Nobody wants to see their close ones in pain - and this goes for animals too.
A vet has shared a 'calendar test' owners can use to determine whether it's the right time to say goodbye to their pet.
Although it may feel 'cruel' to have them put to sleep, it's almost always in their best interest and saves them from living their final days in pain.
Vets at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Centre, in Columbus, America, have come up with 10 questions owners should ask themselves as part of their pet's end-of-like treatment.
A statement reads: "Deciding to euthanise your companion animal may be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make.
"Often, well-loved pets are euthanised to minimise unnecessary suffering. The quality of animals’ lives is defined by their overall physical and mental well-being, not just one aspect of their lives."
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Questions to ask yourself:
Are they living in pain?
Can they no longer urinate and/or defecate?
Have they started to experience seizures?
Have they become uncontrollably violent or are unsafe to others?
Have they stopped eating?
Are they no longer acting normally?
Do they have a condition that will only worsen with time?
Do you have financial limitations that prohibit treatment?
Has palliative (hospice) care been exhausted or is it not an option?
Has the veterinary team recommended euthanasia?
For owners who know it's time, but do not want to say goodbye to their beloved pet, the team at Ohio State University suggest speaking to your vet to hear their professional opinion.
"Remember how your pet looked and behaved prior to the illness. Sometimes changes are gradual, and therefore hard to recognise. Look at photos or videos of your pet from before the illness," the statement adds.
"Write a concrete list of three to five things your pet likes to do. When your pet is no longer able to enjoy these things, it may be time to discuss euthanasia.
"Mark good and bad days on a calendar. (Some may choose to distinguish morning from evening). This could be as simple as a happy or sad face for good or bad. If the bad days start to outweigh the good, it may be time to discuss euthanasia.
"While your veterinarian cannot make the decision for you, it is helpful for him/her to know that you are considering euthanasia."
A Blue Cross statement reads: "If we have pets in our lives, sooner or later it’s likely we may have to make a decision and act in their best interests concerning the end of their life.
"Sadly, our pets have much shorter lives than us and when illness, injury, or old age affects their quality of life we may need to start thinking about letting them go, peacefully. It’s important to talk it through and be guided by your vet. It helps to plan and be prepared.
"Euthanasia offers a peaceful and painless end to our pet’s life. Sometimes people use the phrase “put to sleep“ or “put down”, but euthanasia is the proper term."
The Blue Cross has a Pet Bereavement Support Service that offers emotional support and information for all ages, with their confidential telephone and email support line service is open everyday from 8.30am to 8.30pm. To contact them, call 0800 096 6606 or email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
