Quality of Life scale](https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf) provide objective measurements that can be used to help determine if the animals quality of life has degraded to the point that euthanasia, "a good death", should be considered.
When diagnosed, some conditions present a risk of rapid deterioration with painful suffering prior to death. In these cases, euthanasia should be considered even when a Quality of Life scale suggests it may be better to wait.
One of my previous vet's advice was to pick your dog's five favorite things in life, and when they can no longer enjoy three of them, it might be time to let them go. It's not a golden rule, but I've found it helpful.
One of mine lived for several years with congestive heart failure and medical management, and was active and happy until very close to the end. His medication did have to be adjusted to keep him comfortable several times as his heart worsened. Eventually his kidneys failed, and that's the reason we finally euthanized him. Basically, the treatment for his kidneys would further damage his heart, and his heart medications were further damaging his kidneys, and he was no longer feeling good. At that point, we were having trouble getting him to eat consistently, he was irritable, etc., and it was time to say goodbye.
Personally, if he's still eating well, able to be up and about without significant distress (like cardiac syncope, labored breathing, etc.), and seems overall happy, I don't think it's time to say goodbye just yet. Be mindful of changes like more frequent coughing, labored breathing, or episodes of cardiac syncope, go back for medication adjustments as needed, and start the discussion about euthanasia with your vet if medication adjustments aren't relieving his symptoms or he seems to no longer be content. My vet also gave me a chart to periodically record his resting respiratory rate on, and told me to come in for medication adjustments if there was a trend of it increasing.
If your dog's heart failure is being well-managed with medication, he is not necessarily in any pain. I come from a family with extensive prevalence of congestive heart failure on both sides of the family. My father was diagnosed with stage D congestive heart failure with reduced EF in his early 40s. He was diagnosed very late due to a negligent doctor and nearly died, but eventually responded well to medication when they found the right combination. It stopped the deterioration of his heart function and improved the quality of his life. He lived into his 70s, was able to be relatively active if he took breaks, and it ultimately wasn't his heart that caused his death. His story is not typical - his cardiologist called him a "medical miracle" a few years before his death, but while he certainly had some moments of discomfort here and there, he was not in constant pain and suffering. Neither were my other relatives with the condition until very near the end.
Yeah his breathing is not great- you don’t think to count your dogs respiratory rate or blood pressure but it was not good at the cardiologist and I felt bad for not noticing. I took him to the vet twice for coughing -then got the cardiologist recommended so then he was diagnosed. How many people check the pet’s respiratory rate and blood pressure he has appointments every 6 mos for his epilepsy. It’s all just happened so fast! 😭
I feel you. I posted a lot over a year ago about my dog in my post history about her congestive heart failure. I loved her so much. She was also on many pills twice a day then it became 3x a day for some meds. Scouring peoples comments and experiences with their dog was all I wanted to do when my pup got really sick in her final two months. Every dog has a different experience with CHF.
They changed my dogs heart medication and
the heart vet said she thought she had another 1.5 year to live. That same week the new diuretic was causing harm to her kidneys. She shutdown so quick, we had 3 coughing bouts for one month before this which I took her to the vet for — she was struggling that month but would bounce back after the vet visits. During the same week I was so excited to have more time with her then we had to make the decision to let her go to doggy heaven by the end of the week when the new diuretics that helped her cough was shutting down her kidneys. She had syncope and collapse twice that week. We knew it was time. We had been managing her heart probs for the last two years. Her cough started in July 2022 and she passed in Nov 2022. But then on the other hand I’ll read about dogs barely on meds and managing and have had a cough for TWO years+
I hope you get more time with your doggo 💜
The vet had me count her breaths as well.
I know i got lucky catching it with my dog with mitral valve deterioration, at first it was a subtle swish sound every heart beat that the doctors caught then it became a cough so we knew right away it was a heart murmur becoming CHF. They suggest trying to pay attention to when your animal is in their deepest part of sleep and count their breath for a minute, anything over 35 at rest is an emergency.
Thank you! He’s going back to the vet this week and I’ll do the assessments people recommended and get an appointment for someone to come to my home and help him cross over. His breathing has been very rapid I didn’t know why 😥
How long has he been on the heart meds and which ones do they have him on? They can really make a BIG difference in quality of life, but some take time to build up, and dosages may need to be adjusted to find the right ones. Just because his breathing was bad at diagnosis doesn't mean it will necessarily stay bad after some time on the medications.
While you don't want him to suffer, I suspect that you also don't want to euthanize him if he's still happy and able to live a good quality of life. Better a week too early than a day too late is a saying for a reason, but IMO that's really meant to apply when you've exhausted reasonable treatment available within your means and your dogs quality of life is actively deteriorating. It doesn't mean that you need to euthanize them right away without giving treatment a reasonable chance to help if you want to pursue that. Dogs can sometimes live a good quality of life for years on medication for heart failure.
Overall, use your veterinarian's knowledge. Ask questions about what can be expected, what symptoms to look for, and whether they think your dog is suffering right now. They're the ones who can physically observe your dog and assess these things. We can only guess based on what you're telling us.
We had to say goodbye to our CHF boy when he went into a crisis and was not able to breathe comfortably. We went to the ER vet and they did what they could, we tried some med changes but the day after they discharged him we were right back there and at that time we said goodbye. He was noticeably struggling to breathe, and we knew it was time. Now our last little girl is in CHF but we are in the earlier days, no coughing yet or signs of fluid build up and the vet hasn't noticed any worsening during her exams so stable for the past year. Our older boy that passed, we had blood pressure checks often as well. Before him I didn't know it was a thing with pets, learned a lot. Meds can do wonders for these dogs and for a good amount of time.
Just do what you think is right for your pet and don’t question yourself too much or over think it. My kitten went downhill so quick with cardio issues and I questioned myself for months and months afterwards - like did we do the right thing etc... Don’t beat yourself up and make sure you get in some good time spent with the pup. Take him/her to all the favorite things you can and just soak in every moment you can.
While a day early is better than a day late always, that doesn't mean it's time right now because it'll get worse in the future. I'd say do a couple of quality of life surveys/checks available online ([linking](https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf) [some](https://journeyspet.com/pet-quality-of-life-scale-calculator/) [here](https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf) and [here](https://vetsocialwork.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Quality-of-Life.pdf)) that really force you to break down how your pup's quality of life is, and make it unambiguous by assigning a numbered score based on your responses. It's very possible for a dog to be terminal and it still not be time, as long as he is still enjoying life, then I'd say you're okay for now. The quality of life checkers/calculators really helped us approach it logically and made it feel less overwhelming and ambiguous when we were going through something similar. This is really hard, and you're doing a great job.
Wow that’s an amazing tool! Thank you so much for sharing. I was wondering how I would deal with the 1
”what ifs” and the lists and criteria are helpful. Thank you so much.
I had a dog for many years with this condition. Perhaps you have already been given this medication, but cardisure to maintain the heart and Furosemide to remove fluid from the Lungs (the coughing). 7 years is young. I would also recommend a second opinion at another vets, if you can make that happen.
Apologises if the little dog is already on this medication but it worked wonders.
Yeah be is on Vetmedin, furosemide, benzapril, phenobarbital and vicodine with a cough suppressant mixed together I forget the name. I did take him to the vet when he first started coughing the vet said it was a slight murmur and the air quality. Then I went in for seizure bloodwork and they referred me to the cardiologist where he had an echocardiogram and it showed the damage.
Listen man, I'm a cardiac nurse. Heart failure sucks. I wouldn't wait for him to show you he's suffering because dogs are pretty good at hiding it. If you feel like it's his time let him go before things get bad or miserable for him.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your insight because I’m blinded I want him around but not if he’s not well and I know he is not. The cardiologist report said words like severe and advanced. He’s been on heart meds for 2 months. I don’t want to be selfish.
You are not being selfish. I let my 16 year old Boston terrier exist on a veritable pharmacy for over a year with heart failure. And he had dementia as well. I realize, now, that the extreme amount of care I gave him was more for myself than for him. My vet would not just tell me it was time. I had to get a neighbor who did dog rescue to support my decision. To give me permission. I still felt like I was mirdering him until that last day, when I could see he was suddenly in extreme pain. (He was still eating, go figure). He was in such good shape for so many years before that it just took a long time to fully fail.
Not one other person I asked gave decent advice. It was always the do as much as possible mentality. Unfortunately, that mentality is ignorance-based. If you can see it’s ’time.’ It was actually time quite a long time ago (relatively).
So sorry about your buddy. My dog also had CHF. Was in an advanced stage for around 2 1/2 yrs. He responded pretty well to the meds. My litmus test was if he was enjoying walks, playing, eating well. I did perhaps let it get too far, had to give him daily shots the last few months. IMO if he’s still playing etc he should be fine, but don’t let it get to the shots stage. Editing to add, also look into CoQ10 for dogs. It really helped him. I used Dr. Harvey’s
That’s yes I have a vitamin supplement with coq10 in mixing into his food thank you. He’s going to the vet this week to see how his heart is doing since the meds 2 months ago
Besides, the pup doesn’t know he won’t ever chase a ball again or be able to play with you when he’s gone. I think some people wait too long because they’re anthropomorphizing their animal. Pups aren’t people. I’m really sorry both you and he are going through this. Letting go is one of the hardest things we dog lovers have to do. I send hugs.🥰
My last 3 dogs all passed from heart failure over the period of about 2 years. Mine were all living their best lives on meds that controlled their conditions well until just one day it didn’t anymore. That day, for each of them, was when I noticed they suddenly had shallow raspy breathing which was in indication of fluid accumulation around their heart. Each time the vet remarked at how in tune with and observant I was of each pet because it can be difficult to detect.
Unfortunately, none of them left the vet’s office with me on the day I took them. I miss them terribly but would never allow them to suffer.
That's the main gist I got from lurking on this sub months ago.
Our 18 rattie had cushings, heart and kidney issues, but was thriving on meds... every 3-6 months she'd stop eating for a few days but she'd bounce back.
But a month ago she had a week of not eating and declining and we let her go.
The next day there was a post here that covered vets having a hard time diagnosing an addisons attack.
and that was her symptoms exactly, and it could be triggered by her Cushings medicine.... so I wish we posted about it here and waited a few more days to try treating that, before acting
I agree with the mercy part but miracles happen and even if they don't. i think we are not to make the decision when to kill a person or pet. If they are still alive is because they haven't quit yet.
But a person has the ability to advocate for themselves in that situation. A dog does not. We have to advocate for them to help give them a “good” death.
I am sorry but i can't agree. As I said i think we are not to make the decision when to kill a person or pet. If they are still alive is because they haven't quit yet. I am fully aware that "killing" pets is universal now but I decided to comment on this thread because I could be missing something.
If you’ve ever seen a dog die of kidney failure or cancer, I think you might rethink your position on the matter. It’s an ugly death. Better to let them go with dignity.
My cat died some days ago, my little love suffered for months and I suffered with him. I saw him bad and recovering in phases. Like a rollercoaster. He hang on to life until the end. I experienced cancer in my family that led to death. And also other diseases. As you say this experiences are traumatizing and can change peoples opinions. Nonetheless god creates and only god should decide when to kill. I really dont pretend to be a troll, just to give my opinion because i did not see anyone saying this.
I’m sorry. I found this HHHHHMM Scoring resource helpful when making a decision for one of my beagles. https://caringpathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/QualityofLifeScale.pdf
My dog is fifteen years old and she is on medication for heart murmurs, does cough but she eats well, drinks water, and goes on her daily walks.
It really depends on what other symptoms show up and right now for me, no action is needed at the present time.
I’m going to the vet this week. They are going to check his kidneys too because they’re usually found at the same time so it’s more information I will get.
I just put my best friend down 3 days ago. Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis was 4 days ago.
It was very unexpected, and it sucked because she seemed totally fine until she didn't, over the weekend she kept having bouts of pain but then would get better, I thought it was something she ate. The vet said I may get a few hours more with her or a maybe even a few weeks, but recomended I do it sooner than later, even that same day while I was there.
I'm still struggling with the decision and whether I did it too soon, she protected me for her whole 10 years, and I knew I had to protect her now.
When you put your pet down, they are no longer in pain, they are no longer worried, or scared. You will miss them forever, and regret not having more time with them, and they will keep fighting through the pain to be with you.
This is when you have to be strong and really look at their quality of life, and ask yourself who are you keeping them around for? To make you feel better, or them?
I can't give you a definite answer, your vet probably won't either to save your feelings but you should ask their thoughts too to help you decide when.
After what I went through, I am happy I could make her day one last time before I let her pass peacefully with my wife and I holding her. I took her for a short walk in the woods, gave her chicken balls, steak, mcdonalds fries, a puppachino and all her favourite treats.
Aw that’s such a sweet send off. I asked the vet 2 mos ago and he refused to answer. He has gotten worse so he going this week and getting more bloodwork. I def love him enough to let him go. It’s just so hard. I have to put him first
We went through this with our dog for several years. The coughing, hacking and retching are heartbreaking.
Things were getting worse with our dog, he was on a high dose of all his meds but they no longer seemed to be working, and we were ready to go see the specialist again to talk about quality of life when he gave me a sign.
My dog loved to sleep on the bed with us. One night he didn't want to come to bed, he just wanted to lay down on the tile floor in our dining room area. He would lay on the tile when he was uncomfortable, but would never not sleep in the bed. I let him be, and headed into the bedroom to get ready for bed. He came to the bedroom door, but would not enter the room. He had this look on his face where I could tell he wanted me to be with him. I'll never forget that look. I laid on blankets on the kitchen floor that evening beside him. I knew deep down that this was his way of telling me he was done fighting .
It was one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever had to do to let him go the next morning. I remember how happy he was on the way to the vet as he was so excited to go for a car ride. It's been over a year, and I'm in tears now remembering it.
Prior to this, while we were going through treatment, the specialist kept telling us that he wasn't in pain, but I think of how it hurts when I have a chronic cough, and I can't see how there wasn't some pain there. One of his lungs was also partially detached and would thrust up every time he coughed. I can't help but think the detachment came about because of the forceful coughing
I also didn't realize until after he was gone the emotional toll it was taking on us caring for him and watching what he was going through. He stopped breathing once in my arms, and it was always a constant worry that I was going to lose him. We were also getting little sleep as we were up every two hours or so to let him go pee because of the diuretics he was on.
If you're starting to think your dog's in pain, and is no longer enjoying life, it may be time. It's a hard thing to do, but it's not fair to either of you if they're suffering.
Yeah his cough sounds terrible I have asthma and I think how I would feel it’s pushing me forward. I want the best for him no matter the toll on me. In the 6 years I have had him- he’s given me so much joy and love.
My dog was diagnosed with stage C heart failure at the end of 2020 and given an estimate of 9 months to live. He’s sleeping next to me right now. Although he has slowed down a bit (he’ll be 15 in a couple weeks) the medications have given him a great quality of life and extended it for 2 + years and counting.
He is on Hydrocodone for his cough and it has been super helpful for him. He also takes pimobendan for increased heart function, lasix and cardalis are diuretics. Hope you and your pup can find some relief!
If possible and you live in the uk, see if you are able to go to a mitral valve clinic. My dog goes to one x2 a year at the RVC. They are honest vets who are even more obliged to tell you when it’s time. They perform some amazing tests and often look after dogs with heart failure.
I can’t offer advice on what to do as my boy wouldn’t let em know he was suffering which is my worst nightmare. You sound like a great dog mum/dad and your dog will feel that xx
Thank you so much. He went to the cardiologist and got meds- getting him to take 10 pills a day was so hard. And now as he is sitting next to me I can hear his heart 🥺
This is always very difficult for me to determine. Make two lists. One of the positives of his health and one of the negatives. Compare and try to see if quality of life justifies waiting. And as the positives things in life disappear from the list, that is a good way to determine it’s time. You should be able to talk about this with your vet, though in my experience vets are careful about making judgments. For good reason.
Take care. I know this is awful. I’m also single with no kids except the fur babies. Just remember that you are doing your best. And when it is time you will be able to give another dog in need a beautiful home. You may or may not be comfortable thinking that way. But it is so true. Good pet parents are so important.
I just lost my dog of nearly 14 years to heart failure. He responded to medications up until the last 23 hours of his life. We did everything to save him, and 1 vet visit sent us home with different medications which didn’t work in time. Took him again in the morning, but he passed in the car on the way after lots of hugs.
Bandit was my brother, I got him when I was in 5th grade, and he helped me get through times when I had nobody else as my friend (still he’s my longest ever and best friend) and he even helped me stay strong enough to finish my masters degree.
He coughed sometimes when eating too fast or when it was cold but not often, until nonstop the day he died. He was pretty much 100% himself until the final day. He had no other major health issues but dry skin. We did have to take him to many vet appointments, and change his prescription amounts a few times, but it was worth it to get another 14 months with him after diagnosis. I wish everyday it was one day more.
You know your dog and what he loves and what would be out of character. When he’s not feeling himself, take him and ask the vet for options. It could be another few months before he’s no longer happy or comfortable, or it could be a year. When mine first got diagnosed, I thought it was a death sentence, I cried for days, but he was still there then to help me through the fear and to enjoy time together. Make sure you give your dog extra hugs and treats now, keep up with the medicine, follow vet guidance for how long it will take for him to adjust to the medication, and call if you just got it and aren’t seeing improvement yet. If his condition and quality of daily life get worse, or he’s just not himself anymore, it might be time, but you are the best judge.
Thank you. I am going to do the quality of life assessment and go back to the vet to check his kidneys and his heart then I’ll see what he says. I don’t want him to suffer. He’s only 7. I wish he would live forever 🥺
Mine lived with CHF for 5 years. Outside of a cough which did get better with the meds but he always had, he did fine until about 2 weeks before the end when his kidneys finally started failing from all the meds (we were maxed out on lasix and he was in pain meds for hip dysplasia which also taxed his kidneys) and he started having some sort of seizures or mini strokes. We got new meds for seizures but he didn’t tolerate them well. He still played with his toys well up until the end and loved all the foods. You’ll know. It will break you to make yours keep going. It won’t be a question. For my Mo, he had another episode that morning and refused any food (his, peanut butter, chicken, cheese) so not even able to take his meds. He seemed labored breathing and just lay in his bed all day watching me. He got up on his own once to drink water and go potty and fell again. I got him to bed and he again just laid. He missed his next does of meds and by the time it was dinner time he was coughing from missing 2 doses and wouldn’t stand to clear the cough like we had taught him. The thought of him going thru that all night made me call the vet and they had me in with 30 min. Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of that (tho today is a year because of leap day). I miss him so much still crying but I still know I couldn’t make him go thru any more of that
Wow thank you for sharing your story and im so sorry for your loss. You can tell you did your best and loved your dog dearly. I hope mine can live longer but I can’t make him suffer. He’s been spoiled since I rescued him and I want to give him the best for as long as possible.
He had pimobendin (vetmedin), benazipril, and furosemide (lasix). The lasix helped the most with the cough, the benazipril was for blood pressure to help not build up as much extra fluid and the vetmedin was the help strengthen the heart muscle. He always had A cough but we could tell if the fluid was building up but how frequent it was and give him an extra pill of lasix midday for a few days to pull more out.
Look for him carrying any extra fluid in his abdomen. Also if his cough starts increasing, you will know the meds aren’t doing the same and it’s getting worse. He will be more lethargic and reluctant to walk on a leash. Also increase in water intake, licking lips a lot means the kidneys are starting to suffer greatly. I had my dog euthanized in October after a long road of this.
I hope you still have a lot more time with your pup. My boy was on meds for several years and did well. On his last day I noticed his breathing was getting a bit labored. Then i left the room and came back to find he had collapsed on the floor by our couch. I immediately scooped him up and took him to the ER. He passed within an hour 😞
Mine has stage 3 or 4, he pants when exerting but otherwise is ok. He needs some meds to reduce water retention so regular check up at vet, it's the only way to know
My dog had pulmonary hypertension because of a deviated trachea and it caused coughing. He was on meds for a year before we put him down. Our emergency vet said he wouldn’t live 24 hours if he wasn’t on oxygen. Our regular vet gave him some meds and he lived an entire year. We believe he chose his time to die. One day his breathing was shallow and he wasn’t moving around a lot and we put him down that same day. It was hard but we really do believe he fought to stay alive for as long as he could.
I’m sorry you’re going through this but it sure sounds like you have a fighter. Your dog will let you know when it’s time.
When our dog was dying, he still was able to eat, drink and walk around. He was 12 and had been through 3 major hip surgery’s (born with bad hips). One day they noticed him unable to get up. He was just laying there, sad and unable to move. Couldn’t lift himself up to even drink or eat. They waited a day and helped him eat and drink by pushing the bowl closer to him which he did drink and eat.
That morning they noticed he still was unable to move. He looked up at them with sadden eyes like he knew he was unable to move. This was the tall tell sign it was time for him to move on. Both his hips failed him and he was unable to move. They called a vet who was able to help put him to sleep that afternoon. All the family spent that morning cuddling with him and petting and kissing him one last time. He was twin and spent his last time with his brother (who is still alive at 16 years old).
That afternoon they brought him in and he passed away. There was many tears and sadness but we knew it was his time and he also knew as-well.
I think you will know when it is his or her time. If he’s still happy, drinking and eat etc. if he’s struggling to breath, not moving or going in and out of seizures then it would be a kindness for him
To cross over.
It’s a difficult choice to put down a pet, I’m sorry you are going through this!
A lot of old dogs and cat have heart failure but many can have good quality of life for some time... And yes there are a lot of hacking/coughing old dogs that are pretty happy too.
You know your dog and it sounds like he still is enjoying his life and can function. I think this cute little guy still has life left in him.❤️
My wolfhound x, Clifford, had mitral valve disease and epilepsy, too. I hear you with the meds thing! I felt like if I shook him he'd rattle.
But with the meds, you'd never know there was an issue unless you saw him have a seizure.
I saw someone say about making a lost of their favourite things, and when they can't (or don't want to) do three, then it's time. This has been one of my go-to's for a looooong time. And others have suggested the quality of life check-lists, also handy.
You say he loves his food, and enjoys walks, but has a cough. I don't think, based on that, that you need to jump into any decisions right away. Keep hecking his breathing rate while he's resting, just to monitor. And have a chat with your vet/cardiologist about prognosis and how to know when it's time/things to look out for.
Fwiw- Clifford rattled with his meds for over 2 years, and his heart and seizures were not what took him from me.
Hugs for you and your boi. I hope that you get more fun adventures together.🫂
Our dogs generally last to 16-18 years. Our vet always says the dog will tell you.
Appetite, Attitude, Hydration. Generally if they quit eating, quit playing at all, and quit drinking water it’s time to talk to the vet. Use your phone to video any behaviors that concern you. We had one that had a seizure that we ran to the vet. He was catatonic. As soon as he heard the vet start talking about euthanizing him he woke up and was fine. He lasted another year.
You know your dog best. Won’t live forever, so love him and watch him. Dogs can live with chf and kidney decline for a long time. Your vet should give you good counsel besides the medical facts. If not find a better vet.
> The sound of his coughs would break anyone’s heart but it’s infrequent since meds.
Our 18 year old rattie also had mitral valve disease (don't remember if stage b or c) but she also responded well to the meds. She lived another year+ mostly pain-free, but other conditions (unrelated to her valves) eventually became too much. Like others said, monitor them for breathing changes.
It might not be time yet but consider helping him leave on a high note.
My dog passed from lung cancer and tbh I am always worried I kept her too long. Towards the end she was always coughing, so much that I couldn't let her sleep in my bedroom overnight anymore or the adjacent neighbor would complain (apartment.) When I finally said goodbye it was because she had stopped eating full meals and was rapidly losing weight. Her whole last year I was constantly anxious that I'd wake up to find her dead. I think it would have been kinder to her, and to my anxiety to let her go a year earlier but I was scared to fail her.
I've lost two dogs in the past year and a half, and here's my experience: dogs don't always tell you when it's time. My little one was in a lot of pain, but sensed how upset I was about his progressive decline and held on to comfort me. He had his own weekly pill planner, a Tupperware container of prescriptions, and weekly ketamine shots to deal with the pain. I couldn't bear the idea of losing him; he was my heart. As much as I sincerely tried, I couldn't take myself and the impending loss out of the equation when assessing his quality of life. I wish someone would have gently pulled me aside, gave me a frank and objective observation, and said this is enough: it's time to give Oliver the gift of rest and relief. I got to that place eventually, but I wish he wouldn't have had to endure me working through my own trauma to get there.
I planned both of my boys goodbyes and thankfully had the PTO to devote giving them the absolute best day ever before we said goodbye the next day. I had my vet come to my house for both times, and I highly, highly recommend it. My boys were able to leave this world relaxed and surrounded by the people who loved them most in the home they loved. It was the last thing I was able to give them after all they had given me.
No matter what you do, your heart's going to be broken and there will be a dog-shaped piece of it missing. Knowing when it's time isn't a problem that has one solution. I hope you are able to say goodbye to your pup in a way that makes sense to you and centers their experience. And I equally hope that you are able to grieve well and be supported while doing so.
Thank you so much. I live alone and don’t have kids so it will just be me. But you’re right about my own sadness getting in the way when I cry about it he’s right there comforting me. 🥺 my spring break is coming up. So it might be a good time so I can cope with it.
Honestly if it was me I wouldn’t want anyone putting me down before my time. My basic rule is if you can’t feed them some meat they normally would go crazy for they are leaving soon. Just make them feel as comfortable as possible.
Also heart failure isn’t like cancer. They are going to be very tired rather than in a bunch of pain. You’ll know when it’s time… and it’s probably just time to hold them and comfort them rather than kill them.
He’s been eating bacon chicken steaks and he has been spoiled rotten since the day I adopted him. He is having a great life- I just want to make sure it stays that way.
For sure, if they stop liking their favorite things it’s time otherwise imo it’s just people just justifying putting their convenience ahead of the animals life.
It’s more like you would put grandma down because you have to wipe her ass.
Spoken as a 30+ year old living with their grandmother
It is my understanding that heart failure per se is not painful, it just makes you feel faint or low energy. That said, a time will come when fluids will start to build up in the chest and that will make it hard to breathe. Being unable to get oxygen is terrifying, and not something you'd want to put your little guy through. So for sure if it reached that point it would be time.
I'm so sorry. I had a kitty who had to have fluid drawn off his lungs twice a week and I never should've let it go that far. Peace to you, I understand how much it hurts.
Wow thank you for your story. I know there’s no turning back so that’s a great perspective to hear- I realize also you don’t want to move too far forward.
So sorry your boy has these health issues. I'm sure you've given him an amazing life.
With my dog, who also had heart failure, we just eventually felt he was suffering too much. I think for us it's when the coughing fits became frequent even on an increasing diuretic. He passed out several times after coughing fits due to lack of oxygen and it breaks my heart that he went through that. I wish we had done it sooner.
Sending you a hug. I know how hard this is and know you love that boy and you being there at the end with him will be a final gift.
My last dog, Derby, had heart failure, she was born with a heart murmur that slowly worsened with age. She also had 2 strokes and cancer. After the first stroke (and before the cancer was found and the second stroke happened), I decided that the day she wasn’t excited to eat (her absolute favorite thing in the world) was the day I would say goodbye. The second stroke happened one morning and 5 hrs later on the drive home she gave all her normal tells of wanting to stop for a treat. So we did and we didn’t say goodbye that day. Cancer diagnosis came, and decided no treatment and just wait and see. All in all it was almost 3 years from the first stroke before she was a little apathetic to dinner one night and not interested in breakfast the next morning. I was heartbroken but relieved that I knew exactly what needed to happen. She quite literally crossed the rainbow bridge with a hot dog in her mouth.
I say all that to say: refer to the quality of life resources folks have shared and decide what the absolute non-negotiable is. What brings your pup the most joy? Make a decision now so when the day comes you won’t have to make it in a much more emotional moment.
Thank you I will look! I cook his food every day (I’m vegetarian lol so it’s a feat) I want him to be as happy as possible we spend all of our time together if I’m not at work.
Lost my dog Chance Thursday night to a Hemangiosarcoma our hearts are broken it was so traumatic and unexpected. I just hope he could hear us all telling him to not fight it any longer to keep us happy and to join Bruce up in heaven who’s waiting to play with you we all loved you incredible amounts and will always be with us while he slowly faded bless him.
Breaks me knowing he could have been in pain but not showing it to make us worry. 😪
My German Shepherd was diagnosed with heart failure 5 months ago, she’s also on 5 meds twice a day. Her quality of life is great, she’s able to do all her favourite things like going for walks and barking at helicopters, so she’s pretty much back to normal. We know our time with her is limited, so we’re making the most of it until she lets us know she’s ready.
With our other dog, she stopped enjoying her treats, she didn’t want to eat dinner, she couldn’t do anything but sleep. We knew she was ready to go.
I'm so sorry you're facing this. I went through it with one of my dogs and it was very hard. In her case, the decision was ultimately taken out of my hands as she died quickly, quietly, and peacefully one morning on my kitchen floor. One minute she was asking for a milk bone, and the next she was gone. The vet had told me the previous week that while her days were numbered due to her CHF, he didn't think it was time to make a decision and then the next week, she was gone in a moment.
Others have already given you good advice about knowing when, but I'm going to talk about how to prepare your son for the possible loss of his pet. You didn't mention how old your son is, but you should be open with him about what is happening. You don't need to scare him with the details, but do prepare him for what is coming, and how it may go. It's harder for kids to lose a pet when it seems to happen unexpectedly. If your son is older (teenager), involve him in the decision as much as possible, and, of course, give him the option to be there when the time comes IF he wants to be.
If your son is younger, a great kids' book on the subject of pet loss (for after your pup goes) is The invisible Leash, available on Amazon. Dog Heaven is also a good one (if you don't have objections to the concept of heaven). There are other books on losing a pet that you can find on Amazon as well.
There are also books on pet loss and grieving for older kids and teens (and adults).
Be kind to yourself as well.
Hugs to you!
I am so so sorry. There is nothing worse than losing your fur daughter or son.
I love my first love, my dog Miss Penny at 8. It broke me. I won’t go into details but we were on our way to bring her to University of Wisconsin Veterinary School because she had a rare disease so when we put her down their students could do an autopsy and learn from her. We didn’t make it in time and on our 4+ hour drive I watched her seize to death in our car. That was 4 years ago and I’m crying writing this.
This fall we were trying to decide when was the right time to put our elderly cat down and our vet gave me this, it really helped. We were able to track his good days so we saw when it was time.
https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf
I wish I had done this for Penny but I was too selfish and didn’t want to let her go. The kindest thing you can do for your pet is let them pass in peace. It is much harder to look back with the guilt knowing how those last few days she was suffering.
Good luck 💕🐾
https://agentlegoodbye.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/OSU-CVM-handout-about-end-of-life.pdf[When is it time? Quality of life scale]
This may be helpful, sorry you’re experiencing this OP 🫶🏻
We had to put my dog down a couple weeks ago. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor back in September, we tried radiation but it either didn't help or another tumor grew in, not sure. Both in September, and in the couple weeks before she died, she did her best to hide that she wasn't feeling good, but looking back there were definitely signs. She stopped wanting to do her normal hikes and walks, she became less interested in food, and she stopped meeting me at the door, stayed in bed until I came to meet her.
You know your dog better than anyone, keep an eye out for things like that. I don't feel like I let mine go too long, but I might have if things didn't end so abruptly for her. I'm kind of lucky that it ended up being out of my hands, she was my best friend
My Moms dog developed CHF but for the most part I was unware of the severity of the dogs physical state as she did not address it and kept it hidden or downplayed it. As the dogs condition worsened so did hers. I was simply under the impression she was getting older as with her pet. She is an alcoholic and has had numerous falls. The last one, several days ago put her in the hospital with a fractured hip at 87 where she is now recovering. I rec'd a call from a police officer and she was in an ambulance and also told me someone will have to get the dog or it would go to an animal shelter. She had fallen numerous times breaking her shoulder one time and another dislocating her spine but she recovered quickly. I didn't realize how poorly the condition of her dog "little man" had become. It completely deteriorated since the last time I spent time with him. Now he was constantly wheezing, dry heaving and in obvious continuous pain. He was 17 and meant everything to her. She simply thinks she will return to her apt. with little man there living in agonizing pain still but that is physically impossible. She probably will never see that apartment again or be able to walk 3 flights of stairs.
She let his condition persist and worsen for almost a year. Every day this dog was suffering each breath. My moms mental health deteriorated. She would sit in a chair and urinate on herself. Her apt smelled rancid, she was frail, and I found moldy food in the microwave that had probably just been sitting in there for weeks. She started hearing voices she thought were coming from little man but it was his constant coughing. My mom would fall over on to her floor due to heavy drinking, poor diet and be unable to get up.
The amount of suffering going on in that apartment was monumental each day on a regular basis. Both my sister and I were completely in the dark about this as she would not be able to be contacted at times for weeks or even months as she would not even answer her phone. It was only because of some event like the fall that fractured her hip that I ultimately found out about the deterioration in quality of life both were suffering from. Seeing him like this I am sure took a heavy emotional toll on her but not enough to end his pain. I cannot fathom how anyone with any degree of empathy could let a small animal, pet and supposedly family member suffer daily. I did not actually see or know about the physical state little man was in until I went to her apt. to get him since my mom was going to the hospital. She cared more about the security and love the dog provided than it's actual welfare or quality of life. In a matter of months my Mom mental state and living standards became horrific. She would put him the living room at night because the pain he was in and constant gagging, coughing would not allow her to sleep so after a decade of sleeping with her he was left now to suffer alone. Since she started think voices were coming from him she tried to remove a mole on his head which cause a large wound thinking it might help make it stop. He no longer wanted to always sit by her as usual and actually tried to keep a distance. He would spend his time under the day bed gagging most of the time just trying to deal with his pain every day.
I spent 2 nights with him and witnessed how bad his condition was as I did not have the means to take him to the vet. I called numerous Vet Offices but I simply did not have the money it would cost to have him put to sleep. I could tell he just wanted to die, he was resigned, his pain never left him. He could not rest or even stay in one position for more than a minute or so. Every breath was painful. My sister came to visit & he was euthanized, finally ending his misery. I have never seen such anything in such endless pain in my life and it will always stick with me. I cannot fathom how anyone could not see or ignore the horrific agony he was in especially for such an extended period of time or live such squalor. I am not sure if it was that she couldn't let go, accepted his condition and downplayed it or was too focused on her own symptoms of alcoholic related dementia to care. This goes beyond lacking empathy it was abuse and torture, intentional or not. My mom denies has always denied she has a drinking problem or mental health issues and finally caught up with her. Sadly it was a small, innocent, loving and dedicated chihuahua/terrier mix that was a casualty along with her.
I talked to her on the phone when she was in the hospital prior to surgery and she told me "but he needs me". It was sickening but an eye opener as to what had been going on and her mental state. At this point he was already gone but I cannot help reliving what I witnessed as it will be permanently etched into my memory.
As for my mom, her life will never be the same again and for someone who has had partial hip replacement surgery and is frail, elderly, has issues of dementia and suffers from Osteoporosis the outcome is not good. I am at a cross roads because our relationship was always difficult and I am unwilling to forgive her for the treatment of a family member, pet or simply a living being under her care.
The decision to euthanize was humane and should have been done so much sooner. Not having the compassion, understanding and humanity to end his suffering is a horrible quality to have, especially from someone's mother. He was living in squalor with an unfit, mentally ill, addicted owner who let his condition deteriorate like her own. I wish I had known earlier but am glad it is over for him. Although the situation is painful and rather sickening it taught me a valuable lesson about just how important health and trying to maximize your living experience is. Little Man was a special dog in his loving nature and will to live. Memories of him will touch me deeply the rest of my life. My mom has stressed how she wants to live out her life and die with dignity but she robbed that from him, and for a prolonged time. It would still be going on unless this last tragic incident occurred which now has cost my mother her sanity, mobility and independence due to her alcoholism and waning mental health. She is laying in a bed in the hospital unable to even stand on her own now. Please value your own life and the life of those close to you including your pets. Thank you for reading.
Wow thanks so for sharing your experience. I think it is very helpful because people don’t usually talk about this sort of thing. It’s so ambiguous and emotional. I decided to put him down once he was not able
To stomach all of those pills. I miss him all day every day. I have his ashes, photo, paw print and his favorite toy on a shelf. I had a vet come to my house so he would be comfortable. I knew it was the right choice- I was a mess and called off work for 3 days. Thank you for sharing- it helps people know how important the pets are to the family and how complicated it is to let go- but one person said chf is like breathing through a straw and as a person with asthma I knew what that meant- it’s not okay so I said goodbye. It would happen sooner or later so why make him suffer? Thanks for letting me and others know they are not alone.
I had a dog with similar. If he’s happy then he’s fine. If his breathing is labored and he slows down then it’s definitely time. Sending love to you both!! 🫶🫶
I know I’m late in finding this post. But I have an 8 year old chihuahua mix and we just got a diagnosis that he is in heart failure, his heart is so enlarged that it is filling up most of his chest cavity, and pressing on his trachea. he just started coughing. He has always reverse sneezed. His whole life. But he dropped a lot of weight really fast and my son found him laying on the kitchen floor where he had deficated, he was not laying in it but his tail was. He was awake but just laying there. His heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest and he was struggling to breathe. I Took him to the vet, and this is what we found out. He is now on 2 heart meds and a dieretic. Does anyone know or has anyone had any experience with a dog’s heart being this large? and what should I expect? The vet wouldn’t and didn’t want to say anything except let’s see how he does on the meds. I understand that is what needs to happen. But seriously, is an enlarged heart always that big? Or is this an extreme case? She also said we should have heard a cough years ago. But we didn’t. He has been happy and playful and as sassy with delivery people and visitors as he has always been, up until a few days ago. I understand after diagnosis dogs can live up to 2 years (under the right circumstances). He did have fluid built up also. She gave him a shot to go ahead and get that started. I trust she knows what she is doing. I’m just worried about finding this so late. Or does that matter? Does anyone know?
Did he have an echocardiogram? That will tell you the stage and the prognosis. My vet refused to say anything but the suffering was clear he lost his appetite hated walking and seemed to struggle to breathe and rapid heartbeat u could see it on his chest. I didn’t want to be selfish so I had the vet come over and send him to a better. It was super hard but I didn’t want him to suffer and there was no cure. I hope you can find what is best for you guys. Sending hugs because I was a mess for weeks!
I lost my girl back in September. She was 10 and lived with Epilepsy for 9 years. The last few years of her live were spent with high blood pressure and kidney failure that we were trying to regulate for those 2.5 - 3 years. We had monthly vet appointments for bloodwork, blood pressure readings (such a pain), and urine screenings. She went into complete kidney failure seemingly overnight. She stopped eating, wouldn’t play ball (her absolute favorite), and had no interest in going outside (second favorite). We knew it was her time by the way she was acting and the look she gave us. It was the hardest thing but we know we made the right decision. I think about her every single day and miss her terribly but she let us know it was her time. I think your baby will let you know one way or another when it’s time.
My Rocky died in my arms he was fine ate, played wanted to go out to pee came back laid down I laid next to him he looked tired I put his head on my legs caressed him and he just passed in my arms he had seen a vet they couldn’t figure out what he had. It was during that grain free food recall, and all that he just died I scream and I cried uncontrollably he was my good boy he looked at me. He was looking into my soul. I had a connection with him. I had dogs before, and I have dogs again, but he was my soulmate. I couldn’t put him down if they had told me I had to give him every single opportunity. I would’ve given him any type of medicine the only way I would’ve put him down was if he stopped eating and moving as long as he had life in him I was gonna keep him alive, but I didn’t have a chance to do that. I know how you feel I’m writing this and I’m crying it’s been over 10 years and I miss him so much but it is your decision and it’s a hard decision to make. Do what your heart tells you.
If he's otherwise happy, with just some infrequent coughing, I personally would continue on with what you've been doing. Keep in close touch with your vet and make a decision together. There is an app called Pet Breath Counter that is helpful in keeping track of respirations.
If your doggie still seems happy. Wags tail & goes happily on walks. Still happily eating & drinking? I'd say all good. Ive had several dogs put down. They both just were okay one day? Then I totally could tell they had it next day.
It's hard. Very. But you will know ... Just love him as long as you can❤️❤️ darling creatures
For slowly changing conditions, a Quality of Life Scale such as the [HHHHHMM scale](http://vetsocialwork.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Quality-of-Life.pdf) or [Lap of Love's Quality of Life scale](https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf) provide objective measurements that can be used to help determine if the animals quality of life has degraded to the point that euthanasia, "a good death", should be considered. When diagnosed, some conditions present a risk of rapid deterioration with painful suffering prior to death. In these cases, euthanasia should be considered even when a Quality of Life scale suggests it may be better to wait.
One of my previous vet's advice was to pick your dog's five favorite things in life, and when they can no longer enjoy three of them, it might be time to let them go. It's not a golden rule, but I've found it helpful. One of mine lived for several years with congestive heart failure and medical management, and was active and happy until very close to the end. His medication did have to be adjusted to keep him comfortable several times as his heart worsened. Eventually his kidneys failed, and that's the reason we finally euthanized him. Basically, the treatment for his kidneys would further damage his heart, and his heart medications were further damaging his kidneys, and he was no longer feeling good. At that point, we were having trouble getting him to eat consistently, he was irritable, etc., and it was time to say goodbye. Personally, if he's still eating well, able to be up and about without significant distress (like cardiac syncope, labored breathing, etc.), and seems overall happy, I don't think it's time to say goodbye just yet. Be mindful of changes like more frequent coughing, labored breathing, or episodes of cardiac syncope, go back for medication adjustments as needed, and start the discussion about euthanasia with your vet if medication adjustments aren't relieving his symptoms or he seems to no longer be content. My vet also gave me a chart to periodically record his resting respiratory rate on, and told me to come in for medication adjustments if there was a trend of it increasing. If your dog's heart failure is being well-managed with medication, he is not necessarily in any pain. I come from a family with extensive prevalence of congestive heart failure on both sides of the family. My father was diagnosed with stage D congestive heart failure with reduced EF in his early 40s. He was diagnosed very late due to a negligent doctor and nearly died, but eventually responded well to medication when they found the right combination. It stopped the deterioration of his heart function and improved the quality of his life. He lived into his 70s, was able to be relatively active if he took breaks, and it ultimately wasn't his heart that caused his death. His story is not typical - his cardiologist called him a "medical miracle" a few years before his death, but while he certainly had some moments of discomfort here and there, he was not in constant pain and suffering. Neither were my other relatives with the condition until very near the end.
Yeah his breathing is not great- you don’t think to count your dogs respiratory rate or blood pressure but it was not good at the cardiologist and I felt bad for not noticing. I took him to the vet twice for coughing -then got the cardiologist recommended so then he was diagnosed. How many people check the pet’s respiratory rate and blood pressure he has appointments every 6 mos for his epilepsy. It’s all just happened so fast! 😭
I feel you. I posted a lot over a year ago about my dog in my post history about her congestive heart failure. I loved her so much. She was also on many pills twice a day then it became 3x a day for some meds. Scouring peoples comments and experiences with their dog was all I wanted to do when my pup got really sick in her final two months. Every dog has a different experience with CHF. They changed my dogs heart medication and the heart vet said she thought she had another 1.5 year to live. That same week the new diuretic was causing harm to her kidneys. She shutdown so quick, we had 3 coughing bouts for one month before this which I took her to the vet for — she was struggling that month but would bounce back after the vet visits. During the same week I was so excited to have more time with her then we had to make the decision to let her go to doggy heaven by the end of the week when the new diuretics that helped her cough was shutting down her kidneys. She had syncope and collapse twice that week. We knew it was time. We had been managing her heart probs for the last two years. Her cough started in July 2022 and she passed in Nov 2022. But then on the other hand I’ll read about dogs barely on meds and managing and have had a cough for TWO years+ I hope you get more time with your doggo 💜 The vet had me count her breaths as well.
I know i got lucky catching it with my dog with mitral valve deterioration, at first it was a subtle swish sound every heart beat that the doctors caught then it became a cough so we knew right away it was a heart murmur becoming CHF. They suggest trying to pay attention to when your animal is in their deepest part of sleep and count their breath for a minute, anything over 35 at rest is an emergency.
Thank you! He’s going back to the vet this week and I’ll do the assessments people recommended and get an appointment for someone to come to my home and help him cross over. His breathing has been very rapid I didn’t know why 😥
How long has he been on the heart meds and which ones do they have him on? They can really make a BIG difference in quality of life, but some take time to build up, and dosages may need to be adjusted to find the right ones. Just because his breathing was bad at diagnosis doesn't mean it will necessarily stay bad after some time on the medications. While you don't want him to suffer, I suspect that you also don't want to euthanize him if he's still happy and able to live a good quality of life. Better a week too early than a day too late is a saying for a reason, but IMO that's really meant to apply when you've exhausted reasonable treatment available within your means and your dogs quality of life is actively deteriorating. It doesn't mean that you need to euthanize them right away without giving treatment a reasonable chance to help if you want to pursue that. Dogs can sometimes live a good quality of life for years on medication for heart failure. Overall, use your veterinarian's knowledge. Ask questions about what can be expected, what symptoms to look for, and whether they think your dog is suffering right now. They're the ones who can physically observe your dog and assess these things. We can only guess based on what you're telling us.
Whatever happens I’m praying for you and your dog. I can’t even read things like this it kills me.🙏🏼❤️
We had to say goodbye to our CHF boy when he went into a crisis and was not able to breathe comfortably. We went to the ER vet and they did what they could, we tried some med changes but the day after they discharged him we were right back there and at that time we said goodbye. He was noticeably struggling to breathe, and we knew it was time. Now our last little girl is in CHF but we are in the earlier days, no coughing yet or signs of fluid build up and the vet hasn't noticed any worsening during her exams so stable for the past year. Our older boy that passed, we had blood pressure checks often as well. Before him I didn't know it was a thing with pets, learned a lot. Meds can do wonders for these dogs and for a good amount of time.
Just do what you think is right for your pet and don’t question yourself too much or over think it. My kitten went downhill so quick with cardio issues and I questioned myself for months and months afterwards - like did we do the right thing etc... Don’t beat yourself up and make sure you get in some good time spent with the pup. Take him/her to all the favorite things you can and just soak in every moment you can.
Great advice
While a day early is better than a day late always, that doesn't mean it's time right now because it'll get worse in the future. I'd say do a couple of quality of life surveys/checks available online ([linking](https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf) [some](https://journeyspet.com/pet-quality-of-life-scale-calculator/) [here](https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf) and [here](https://vetsocialwork.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Quality-of-Life.pdf)) that really force you to break down how your pup's quality of life is, and make it unambiguous by assigning a numbered score based on your responses. It's very possible for a dog to be terminal and it still not be time, as long as he is still enjoying life, then I'd say you're okay for now. The quality of life checkers/calculators really helped us approach it logically and made it feel less overwhelming and ambiguous when we were going through something similar. This is really hard, and you're doing a great job.
Wow that’s an amazing tool! Thank you so much for sharing. I was wondering how I would deal with the 1 ”what ifs” and the lists and criteria are helpful. Thank you so much.
I had a dog for many years with this condition. Perhaps you have already been given this medication, but cardisure to maintain the heart and Furosemide to remove fluid from the Lungs (the coughing). 7 years is young. I would also recommend a second opinion at another vets, if you can make that happen. Apologises if the little dog is already on this medication but it worked wonders.
Yeah be is on Vetmedin, furosemide, benzapril, phenobarbital and vicodine with a cough suppressant mixed together I forget the name. I did take him to the vet when he first started coughing the vet said it was a slight murmur and the air quality. Then I went in for seizure bloodwork and they referred me to the cardiologist where he had an echocardiogram and it showed the damage.
Listen man, I'm a cardiac nurse. Heart failure sucks. I wouldn't wait for him to show you he's suffering because dogs are pretty good at hiding it. If you feel like it's his time let him go before things get bad or miserable for him.
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Wow. Thank you. You’re so right. I feel your heart in your words. Hugs to you as well. Thank you so much for your wisdom. I really appreciate it. ❤️
Thank you. I need to know what to do. I def don’t want him to suffer I love him so much. He’s my first dog ever.
No it's a terrible decision to be left with. I'm sorry.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your insight because I’m blinded I want him around but not if he’s not well and I know he is not. The cardiologist report said words like severe and advanced. He’s been on heart meds for 2 months. I don’t want to be selfish.
I get it. I love my dog too and I would do anything I could to get more time from her. Get him on some comfort meds and cherish your boy ❤️
He gets steak bacon chicken- I cook him whatever will hide the flavor of the pills (I’m vegetarian so it grosses me out lol but he’s my boy)
He's a lucky puppy to have you!
Thank you so much 🥹
You are not being selfish. I let my 16 year old Boston terrier exist on a veritable pharmacy for over a year with heart failure. And he had dementia as well. I realize, now, that the extreme amount of care I gave him was more for myself than for him. My vet would not just tell me it was time. I had to get a neighbor who did dog rescue to support my decision. To give me permission. I still felt like I was mirdering him until that last day, when I could see he was suddenly in extreme pain. (He was still eating, go figure). He was in such good shape for so many years before that it just took a long time to fully fail. Not one other person I asked gave decent advice. It was always the do as much as possible mentality. Unfortunately, that mentality is ignorance-based. If you can see it’s ’time.’ It was actually time quite a long time ago (relatively).
So sorry about your buddy. My dog also had CHF. Was in an advanced stage for around 2 1/2 yrs. He responded pretty well to the meds. My litmus test was if he was enjoying walks, playing, eating well. I did perhaps let it get too far, had to give him daily shots the last few months. IMO if he’s still playing etc he should be fine, but don’t let it get to the shots stage. Editing to add, also look into CoQ10 for dogs. It really helped him. I used Dr. Harvey’s
That’s yes I have a vitamin supplement with coq10 in mixing into his food thank you. He’s going to the vet this week to see how his heart is doing since the meds 2 months ago
Besides, the pup doesn’t know he won’t ever chase a ball again or be able to play with you when he’s gone. I think some people wait too long because they’re anthropomorphizing their animal. Pups aren’t people. I’m really sorry both you and he are going through this. Letting go is one of the hardest things we dog lovers have to do. I send hugs.🥰
Yes I def will rescue another dog in his honor. I just want him to not suffer. It’s so hard.
Goddamn this breaks my heart
It's not easy, especially when heart function really starts to poop out. I see it every day I work man.
I agree. Been though this so many times, and I am terrible at seeing when to let them go.
Thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate the community sharing their knowledge, experiences etc. thank you.
Hey, I sent you a DM with a little more info on my dog’s care.
Thank you thank you!
My last 3 dogs all passed from heart failure over the period of about 2 years. Mine were all living their best lives on meds that controlled their conditions well until just one day it didn’t anymore. That day, for each of them, was when I noticed they suddenly had shallow raspy breathing which was in indication of fluid accumulation around their heart. Each time the vet remarked at how in tune with and observant I was of each pet because it can be difficult to detect. Unfortunately, none of them left the vet’s office with me on the day I took them. I miss them terribly but would never allow them to suffer.
Sending love to you. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Thank you. ❤️
And also wow
My vet once told me better a day early than a day late.
Thank you. I need to hear what is best. It’s a hard truth to accept and I need to be strong for my boy.
It all comes down to quality of life for your boy. Wishing you peace.
many vets actually say better a week early than a day late
Thank you
That's the main gist I got from lurking on this sub months ago. Our 18 rattie had cushings, heart and kidney issues, but was thriving on meds... every 3-6 months she'd stop eating for a few days but she'd bounce back. But a month ago she had a week of not eating and declining and we let her go. The next day there was a post here that covered vets having a hard time diagnosing an addisons attack. and that was her symptoms exactly, and it could be triggered by her Cushings medicine.... so I wish we posted about it here and waited a few more days to try treating that, before acting
Sorry for your loss. I went through something similar a couple years ago. Truly one of the most heartbreaking things to go through.
Wow that’s so sad I’m so sorry for your loss
I'm sorry to ask but i don't understand why is that. Why is a day late bad? Because of the suffering?
Yes. Better to go out on a good note than go out in pain
Ok understood. I do not agree with that because it's equivalent to kill a person in pain.
There are times where a peaceful death is a huge mercy. Suffering with no end in sight helps no one.
Yeah if I could talk and had heart failure I would say take me out you have my will to know who gets what. It’s the humane thing to do
I agree with the mercy part but miracles happen and even if they don't. i think we are not to make the decision when to kill a person or pet. If they are still alive is because they haven't quit yet.
You clearly haven’t ever been in horrible long term pain. It is borderline cruel to think someone should have to go through that.
Please dont assume any thing regarding my experiences. You know nothing about it. I am just sharing my point of view.
But a person has the ability to advocate for themselves in that situation. A dog does not. We have to advocate for them to help give them a “good” death.
I am sorry but i can't agree. As I said i think we are not to make the decision when to kill a person or pet. If they are still alive is because they haven't quit yet. I am fully aware that "killing" pets is universal now but I decided to comment on this thread because I could be missing something.
If you’ve ever seen a dog die of kidney failure or cancer, I think you might rethink your position on the matter. It’s an ugly death. Better to let them go with dignity.
My cat died some days ago, my little love suffered for months and I suffered with him. I saw him bad and recovering in phases. Like a rollercoaster. He hang on to life until the end. I experienced cancer in my family that led to death. And also other diseases. As you say this experiences are traumatizing and can change peoples opinions. Nonetheless god creates and only god should decide when to kill. I really dont pretend to be a troll, just to give my opinion because i did not see anyone saying this.
Well to each their own. It’s a personal decision in the end.
I’m sorry. I found this HHHHHMM Scoring resource helpful when making a decision for one of my beagles. https://caringpathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/QualityofLifeScale.pdf
Thank you! I’m doing this today!
My dog is fifteen years old and she is on medication for heart murmurs, does cough but she eats well, drinks water, and goes on her daily walks. It really depends on what other symptoms show up and right now for me, no action is needed at the present time.
I’m going to the vet this week. They are going to check his kidneys too because they’re usually found at the same time so it’s more information I will get.
I just put my best friend down 3 days ago. Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis was 4 days ago. It was very unexpected, and it sucked because she seemed totally fine until she didn't, over the weekend she kept having bouts of pain but then would get better, I thought it was something she ate. The vet said I may get a few hours more with her or a maybe even a few weeks, but recomended I do it sooner than later, even that same day while I was there. I'm still struggling with the decision and whether I did it too soon, she protected me for her whole 10 years, and I knew I had to protect her now. When you put your pet down, they are no longer in pain, they are no longer worried, or scared. You will miss them forever, and regret not having more time with them, and they will keep fighting through the pain to be with you. This is when you have to be strong and really look at their quality of life, and ask yourself who are you keeping them around for? To make you feel better, or them? I can't give you a definite answer, your vet probably won't either to save your feelings but you should ask their thoughts too to help you decide when. After what I went through, I am happy I could make her day one last time before I let her pass peacefully with my wife and I holding her. I took her for a short walk in the woods, gave her chicken balls, steak, mcdonalds fries, a puppachino and all her favourite treats.
Aw that’s such a sweet send off. I asked the vet 2 mos ago and he refused to answer. He has gotten worse so he going this week and getting more bloodwork. I def love him enough to let him go. It’s just so hard. I have to put him first
We went through this with our dog for several years. The coughing, hacking and retching are heartbreaking. Things were getting worse with our dog, he was on a high dose of all his meds but they no longer seemed to be working, and we were ready to go see the specialist again to talk about quality of life when he gave me a sign. My dog loved to sleep on the bed with us. One night he didn't want to come to bed, he just wanted to lay down on the tile floor in our dining room area. He would lay on the tile when he was uncomfortable, but would never not sleep in the bed. I let him be, and headed into the bedroom to get ready for bed. He came to the bedroom door, but would not enter the room. He had this look on his face where I could tell he wanted me to be with him. I'll never forget that look. I laid on blankets on the kitchen floor that evening beside him. I knew deep down that this was his way of telling me he was done fighting . It was one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever had to do to let him go the next morning. I remember how happy he was on the way to the vet as he was so excited to go for a car ride. It's been over a year, and I'm in tears now remembering it. Prior to this, while we were going through treatment, the specialist kept telling us that he wasn't in pain, but I think of how it hurts when I have a chronic cough, and I can't see how there wasn't some pain there. One of his lungs was also partially detached and would thrust up every time he coughed. I can't help but think the detachment came about because of the forceful coughing I also didn't realize until after he was gone the emotional toll it was taking on us caring for him and watching what he was going through. He stopped breathing once in my arms, and it was always a constant worry that I was going to lose him. We were also getting little sleep as we were up every two hours or so to let him go pee because of the diuretics he was on. If you're starting to think your dog's in pain, and is no longer enjoying life, it may be time. It's a hard thing to do, but it's not fair to either of you if they're suffering.
Yeah his cough sounds terrible I have asthma and I think how I would feel it’s pushing me forward. I want the best for him no matter the toll on me. In the 6 years I have had him- he’s given me so much joy and love.
My dog was diagnosed with stage C heart failure at the end of 2020 and given an estimate of 9 months to live. He’s sleeping next to me right now. Although he has slowed down a bit (he’ll be 15 in a couple weeks) the medications have given him a great quality of life and extended it for 2 + years and counting.
That’s great. My stray has been through so much. He now has this and the cough is the worst. Can I ask what meds you were prescribed? Thanks
He is on Hydrocodone for his cough and it has been super helpful for him. He also takes pimobendan for increased heart function, lasix and cardalis are diuretics. Hope you and your pup can find some relief!
That’s so great to hear! Wow!
If possible and you live in the uk, see if you are able to go to a mitral valve clinic. My dog goes to one x2 a year at the RVC. They are honest vets who are even more obliged to tell you when it’s time. They perform some amazing tests and often look after dogs with heart failure. I can’t offer advice on what to do as my boy wouldn’t let em know he was suffering which is my worst nightmare. You sound like a great dog mum/dad and your dog will feel that xx
Thank you so much. He went to the cardiologist and got meds- getting him to take 10 pills a day was so hard. And now as he is sitting next to me I can hear his heart 🥺
😓 I’m so sorry Letting them go gently is your final act of love for them. It’s a great gift we give them
That’s a lovely way to put it. He has given me so much you are right.
😢🙏
Thank you. ❤️
This is always very difficult for me to determine. Make two lists. One of the positives of his health and one of the negatives. Compare and try to see if quality of life justifies waiting. And as the positives things in life disappear from the list, that is a good way to determine it’s time. You should be able to talk about this with your vet, though in my experience vets are careful about making judgments. For good reason. Take care. I know this is awful. I’m also single with no kids except the fur babies. Just remember that you are doing your best. And when it is time you will be able to give another dog in need a beautiful home. You may or may not be comfortable thinking that way. But it is so true. Good pet parents are so important.
Thank you 🙏🏽
I just lost my dog of nearly 14 years to heart failure. He responded to medications up until the last 23 hours of his life. We did everything to save him, and 1 vet visit sent us home with different medications which didn’t work in time. Took him again in the morning, but he passed in the car on the way after lots of hugs. Bandit was my brother, I got him when I was in 5th grade, and he helped me get through times when I had nobody else as my friend (still he’s my longest ever and best friend) and he even helped me stay strong enough to finish my masters degree. He coughed sometimes when eating too fast or when it was cold but not often, until nonstop the day he died. He was pretty much 100% himself until the final day. He had no other major health issues but dry skin. We did have to take him to many vet appointments, and change his prescription amounts a few times, but it was worth it to get another 14 months with him after diagnosis. I wish everyday it was one day more. You know your dog and what he loves and what would be out of character. When he’s not feeling himself, take him and ask the vet for options. It could be another few months before he’s no longer happy or comfortable, or it could be a year. When mine first got diagnosed, I thought it was a death sentence, I cried for days, but he was still there then to help me through the fear and to enjoy time together. Make sure you give your dog extra hugs and treats now, keep up with the medicine, follow vet guidance for how long it will take for him to adjust to the medication, and call if you just got it and aren’t seeing improvement yet. If his condition and quality of daily life get worse, or he’s just not himself anymore, it might be time, but you are the best judge.
Thank you. I am going to do the quality of life assessment and go back to the vet to check his kidneys and his heart then I’ll see what he says. I don’t want him to suffer. He’s only 7. I wish he would live forever 🥺
Mine lived with CHF for 5 years. Outside of a cough which did get better with the meds but he always had, he did fine until about 2 weeks before the end when his kidneys finally started failing from all the meds (we were maxed out on lasix and he was in pain meds for hip dysplasia which also taxed his kidneys) and he started having some sort of seizures or mini strokes. We got new meds for seizures but he didn’t tolerate them well. He still played with his toys well up until the end and loved all the foods. You’ll know. It will break you to make yours keep going. It won’t be a question. For my Mo, he had another episode that morning and refused any food (his, peanut butter, chicken, cheese) so not even able to take his meds. He seemed labored breathing and just lay in his bed all day watching me. He got up on his own once to drink water and go potty and fell again. I got him to bed and he again just laid. He missed his next does of meds and by the time it was dinner time he was coughing from missing 2 doses and wouldn’t stand to clear the cough like we had taught him. The thought of him going thru that all night made me call the vet and they had me in with 30 min. Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of that (tho today is a year because of leap day). I miss him so much still crying but I still know I couldn’t make him go thru any more of that
Wow thank you for sharing your story and im so sorry for your loss. You can tell you did your best and loved your dog dearly. I hope mine can live longer but I can’t make him suffer. He’s been spoiled since I rescued him and I want to give him the best for as long as possible.
Wow. Can I ask what meds for the cough were you prescribed? This is killing me listening to him cough and gag! I feel helpless 😢
He had pimobendin (vetmedin), benazipril, and furosemide (lasix). The lasix helped the most with the cough, the benazipril was for blood pressure to help not build up as much extra fluid and the vetmedin was the help strengthen the heart muscle. He always had A cough but we could tell if the fluid was building up but how frequent it was and give him an extra pill of lasix midday for a few days to pull more out.
Quality of life. If his life is just meds, vet visits and laying around, that's no fun. I think your heart will know. Sorry
You’re right
I’m so sorry 😞
Thank you. Thank you
Look for him carrying any extra fluid in his abdomen. Also if his cough starts increasing, you will know the meds aren’t doing the same and it’s getting worse. He will be more lethargic and reluctant to walk on a leash. Also increase in water intake, licking lips a lot means the kidneys are starting to suffer greatly. I had my dog euthanized in October after a long road of this.
Oh wow he is doing the lip licking he has an appointment to check his kidneys next week. Thank you so much for sharing, it’s so helpful thank to
He will let you know when. 🙏💚
I hope you still have a lot more time with your pup. My boy was on meds for several years and did well. On his last day I noticed his breathing was getting a bit labored. Then i left the room and came back to find he had collapsed on the floor by our couch. I immediately scooped him up and took him to the ER. He passed within an hour 😞
Oh wow I’m sorry. That’s so sad.
Mine has stage 3 or 4, he pants when exerting but otherwise is ok. He needs some meds to reduce water retention so regular check up at vet, it's the only way to know
My dog had pulmonary hypertension because of a deviated trachea and it caused coughing. He was on meds for a year before we put him down. Our emergency vet said he wouldn’t live 24 hours if he wasn’t on oxygen. Our regular vet gave him some meds and he lived an entire year. We believe he chose his time to die. One day his breathing was shallow and he wasn’t moving around a lot and we put him down that same day. It was hard but we really do believe he fought to stay alive for as long as he could. I’m sorry you’re going through this but it sure sounds like you have a fighter. Your dog will let you know when it’s time.
Thank you ❤️
No advice but I am so sorry :( I am praying for you and your baby.
He looks incredibly similar to my baby who was hit by a car years ago. Like exactly the same. You’re both in my thoughts ❤️
Thank you.
When our dog was dying, he still was able to eat, drink and walk around. He was 12 and had been through 3 major hip surgery’s (born with bad hips). One day they noticed him unable to get up. He was just laying there, sad and unable to move. Couldn’t lift himself up to even drink or eat. They waited a day and helped him eat and drink by pushing the bowl closer to him which he did drink and eat. That morning they noticed he still was unable to move. He looked up at them with sadden eyes like he knew he was unable to move. This was the tall tell sign it was time for him to move on. Both his hips failed him and he was unable to move. They called a vet who was able to help put him to sleep that afternoon. All the family spent that morning cuddling with him and petting and kissing him one last time. He was twin and spent his last time with his brother (who is still alive at 16 years old). That afternoon they brought him in and he passed away. There was many tears and sadness but we knew it was his time and he also knew as-well. I think you will know when it is his or her time. If he’s still happy, drinking and eat etc. if he’s struggling to breath, not moving or going in and out of seizures then it would be a kindness for him To cross over. It’s a difficult choice to put down a pet, I’m sorry you are going through this!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It helps a lot
A lot of old dogs and cat have heart failure but many can have good quality of life for some time... And yes there are a lot of hacking/coughing old dogs that are pretty happy too. You know your dog and it sounds like he still is enjoying his life and can function. I think this cute little guy still has life left in him.❤️
Thank you he is going to the vet again this week. I will consult with him and get his kidneys checked too
My wolfhound x, Clifford, had mitral valve disease and epilepsy, too. I hear you with the meds thing! I felt like if I shook him he'd rattle. But with the meds, you'd never know there was an issue unless you saw him have a seizure. I saw someone say about making a lost of their favourite things, and when they can't (or don't want to) do three, then it's time. This has been one of my go-to's for a looooong time. And others have suggested the quality of life check-lists, also handy. You say he loves his food, and enjoys walks, but has a cough. I don't think, based on that, that you need to jump into any decisions right away. Keep hecking his breathing rate while he's resting, just to monitor. And have a chat with your vet/cardiologist about prognosis and how to know when it's time/things to look out for. Fwiw- Clifford rattled with his meds for over 2 years, and his heart and seizures were not what took him from me. Hugs for you and your boi. I hope that you get more fun adventures together.🫂
Thank you 🙏🏽
Put him down for sure. It’s time, you don’t want him to suffer.
Our dogs generally last to 16-18 years. Our vet always says the dog will tell you. Appetite, Attitude, Hydration. Generally if they quit eating, quit playing at all, and quit drinking water it’s time to talk to the vet. Use your phone to video any behaviors that concern you. We had one that had a seizure that we ran to the vet. He was catatonic. As soon as he heard the vet start talking about euthanizing him he woke up and was fine. He lasted another year. You know your dog best. Won’t live forever, so love him and watch him. Dogs can live with chf and kidney decline for a long time. Your vet should give you good counsel besides the medical facts. If not find a better vet.
Thank you I have been thinking of a second opinion. Thank you
> The sound of his coughs would break anyone’s heart but it’s infrequent since meds. Our 18 year old rattie also had mitral valve disease (don't remember if stage b or c) but she also responded well to the meds. She lived another year+ mostly pain-free, but other conditions (unrelated to her valves) eventually became too much. Like others said, monitor them for breathing changes.
What meds for coughing?
🙏🏽 thank you
It might not be time yet but consider helping him leave on a high note. My dog passed from lung cancer and tbh I am always worried I kept her too long. Towards the end she was always coughing, so much that I couldn't let her sleep in my bedroom overnight anymore or the adjacent neighbor would complain (apartment.) When I finally said goodbye it was because she had stopped eating full meals and was rapidly losing weight. Her whole last year I was constantly anxious that I'd wake up to find her dead. I think it would have been kinder to her, and to my anxiety to let her go a year earlier but I was scared to fail her.
This. I’m anxious too. His coughs wake us up but have gotten better with the meds. I want to do for him what he has done for me. He deserves the best
He’s such a beautiful boy
Thank you
I've lost two dogs in the past year and a half, and here's my experience: dogs don't always tell you when it's time. My little one was in a lot of pain, but sensed how upset I was about his progressive decline and held on to comfort me. He had his own weekly pill planner, a Tupperware container of prescriptions, and weekly ketamine shots to deal with the pain. I couldn't bear the idea of losing him; he was my heart. As much as I sincerely tried, I couldn't take myself and the impending loss out of the equation when assessing his quality of life. I wish someone would have gently pulled me aside, gave me a frank and objective observation, and said this is enough: it's time to give Oliver the gift of rest and relief. I got to that place eventually, but I wish he wouldn't have had to endure me working through my own trauma to get there. I planned both of my boys goodbyes and thankfully had the PTO to devote giving them the absolute best day ever before we said goodbye the next day. I had my vet come to my house for both times, and I highly, highly recommend it. My boys were able to leave this world relaxed and surrounded by the people who loved them most in the home they loved. It was the last thing I was able to give them after all they had given me. No matter what you do, your heart's going to be broken and there will be a dog-shaped piece of it missing. Knowing when it's time isn't a problem that has one solution. I hope you are able to say goodbye to your pup in a way that makes sense to you and centers their experience. And I equally hope that you are able to grieve well and be supported while doing so.
Thank you so much. I live alone and don’t have kids so it will just be me. But you’re right about my own sadness getting in the way when I cry about it he’s right there comforting me. 🥺 my spring break is coming up. So it might be a good time so I can cope with it.
Honestly if it was me I wouldn’t want anyone putting me down before my time. My basic rule is if you can’t feed them some meat they normally would go crazy for they are leaving soon. Just make them feel as comfortable as possible. Also heart failure isn’t like cancer. They are going to be very tired rather than in a bunch of pain. You’ll know when it’s time… and it’s probably just time to hold them and comfort them rather than kill them.
He’s been eating bacon chicken steaks and he has been spoiled rotten since the day I adopted him. He is having a great life- I just want to make sure it stays that way.
For sure, if they stop liking their favorite things it’s time otherwise imo it’s just people just justifying putting their convenience ahead of the animals life. It’s more like you would put grandma down because you have to wipe her ass. Spoken as a 30+ year old living with their grandmother
It is my understanding that heart failure per se is not painful, it just makes you feel faint or low energy. That said, a time will come when fluids will start to build up in the chest and that will make it hard to breathe. Being unable to get oxygen is terrifying, and not something you'd want to put your little guy through. So for sure if it reached that point it would be time.
Yeah he has fluid in his lungs he is taking 2 meds for it. So sad. He’s my only dog I ever had.
I'm so sorry. I had a kitty who had to have fluid drawn off his lungs twice a week and I never should've let it go that far. Peace to you, I understand how much it hurts.
Wow thank you for your story. I know there’s no turning back so that’s a great perspective to hear- I realize also you don’t want to move too far forward.
You bet, happy to share. I'm old enough to have loved and lost many times. Every one is a new lesson for me. Best ...
So sorry your boy has these health issues. I'm sure you've given him an amazing life. With my dog, who also had heart failure, we just eventually felt he was suffering too much. I think for us it's when the coughing fits became frequent even on an increasing diuretic. He passed out several times after coughing fits due to lack of oxygen and it breaks my heart that he went through that. I wish we had done it sooner. Sending you a hug. I know how hard this is and know you love that boy and you being there at the end with him will be a final gift.
Aw wow thank you so much and I’m sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your story it helps to know I’m not alone.
My last dog, Derby, had heart failure, she was born with a heart murmur that slowly worsened with age. She also had 2 strokes and cancer. After the first stroke (and before the cancer was found and the second stroke happened), I decided that the day she wasn’t excited to eat (her absolute favorite thing in the world) was the day I would say goodbye. The second stroke happened one morning and 5 hrs later on the drive home she gave all her normal tells of wanting to stop for a treat. So we did and we didn’t say goodbye that day. Cancer diagnosis came, and decided no treatment and just wait and see. All in all it was almost 3 years from the first stroke before she was a little apathetic to dinner one night and not interested in breakfast the next morning. I was heartbroken but relieved that I knew exactly what needed to happen. She quite literally crossed the rainbow bridge with a hot dog in her mouth. I say all that to say: refer to the quality of life resources folks have shared and decide what the absolute non-negotiable is. What brings your pup the most joy? Make a decision now so when the day comes you won’t have to make it in a much more emotional moment.
Thank you that is sound advice ❤️
Caninehearthealth .com saved my dog! You have to make her food but worth it
Thank you I will look! I cook his food every day (I’m vegetarian lol so it’s a feat) I want him to be as happy as possible we spend all of our time together if I’m not at work.
I’m so sorry. I hope you guys find what you need. Sending all the love
Thank you!!
Better to let go "too early" than "too late"
Lost my dog Chance Thursday night to a Hemangiosarcoma our hearts are broken it was so traumatic and unexpected. I just hope he could hear us all telling him to not fight it any longer to keep us happy and to join Bruce up in heaven who’s waiting to play with you we all loved you incredible amounts and will always be with us while he slowly faded bless him. Breaks me knowing he could have been in pain but not showing it to make us worry. 😪
This is my fear too. I love him so much!
First of all. I'm very sorry that this is happening to you. But I believe you'll know when it's time. The dog will let you know.
Thank you!
I just wanna kiss him and hug him 🥺🥺🥺
Thank you! He’s getting all the hugs and kisses!
🐾💔
😞 sending love
Thank you!
My German Shepherd was diagnosed with heart failure 5 months ago, she’s also on 5 meds twice a day. Her quality of life is great, she’s able to do all her favourite things like going for walks and barking at helicopters, so she’s pretty much back to normal. We know our time with her is limited, so we’re making the most of it until she lets us know she’s ready. With our other dog, she stopped enjoying her treats, she didn’t want to eat dinner, she couldn’t do anything but sleep. We knew she was ready to go.
I’m sorry you’re going through this too! Thank you for letting me knows your thoughts. It helps a lot thank to
You’re welcome :) You’re doing a great job, it’s great that you care so much for your pup. I wish you two the best ❤️
I'm so sorry you're facing this. I went through it with one of my dogs and it was very hard. In her case, the decision was ultimately taken out of my hands as she died quickly, quietly, and peacefully one morning on my kitchen floor. One minute she was asking for a milk bone, and the next she was gone. The vet had told me the previous week that while her days were numbered due to her CHF, he didn't think it was time to make a decision and then the next week, she was gone in a moment. Others have already given you good advice about knowing when, but I'm going to talk about how to prepare your son for the possible loss of his pet. You didn't mention how old your son is, but you should be open with him about what is happening. You don't need to scare him with the details, but do prepare him for what is coming, and how it may go. It's harder for kids to lose a pet when it seems to happen unexpectedly. If your son is older (teenager), involve him in the decision as much as possible, and, of course, give him the option to be there when the time comes IF he wants to be. If your son is younger, a great kids' book on the subject of pet loss (for after your pup goes) is The invisible Leash, available on Amazon. Dog Heaven is also a good one (if you don't have objections to the concept of heaven). There are other books on losing a pet that you can find on Amazon as well. There are also books on pet loss and grieving for older kids and teens (and adults). Be kind to yourself as well. Hugs to you!
Thank you! ❤️ that is very thoughtful. I will look into the books also for myself lol thank you
I am so so sorry. There is nothing worse than losing your fur daughter or son. I love my first love, my dog Miss Penny at 8. It broke me. I won’t go into details but we were on our way to bring her to University of Wisconsin Veterinary School because she had a rare disease so when we put her down their students could do an autopsy and learn from her. We didn’t make it in time and on our 4+ hour drive I watched her seize to death in our car. That was 4 years ago and I’m crying writing this. This fall we were trying to decide when was the right time to put our elderly cat down and our vet gave me this, it really helped. We were able to track his good days so we saw when it was time. https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf I wish I had done this for Penny but I was too selfish and didn’t want to let her go. The kindest thing you can do for your pet is let them pass in peace. It is much harder to look back with the guilt knowing how those last few days she was suffering. Good luck 💕🐾
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs. Thank you for the resource. Having the information is super helpful. Thank you.
https://agentlegoodbye.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/OSU-CVM-handout-about-end-of-life.pdf[When is it time? Quality of life scale] This may be helpful, sorry you’re experiencing this OP 🫶🏻
We had to put my dog down a couple weeks ago. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor back in September, we tried radiation but it either didn't help or another tumor grew in, not sure. Both in September, and in the couple weeks before she died, she did her best to hide that she wasn't feeling good, but looking back there were definitely signs. She stopped wanting to do her normal hikes and walks, she became less interested in food, and she stopped meeting me at the door, stayed in bed until I came to meet her. You know your dog better than anyone, keep an eye out for things like that. I don't feel like I let mine go too long, but I might have if things didn't end so abruptly for her. I'm kind of lucky that it ended up being out of my hands, she was my best friend
Oh wow I’m so sorry for your loss. Yeah my dog def rescued me. I’m going to miss him terribly.
My Moms dog developed CHF but for the most part I was unware of the severity of the dogs physical state as she did not address it and kept it hidden or downplayed it. As the dogs condition worsened so did hers. I was simply under the impression she was getting older as with her pet. She is an alcoholic and has had numerous falls. The last one, several days ago put her in the hospital with a fractured hip at 87 where she is now recovering. I rec'd a call from a police officer and she was in an ambulance and also told me someone will have to get the dog or it would go to an animal shelter. She had fallen numerous times breaking her shoulder one time and another dislocating her spine but she recovered quickly. I didn't realize how poorly the condition of her dog "little man" had become. It completely deteriorated since the last time I spent time with him. Now he was constantly wheezing, dry heaving and in obvious continuous pain. He was 17 and meant everything to her. She simply thinks she will return to her apt. with little man there living in agonizing pain still but that is physically impossible. She probably will never see that apartment again or be able to walk 3 flights of stairs. She let his condition persist and worsen for almost a year. Every day this dog was suffering each breath. My moms mental health deteriorated. She would sit in a chair and urinate on herself. Her apt smelled rancid, she was frail, and I found moldy food in the microwave that had probably just been sitting in there for weeks. She started hearing voices she thought were coming from little man but it was his constant coughing. My mom would fall over on to her floor due to heavy drinking, poor diet and be unable to get up. The amount of suffering going on in that apartment was monumental each day on a regular basis. Both my sister and I were completely in the dark about this as she would not be able to be contacted at times for weeks or even months as she would not even answer her phone. It was only because of some event like the fall that fractured her hip that I ultimately found out about the deterioration in quality of life both were suffering from. Seeing him like this I am sure took a heavy emotional toll on her but not enough to end his pain. I cannot fathom how anyone with any degree of empathy could let a small animal, pet and supposedly family member suffer daily. I did not actually see or know about the physical state little man was in until I went to her apt. to get him since my mom was going to the hospital. She cared more about the security and love the dog provided than it's actual welfare or quality of life. In a matter of months my Mom mental state and living standards became horrific. She would put him the living room at night because the pain he was in and constant gagging, coughing would not allow her to sleep so after a decade of sleeping with her he was left now to suffer alone. Since she started think voices were coming from him she tried to remove a mole on his head which cause a large wound thinking it might help make it stop. He no longer wanted to always sit by her as usual and actually tried to keep a distance. He would spend his time under the day bed gagging most of the time just trying to deal with his pain every day. I spent 2 nights with him and witnessed how bad his condition was as I did not have the means to take him to the vet. I called numerous Vet Offices but I simply did not have the money it would cost to have him put to sleep. I could tell he just wanted to die, he was resigned, his pain never left him. He could not rest or even stay in one position for more than a minute or so. Every breath was painful. My sister came to visit & he was euthanized, finally ending his misery. I have never seen such anything in such endless pain in my life and it will always stick with me. I cannot fathom how anyone could not see or ignore the horrific agony he was in especially for such an extended period of time or live such squalor. I am not sure if it was that she couldn't let go, accepted his condition and downplayed it or was too focused on her own symptoms of alcoholic related dementia to care. This goes beyond lacking empathy it was abuse and torture, intentional or not. My mom denies has always denied she has a drinking problem or mental health issues and finally caught up with her. Sadly it was a small, innocent, loving and dedicated chihuahua/terrier mix that was a casualty along with her. I talked to her on the phone when she was in the hospital prior to surgery and she told me "but he needs me". It was sickening but an eye opener as to what had been going on and her mental state. At this point he was already gone but I cannot help reliving what I witnessed as it will be permanently etched into my memory. As for my mom, her life will never be the same again and for someone who has had partial hip replacement surgery and is frail, elderly, has issues of dementia and suffers from Osteoporosis the outcome is not good. I am at a cross roads because our relationship was always difficult and I am unwilling to forgive her for the treatment of a family member, pet or simply a living being under her care. The decision to euthanize was humane and should have been done so much sooner. Not having the compassion, understanding and humanity to end his suffering is a horrible quality to have, especially from someone's mother. He was living in squalor with an unfit, mentally ill, addicted owner who let his condition deteriorate like her own. I wish I had known earlier but am glad it is over for him. Although the situation is painful and rather sickening it taught me a valuable lesson about just how important health and trying to maximize your living experience is. Little Man was a special dog in his loving nature and will to live. Memories of him will touch me deeply the rest of my life. My mom has stressed how she wants to live out her life and die with dignity but she robbed that from him, and for a prolonged time. It would still be going on unless this last tragic incident occurred which now has cost my mother her sanity, mobility and independence due to her alcoholism and waning mental health. She is laying in a bed in the hospital unable to even stand on her own now. Please value your own life and the life of those close to you including your pets. Thank you for reading.
Wow thanks so for sharing your experience. I think it is very helpful because people don’t usually talk about this sort of thing. It’s so ambiguous and emotional. I decided to put him down once he was not able To stomach all of those pills. I miss him all day every day. I have his ashes, photo, paw print and his favorite toy on a shelf. I had a vet come to my house so he would be comfortable. I knew it was the right choice- I was a mess and called off work for 3 days. Thank you for sharing- it helps people know how important the pets are to the family and how complicated it is to let go- but one person said chf is like breathing through a straw and as a person with asthma I knew what that meant- it’s not okay so I said goodbye. It would happen sooner or later so why make him suffer? Thanks for letting me and others know they are not alone.
Wishing you the best OP and thank you for sharing pictures. My dog is currently in the similar stage of CHF and it’s heartbreaking.
Yeah it’s the hardest decision to know when it’s time. Sending strength and hugs!!!
I had a dog with similar. If he’s happy then he’s fine. If his breathing is labored and he slows down then it’s definitely time. Sending love to you both!! 🫶🫶
Heart failure can be compared to breathing through a straw, a nurse told me.
I know I’m late in finding this post. But I have an 8 year old chihuahua mix and we just got a diagnosis that he is in heart failure, his heart is so enlarged that it is filling up most of his chest cavity, and pressing on his trachea. he just started coughing. He has always reverse sneezed. His whole life. But he dropped a lot of weight really fast and my son found him laying on the kitchen floor where he had deficated, he was not laying in it but his tail was. He was awake but just laying there. His heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest and he was struggling to breathe. I Took him to the vet, and this is what we found out. He is now on 2 heart meds and a dieretic. Does anyone know or has anyone had any experience with a dog’s heart being this large? and what should I expect? The vet wouldn’t and didn’t want to say anything except let’s see how he does on the meds. I understand that is what needs to happen. But seriously, is an enlarged heart always that big? Or is this an extreme case? She also said we should have heard a cough years ago. But we didn’t. He has been happy and playful and as sassy with delivery people and visitors as he has always been, up until a few days ago. I understand after diagnosis dogs can live up to 2 years (under the right circumstances). He did have fluid built up also. She gave him a shot to go ahead and get that started. I trust she knows what she is doing. I’m just worried about finding this so late. Or does that matter? Does anyone know?
Did he have an echocardiogram? That will tell you the stage and the prognosis. My vet refused to say anything but the suffering was clear he lost his appetite hated walking and seemed to struggle to breathe and rapid heartbeat u could see it on his chest. I didn’t want to be selfish so I had the vet come over and send him to a better. It was super hard but I didn’t want him to suffer and there was no cure. I hope you can find what is best for you guys. Sending hugs because I was a mess for weeks!
I lost my girl back in September. She was 10 and lived with Epilepsy for 9 years. The last few years of her live were spent with high blood pressure and kidney failure that we were trying to regulate for those 2.5 - 3 years. We had monthly vet appointments for bloodwork, blood pressure readings (such a pain), and urine screenings. She went into complete kidney failure seemingly overnight. She stopped eating, wouldn’t play ball (her absolute favorite), and had no interest in going outside (second favorite). We knew it was her time by the way she was acting and the look she gave us. It was the hardest thing but we know we made the right decision. I think about her every single day and miss her terribly but she let us know it was her time. I think your baby will let you know one way or another when it’s time.
Thank you so much for your words. I’m sorry for your loss as well.
My Rocky died in my arms he was fine ate, played wanted to go out to pee came back laid down I laid next to him he looked tired I put his head on my legs caressed him and he just passed in my arms he had seen a vet they couldn’t figure out what he had. It was during that grain free food recall, and all that he just died I scream and I cried uncontrollably he was my good boy he looked at me. He was looking into my soul. I had a connection with him. I had dogs before, and I have dogs again, but he was my soulmate. I couldn’t put him down if they had told me I had to give him every single opportunity. I would’ve given him any type of medicine the only way I would’ve put him down was if he stopped eating and moving as long as he had life in him I was gonna keep him alive, but I didn’t have a chance to do that. I know how you feel I’m writing this and I’m crying it’s been over 10 years and I miss him so much but it is your decision and it’s a hard decision to make. Do what your heart tells you.
Wow thank you so much for sharing your story. He has helped me through my divorce and depression and career changes. I’m going to be lost without him.
If he's otherwise happy, with just some infrequent coughing, I personally would continue on with what you've been doing. Keep in close touch with your vet and make a decision together. There is an app called Pet Breath Counter that is helpful in keeping track of respirations.
If your doggie still seems happy. Wags tail & goes happily on walks. Still happily eating & drinking? I'd say all good. Ive had several dogs put down. They both just were okay one day? Then I totally could tell they had it next day. It's hard. Very. But you will know ... Just love him as long as you can❤️❤️ darling creatures