Finding out your dog has cancer is possibly the worst news a pet parent can get. Depending on the type and severity of the cancer, you'll most likely start thinking about what this means as far as next steps. What can you do to help optimize your dog's quality of life in their final days? How do you know when to euthanize a dog with cancer?
Upon hearing the word "cancer," chemotherapy often comes to mind. There are many kinds of cancer in dogs, and chemotherapy is effective in some but not all. Other cancers (typically those ending in "sarcoma") respond well to radiation therapy. Some cancers require surgery, while others frustratingly evade every treatment option in the book. Get the facts from your veterinarian on your dog's specific type of cancer and the available treatment options.
While chemotherapy and radiation are two of the most common treatment options for cancer in dogs, according to VRC Oncology ,you might be reluctant to pursue them. While they can be costly and time-consuming, some cancers respond well to these therapies. Consider scheduling a consult with an oncologist to learn more about treatment options and to discuss your questions and concerns. During a consult, you're not committed to anything. Think of it more as a safe space where you can weigh the options so you can make a personal, informed choice about what's best for you and your dog.
Some cancers, such as certain lymphomas, respond to a corticosteroid medication called prednisone. A new vaccine is also available for oral melanomas in dogs that uses the dog's own immune system to fight the cancer. Oral chemotherapy options — yes, a pill! — are available as well. Know your options as there might be more than you think.
No matter which road you choose, the time will come when you'll need to decide when to say goodbye. But how do you know?
Deciding when to euthanize a dog with cancer is clearer in some situations than in others, like emergencies. An example of a sudden emergency is a dog with a brain tumor who's having frequent recurring seizures. Another example could be if your dog has a tumor growing within their spleen that's bleeding into their abdomen (or belly). Emergency situations like this can be emotionally difficult because there's not as much time to prepare. The silver lining is that your decision is clear. In these situations, you don't have to think about when to euthanize a dog with cancer; you just have to act.
But what about when the time to euthanize isn't as obvious? Maybe your dog has bone cancer and pain medication isn't helping, or maybe your dog has a liver tumor that's keeping them from eating enough to sustain their desire to play. You want more time with your furry friend, and it can be hard to know when to say goodbye. In these situations, euthanizing is a personal decision that depends on many factors, including your dog's quality of life. Several sites provide quality of life scales to help with this decision, such as The Ohio State University. You'll also want to watch for signs your dog is in pain.
While crying or whimpering can indicate pain, many dogs who are in pain don't make a sound. When you're couch-bound with the flu, you likely lie there quietly rather than groaning the whole time. Dogs are the same way: They'll yelp with acute pain, like you would when stubbing a toe, but they're often silent when experiencing chronic pain.
According to the American Kennel Club, some of the more obvious signs of pain include restlessness, increased breathing rate and trembling, but here are some more subtle signs to watch for:
Sometimes these changes are so gradual that it's difficult to notice them. It can be helpful to look at old photos or videos of your dog as a reminder of how they used to act and to give you a basis for comparison. A friend or family member that doesn't see them every day can be helpful as well.
In addition to learning about treatment options and observing your dog for signs of pain and decreased enjoyment, you'll want to do all you can to keep them comfortable in their final stage of life. Living with and fighting cancer requires substantial nutrients & calories, so some dogs need to be fed extra to account for the tumor that's draining their nutrients. Many dogs will still lose weight (called cachexia) from cancer, but feeding them a high-calorie food can help slow down that process. Check with your vet to determine the best food for your dog.
As you consider when to euthanize a dog with cancer, remember this: There's no one right or wrong answer. Some people think if they don't pick the exact date, they've failed as a pet parent. If you care enough about your dog to read articles and do your best to inform yourself, your dog is in good hands. As you face saying goodbye to your best friend, remember the good times you had, and know that you'll do right by them to the very end. Your dog will love you for it.
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