How do I know when it is time?
This is something to decide together with your vet. Your vet can explain how your dog is doing and what the options are. You do not have to decide alone.
This needs your vet’s judgement. This page only shares other owners’ experiences and public information. It is not medical advice.
If you are struggling right now, you can talk to someone.
findahelpline.com lists free helplines in each country
A real example
In a 2025 pet grief survey by the UK animal welfare charity RSPCA, nearly 40% of owners said it was hard to know when to choose euthanasia. The RSPCA's head vet says vets are there to help, and owners are not expected to decide on their own.
What others said
「My bedridden 18-year-old dog cries at night, and I'm scared it's a sign the end is near.」
Shared online (reworded) Japan, Oct 2026「My dog is nearly 20, with weak back legs and diapers at night; I listed quality-of-life points and contacted an at-home euthanasia service.」
Shared online (reworded) Taiwan, Oct 2026「I keep struggling over when to let my dog go, while my family feels doing it too early is killing him.」
Shared online (reworded) English-speaking, Oct 2026「I just learned today my old dog has heart disease, and the vet mentioned euthanasia as one option.」
Shared online (reworded) Latin America, Oct 2026「My dog had dementia for a long time, and I decided to have them put to sleep.」
Shared online (reworded) English-speaking, Oct 2026「The vet said my old dog is waiting for my decision, and I spent all day agonizing over euthanasia.」
Shared online (reworded) English-speaking, Oct 2026Show 2 more
「My 15-year-old dog slowly declined for two years, then suddenly got worse, and today may be the day I let them go.」
Shared online (reworded) English-speaking, Oct 2026「My 14-year-old dog had joint pain for years and late-stage dementia, so I decided on euthanasia.」
Shared online (reworded) English-speaking, Oct 2026What people do in different places
Sources
Updated 25 Oct 2026. This page updates daily from owners’ posts.