Should We Consider Euthanasia for Our Senior Dogs. What Are Your Thoughts?

We’ve always had dogs for over 50 years, adopting rescues and caring for them through thick and thin. Right now, we’re in a difficult situation with our three dogs, and we’re hoping for advice from others who might have gone through something similar.

Our oldest dog, Ears, is 16 and suffers from dementia and degenerative myelopathy. Grizzle, 13, is a border terrier mix, and although he’s had a rocky relationship with Ears over the years, his aggression has been escalating lately. Fawn, our 9-year-old Chihuahua, has always gotten along well with the other two, but the tension between Ears and Grizzle has been growing.

Despite trying medication from the vet, Grizzle’s aggression has only worsened, and he seems more sedated and even shows signs of mental decline. Our family is at a loss, and we’re wondering if it’s time to make the tough decision of euthanizing one or more of our dogs to stop the suffering. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What did you do?

You’re doing your best. Grizzle seems to be really struggling. Maybe fluoxetine could help, as it worked for our anxious dog, though it’s not a miracle cure. If the attacks keep happening, you may need to do what’s best for everyone, including the dogs.

Everyone seems to be in pain here. Euthanasia might be the hardest, but it might also be the kindest thing to do. It sounds like there’s no real solution left.

Harlan said:
Everyone seems to be in pain here. Euthanasia might be the hardest, but it might also be the kindest thing to do. It sounds like there’s no real solution left.

Thank you. I’ve had many dogs in my life, but this is so hard. We’re all miserable, and it seems like it’s time to end their suffering.

I understand your concern, but have you considered Ears’ quality of life? DM is a tough disease, and when it’s paired with dementia, it can be even worse. It might feel like I’m saying you should consider euthanasia for Ears, but I’m just thinking about her comfort. It’s possible that Grizzle’s aggression could be linked to his own mental state, too. Either way, you have to think about what’s best for each dog, and it’s always tough to make this choice.

If it were me, I would recommend euthanasia for Ears. With dementia and old age, it seems like she’s not having a good time, and prolonging this may just make it worse.

I understand your hesitation to consider euthanasia, but I really think it’s worth reflecting on why. It’s not about being weak or abandoning them—it’s about doing what’s best for them. You don’t want to keep a dog alive in pain just to avoid feeling guilty. The situation isn’t going to improve, and sometimes the kindest thing is to let them go. It may not feel easy, but it might bring peace in the long run.

Euthanasia is okay if everyone is suffering. Ears won’t get better, and it seems like prolonging this only causes more pain. You’ve given them a good life, and now it’s time to give them a peaceful end.

I have a neighbor with a dog who has seizures, and I’ve seen how this confusion can cause aggression. It sounds like Grizzle’s behavior might be due to some brain changes, possibly from age or health issues. It may be time to consider putting the older dog to rest, which might even help Grizzle feel better. Just a theory, but I agree with the others who suggest that euthanasia could be the right choice.

I know it’s a hard choice, but a 16-year-old dog with dementia likely isn’t living comfortably anymore. I’d personally consider rehoming only if that seemed like the best solution, but in this case, it seems like euthanasia might be kinder. Grizzle could get off the medication, and that might help with his behavior. It’s a tough call, but you’ve done your best.

@Shannon
Rehoming a 13-year-old dog who’s bonded with the others just doesn’t seem right. Or rehoming a 16-year-old dog who’s lived with the family for years. It would likely just cause more stress for them. Sometimes it’s more about doing what’s kindest for the dogs rather than what’s easiest for the owner.

I’ve tried trazodone for my dog, and it took some time for him to get used to it. It’s not just a sedative; it’s an antidepressant, but the sedative side effect can be a bit much at first. Fluoxetine worked better for us in the long run. It’s not a quick fix, but meds plus behavioral changes can help. If you were expecting a quick turnaround, it might take a few more weeks to see the full effects.