I am so sorry.
We took our girl cat when she had no really good days. In retrospect we waited too long but her littermate and she were very attached.
Once he realized she wasn't coming home, he went downhill very rapidly. We made an appointment for him on a Tuesday. He died in his sleep on the Saturday. They were 22.

The only thing I can say is that in time the sweet memories will be more frequent than the bad ones. It may take a while.

They are with us always. We talk about them every day. It's been 16 years.

Anonymous wrote:Ditto...I also found that the vets would never bring up the option (of putting to sleep). But once I brought it up, the vets would confirm it was good decision. With one of my cats with a chronic condition, I waited too long for the vet to say it was time.

This was my experience. Once I brought it up, the vet confirmed. I’d hesitated bringing it up because I didn’t want to seem as though I was just tired of the extra work and expenses of an elderly pet, but it had really started to feel like her quality of life was very low and not going to improve, no matter what we did.

I also agree with having someone come to your house.

I’m sorry you’re going through this, OP. Hugs.

Anonymous wrote:If at all possible, I would highly recommend having a company come to your home instead of going to the vets, when it is time. The experience is much different. We were feeding our dog her favorite treat as she snuggled in her bed. Our dog did not like the car and would get scared at the vets with other dogs, so we wanted to make the experience as calming as possible. We used Lap of Love.

+one million

When we took our dog to the vet for the last time both docs were dealing with an emergency that had come in so we had to wait. And wait.

I know that's uncommon but..it sucked

If at all possible, I would highly recommend having a company come to your home instead of going to the vets, when it is time. The experience is much different. We were feeding our dog her favorite treat as she snuggled in her bed. Our dog did not like the car and would get scared at the vets with other dogs, so we wanted to make the experience as calming as possible. We used Lap of Love.

There are quizzes online that will walk you through when it’s time.

Describe the last thing your dog did comfortably -- getting up and walking somewhere to do something -- and how long ago it was.

I'm so sorry. There are several of these types of articles that give criteria to consider when making the decision. It might help to have some objective data points to base the decision on:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/knowing-time-say-goodbye-pet-euthanasia/

I’m so sorry. Giving your pet a kind exit is excruciating.

When they are having more bad days than good.

Ditto...I also found that the vets would never bring up the option (of putting to sleep). But once I brought it up, the vets would confirm it was good decision. With one of my cats with a chronic condition, I waited too long for the vet to say it was time.

I agree with the above posters. It may already be time.

Anonymous wrote:If you're thinking about it, it's probably time.

The only wrong one is putting it off while your pet suffers.

Sorry for your loss.

+1
It's not really an on/off switch where one day they aren't suffering and the next they are. They were probably suffering but hiding it well. Doing it while they are still somewhat comfortable is best, though understandably hard.

In retrospect 99% think they did it too late and they kept their pets in pain longer than necessary.

They never think that at the time because it's so hard to think straight and let go.

So hope that helps.

If you're thinking about it, it's probably time.

The only wrong one is putting it off while your pet suffers.

Sorry for your loss.

How did you know when it was time to take your elderly pet to be put to sleep?

I am facing this decision now and am afraid of making the wrong one because of my emotions getting in the way. Please tell me how you navigated this. My heart is wrenched and I could use some advice.