Question:
My dog Bruce is 16 years old and has lost most of his senses, but his heart is strong. How can I tell if he's suffering and if it's time to have him put to sleep? Or do I wait for him to die in his sleep?.
J.T., Fort Myers, FL May 02, 2004
Answer:
It is not always easy to know when an animal's time is up. Often, like people, the animal seems to know. Signs include becoming more distant and withdrawn or more insecure, agitated and clinging. Fear, anxiety and pain need to be considered and addressed. Consultation with an experienced veterinarian (ideally at home, as animals behave differently in a clinic or hospital), who is willing to euthanize the animal at home if need be, is advisable. Or seek the opinion of caring people who know your dog, since your assessment may be biased by your own sensitization, guilt or denial.Where there is obvious suffering that cannot be alleviated, the humane and responsible approach is euthanasia. That this is so often denied when it comes to people is an indication of our unresolved attitude toward death and suffering. At least the law gives animals a break.
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