Deciding when to say goodbye to a beloved dog is a heart-wrenching decision, especially when the pet is suffering due to age or illness. The Dog Aging Project conducted a survey with 2,570 dog owners to better understand these difficult decisions. The survey explored the cause of death, the role of euthanasia, and the medical and quality-of-life factors leading up to the end.

Key Findings from the Survey

The Dog Aging Project is a collaborative research initiative that enrolls companion dogs to study the effects of aging, aiming to improve the health and longevity of both dogs and humans.

• Euthanasia Decisions: Over 85% of surveyed dog owners chose euthanasia, with nearly half citing the desire to relieve their pet’s suffering. More than half listed illness or disease as the cause of death.

• Quality of Life: Veterinarians emphasize the importance of both lifespan and health span, focusing on the portion of a dog's life when they are in good health. Dr. Kellyn McNulty from Texas A&M’s School of Veterinary Medicine highlighted the need to ensure pets have a good quality of life, not just a long one.

Age and Euthanasia

Interestingly, the survey revealed that age was not a significant factor in the decision to euthanize.

• Younger Dogs: Euthanasia decisions also affect younger dogs suffering from severe illnesses or diseases that drastically reduce their quality of life. This shows that the difficult decision to say goodbye is not solely related to the dog's age.

• Signs of Aging: As veterinary medicine advances, managing chronic illnesses may play a more significant role in determining a dog's quality of life. Owners should watch for signs of aging or illness, such as house soiling, restlessness, anxiety, and arthritis, to help assess their dog’s well-being.

Support for Dog Owners

Dog owners are not alone in making these tough decisions. Veterinarians provide crucial support and advice during these times.

• Regular Vet Visits: Regular veterinary check-ups create a health record that helps identify abnormal behaviors or health issues in dogs. This history is essential for making informed decisions about a dog's quality of life.

• Veterinary Guidance: Veterinarians, many of whom are pet owners themselves, understand the emotional difficulty of letting go and can help owners make compassionate choices without feeling like they are giving up.

The Dog Aging Project is still accepting dogs of all breeds for ongoing research. To date, over 50,000 dogs have been enrolled. For more information or to enroll your dog, visit dogagingproject.org.