I’m really struggling with the decision we made to let our dear Max go, and I could use some perspective from you all. Max was our 13-year-old golden retriever, full of love but recently diagnosed with severe arthritis and kidney failure. Over the past few months, we watched him go from being that energetic dog wagging his tail on our hikes to barely being able to stand or eat without whimpering in pain. It broke our hearts to see him suffer like that. The vet said his pain would only get worse and the treatments weren’t helping much. We chose to euthanize him last week to save him from further pain, but now I’m drowning in guilt and second-guessing if we did right by him. How do you know when it’s truly time or if there was something more we could have done? I keep worrying that maybe we acted too soon. Has anyone else faced this? Would love to hear how others have coped with similar situations.
Hi there,
First, I want to say how truly sorry I am for your loss. Euthanasia is undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner has to make, and it’s entirely natural to feel uncertain afterward. You made this decision out of love and a desire to relieve your pet from pain or suffering, and that’s incredibly compassionate.
When it comes to euthanasia, we typically consider it when a pet's quality of life has declined significantly—perhaps due to untreatable pain, chronic illness, or when they no longer gain joy from activities they once loved. It's a decision made with their best interest in mind.
It's important to allow yourself time and space to grieve. Each person copes differently, so be gentle with yourself and seek support from friends, family, or pet loss support groups if needed.
If you're noticing feelings of doubt or guilt lingering and they’re affecting your day-to-day life, it might be helpful to talk it through with a professional. Here at Dial A Vet, our team is here to listen and help you through this. Consider booking a video consult with one of our veterinarians to discuss your feelings and ensure you’re getting the support you need.
Please take care of yourself during this tender time.
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