I have had to put two old friends to sleep in the last two years.
Not the easiest thing to do, but, inevitable.
I hope I am not telling you anything you already know - apologies if I am.
When the day comes, it is a very easy death these days - very peaceful. I hope that I could go out the way a loving vet is able to send an animal on it's way. It is emotional for us of course, but for my experience with my two it was not traumatic. They always loved a ride in the car and they loved the vet's place - so there was no stress. The death is basically just going to sleep - but they don't wake. I found the hardest was disposing of the bodies. I guess that depends on what you are going to do, but something must be done.
After the first dog was put to sleep, we thought we might have let her go a bit long - she was very old and had cancer - but didn't appear to have pain. Pain is the key imo.
With the next dog - a big, beautiful natured old bloke - he seemed fine, but we knew he was riddled with cancer. I didn't think he was in pain, but our vet who we trust said he thought he was having discomfort ------- we did see things that indicated it in the last week to two weeks.
We decided to act - even if we thought it was a little early - we are happy with the decision.
imo although dogs look forward to things - like a ride in the car or a walk just before you go ----- I seriously doubt if they ever think about missing out on stuff in weeks or months time --------- it is us who thinks that.
So, imo, going a bit early is preferred to having discomfort.
You said you don't know what to do.
Well, imo, you don't have to do anything bar being vigilant, loving and make the decision when you think you should - there is nothing else to do.
