Dr Murray, a hospice veterinarian who helps families navigate some of the hardest goodbyes, has shared a stark message with dog owners about having their pets put down
A vet has shared his “unpopular” opinion about euthanising pets, and it has sparked an emotional debate among dog owners. Dr Murray, a hospice veterinarian who helps families navigate some of the hardest goodbyes, shared a stark message with followers on TikTok.
It reads: “Unpopular opinion: Just because more could be done… doesn’t mean it should be.” While many users agreed with his perspective, others shared their own heartbreaking experiences – explaining how the most logical decision is often far from the easiest one to make. One pet owner said: “Had this with my elderly cat who got injured, he’d had an amazing life, took him to the vets and they talked about surgeries and cutting limbs off and everything under the sun.
“I said ‘I’ll stop you there, I’m putting him to sleep’. I sleep well knowing that in his whole life he experienced so little pain and suffering and a dignified end with me there holding him.”
Another user added: “I’m having such a hard time watching these videos because I have a shepherd on her last legs and today she’s happy and tomorrow might be bad, and I don’t know what’s right. I just don’t know.”
While a third said: “They found masses in my old boy’s liver and spleen (unsure of type at the time).
“He was 11.5. Said they could remove his spleen and the other masses if I wanted to and have them tested.
“But I couldn’t imagine putting him through that kind of surgery at his age and knowing deep down it was cancer.
“Three weeks later they found fluid around his heart and a mass. I’m just thankful I got those last three weeks with him in the best physical condition he could be in – and not all laid up after being cut open.”
One more person wrote: “We had to make this devastating decision for my boy nearly two weeks ago. He was only five… as much as I’m grieving, I know he hadn’t had his usual quality of life and would only have got worse. His wellbeing came before my wants.”
The discussion has clearly struck a chord with pet owners, with many reflecting on just how difficult it can be to balance doing everything possible with doing what’s truly best for their animal.
Sharing advice, the Blue Cross said: “It’s often difficult to know how your dog is really feeling, so it’s important to talk with your vet, family and friends. That way you can ensure you make a decision based on your dog’s best interests.
“You and your family know your dog better than anyone else and, often, it’s a case of them having more bad days than good.
“If medication is prescribed to tackle pain, it’s sensible to set a time limit with your vet for improvements to your pet’s quality of life. If treatment isn’t enough to prevent further suffering, your vet is likely to recommend euthanasia.
“We often feel guilty about whether we put our pets to sleep too soon, or too late, but these are normal reactions when we grieve and you’re not alone in those feelings.
“Remember that few dogs die peacefully in their sleep at home. Most reach a point when their quality of life is poor and a decision for euthanasia has to be made.”
