Did we put our dog down too early?
Background:
My dog was a large Lab / Basset Hound mix who would’ve turned 13 next month. He had been with us for 12 years and was honestly just a constant, healthy presence in our lives for most of that time. He was active, playful, loved walks, swimming, the beach, dog parks, and just being around us.
What changed (over the last few months):
Lost ~10 lbs in about 2 months (with a more gradual weight loss before that)
Noticeable loss of appetite, eventually refusing most meals
Would only eat small amounts (chicken/rice, wet food, treats)
Constant panting and restlessness
Slower movement and overall low energy
Groaning/discomfort and trouble settling
Vomiting/retching episodes
Sudden diarrhea with mucus, blood, and long, gelatin-like/stringy stool
Just seemed generally weak and “not himself”
On top of that, he had multiple large masses, swollen lymph nodes, and elevated lymphocytes - the vet suspected lymphoma.
Quality of life:
Wasn’t excited about food like he used to be
Couldn’t really get comfortable or rest well
Seemed restless or uncomfortable most of the time
Had a very noticeable change in personality/energy compared to his normal self
Vet input:
Our vet told us he would not get better and that this was a progressive decline. We were also told we wouldn’t want to see him become severely emaciated (he was ~90 lbs in his prime and had lost a significant amount of weight).
There wasn’t a curative path expected, just continued decline. We didn’t pursue extensive testing because the vet felt the prognosis was poor and unlikely to change management.
End of life decision:
We made the decision to euthanize based on his quality of life and our vet’s guidance. The process itself was very peaceful and quick after sedation.
Why I’m posting:
I’m really struggling with guilt and second-guessing the timing. I keep wondering if we acted too soon. Or tried to address the GI issues and see if that helped at least for a little while. I’d really appreciate honest perspectives from people who’ve been through something like this.