If you are reading this, you are probably watching your dog change and wondering whether they are still enjoying life. There is rarely one clear moment. This guide explains the signs vets look for, gives you a simple way to track how your dog is doing, and helps you prepare for the conversation with your vet.
It may be time to consider euthanasia when your dog's bad days outnumber their good days, when pain or breathlessness can no longer be controlled, or when they can no longer do the things that make them who they are, such as eating, getting up, going outside or greeting you. Your vet can examine your dog and help you decide; you do not have to make this decision alone.
Signs your dog may be nearing the end of life
Every dog is different, and some of these signs can be treated. Taken together, and especially when they keep getting worse, they suggest it is time to talk to your vet about quality of life.
- Pain that is hard to control: panting at rest, trembling, restlessness at night, yelping when touched, or reluctance to lie down.
- Not eating or drinking: refusing favourite foods for more than a day or two, or only eating when hand-fed.
- Struggling to move: unable to stand without help, falling, or no longer able to manage stairs or short walks.
- Breathing changes: fast, laboured or noisy breathing, or coughing that disturbs their rest.
- Incontinence: soiling themselves or their bed, particularly if it distresses them or causes sore skin.
- Withdrawal: hiding, no longer greeting the family, or losing interest in toys, walks and people they love.
- Confusion: pacing, getting stuck in corners, staring at walls or not recognising familiar people.
If your dog is in severe distress now (struggling to breathe, collapsed, or in pain that will not settle), contact your own vet or an emergency vet straight away.
A quality-of-life check you can do at home
Many vets use a simple scoring system, often called the HHHHHMM scale, to make a hard judgement a little clearer. Score each area from 0 (very poor) to 10 (excellent) based on the last few days.
| Area | Ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Hurt | Is pain well controlled? Is breathing comfortable? |
| Hunger | Is my dog eating enough without being coaxed? |
| Hydration | Are they drinking enough to stay hydrated? |
| Hygiene | Can they keep themselves clean? Are there sores? |
| Happiness | Do they still show interest in family, toys and surroundings? |
| Mobility | Can they get up, move around and go to the toilet? |
| More good days than bad | Over the past week, have good days outnumbered bad ones? |
A total above about 35 out of 70 is often taken to mean quality of life is still acceptable. It is a guide, not a verdict. Take your scores to your vet and use them to start the conversation.
You can talk to our team about home euthanasia, what it involves and what happens afterwards, with no obligation to book. We answer calls and messages 24 hours a day.
The good-days, bad-days diary
When you see your dog every day, slow changes are easy to miss. A simple diary helps. Each evening, mark the day as good or bad on a calendar, and add a word or two about why. After a week or two, the pattern is often clearer than it felt at the time.
Some families also write down the three things their dog loves most, such as a morning walk, a favourite toy, or greeting the children at the door. When your dog can no longer enjoy any of them, that is often a sign that their world has become very small.
Talking to your vet
Your vet can examine your dog, explain what is causing the changes, and tell you whether treatment or pain relief could help. Questions that families often find useful:
- Is my dog in pain, and can it be controlled?
- Is this condition likely to improve, stay the same or get worse?
- What would a crisis look like, and how would I recognise it?
- If we wait, what are we waiting for?
It is completely normal to feel guilty, uncertain or relieved, sometimes all at once. Choosing a peaceful goodbye is a final act of care.
Choosing where to say goodbye
Once you have decided, you can choose where it happens. Many families prefer a home visit, so their dog is in familiar surroundings without a car journey or a waiting room. You can choose the room, a favourite bed, or the garden, and have the whole family there.
At My Pet Farewell, a registered vet visits you at home across London and the surrounding counties, and our team then takes care of your dog's individual cremation. You can read what happens during a home euthanasia visit or see our home euthanasia service.
If you are thinking of burying your dog in your garden afterwards, read our guide to home euthanasia and garden burial first, as there are extra precautions after euthanasia.
Talk To Our Team
Tell us a little about your dog and we'll call you back. There is no obligation — if you just want to talk things through, we're happy to help.
Common questions
Is it better to be a little early than too late?
Many vets say that a peaceful goodbye a little early is kinder than a crisis a little late. If your dog is still having some good moments, that can be a gift: you get to say goodbye while they still know you, rather than in an emergency.
Will my dog tell me when it's time?
Sometimes owners describe "a look", but many dogs hide pain and discomfort well. A quality-of-life score and a good-days diary are more reliable than waiting for a single sign.
Can I book a home visit just to talk it through?
Yes. You can call or WhatsApp us to talk about where things are, what home euthanasia involves, and what happens afterwards. There is no obligation to book.
Should my other pets be there?
Many families find their other pets settle better when they are allowed to be present, or to see their companion afterwards. Let them come and go as they wish.
What if my dog dies naturally before the appointment?
Call us. We can still collect your dog, 24 hours a day, and arrange their individual cremation.
We're here when you're ready
Talk to us about a peaceful goodbye at home, with a registered vet and individual cremation afterwards. No pressure and no obligation.
Talk to us WhatsApp our teamYou may also find helpful
This article is general information to help you prepare. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Every pet is different, and decisions about euthanasia should always be made with a vet who has examined your pet. Last updated September 2026.
