May 4, 2026, 4:08 am | Read time: 9 minutes
“I don’t want him to suffer”–a phrase veterinarians hear almost daily. It sounds good, but often conceals more than it clarifies. When does suffering truly begin? And when might it already be present without us recognizing it? In an interview with PETBOOK, veterinarian “Dogtor Debbie” discusses this dilemma and why well-intentioned decisions aren’t always the right ones.
The conversation was sparked by an Instagram post where she addresses–and questions–this very phrase. In it, Dr. Deborah Wimmer, also known as Dogtor Debbie on Instagram, makes it clear: It’s not about avoiding suffering at all costs, but about understanding it correctly. There’s often a fine line between justified concern and hasty decisions.
“Two Perspectives on the Same Goal”
PETBOOK: Debbie, how did you come to make the post? Was there a trigger for you?
Dr. Deborah Wimmer: “I often think about how I can provide a behind-the-scenes look. I ask myself: On which topics do people view the same situation from two completely different perspectives?
This is quite typical of the relationship between pet owners and veterinarians: They pursue the same goal but still have two different viewpoints.
And that’s when this topic struck me as one of those examples.”
“I Don’t Want Him to Suffer”
When you hear the phrase “I don’t want him to suffer,” what does it trigger in you, and how often do you hear it?
“In those situations, I often think to myself: ‘Yes, I don’t want him to suffer either.’ That’s why I became a veterinarian, and I’m aware that most people truly, truly love their animals. Of course, no one wants their pet to suffer; I see that as a given.
It’s not that I doubt the phrase itself. But it has a certain undertone because it’s often said in connection with a medical recommendation, whether it’s diagnostic steps one wants to initiate or certain therapy suggestions. And yes, I do feel somewhat helpless at times, at least because you wonder if people might think: I would perhaps be willing to accept disproportionate animal suffering with my recommendation.
For whatever reason. So, that’s the kind of undertone that could arise. If you think: Yes, if I didn’t believe it was in the best interest of the animal, I wouldn’t suggest and recommend it.”
When Suffering Is Overlooked
Are there typical situations for you where owners assess an animal’s suffering differently than you do?
“There are huge differences, I must say. Some are very sensitive and react to every little thing. Some owners are more indifferent and overlook a lot. But fundamentally, when it comes to chronic pain, people find it difficult to assess the suffering that comes with it because animals simply don’t communicate it as many would expect.
Let’s put it this way: It can be the same for us veterinarians. The more chronic a condition is, the harder it is. Compared to acute pain, which is often communicated more clearly, like with a cry or an acute reaction. But chronic complaints are much quieter and are only shown very subtly.
Can you give a specific example?
“A classic example is tooth pain. Owners often say, ‘But he’s eating normally.’ However, that doesn’t rule out pain, because eating is a basic need–an animal will often eat even if it hurts. When the problems are noticed, they are usually already advanced.
It’s similar with arthritis. In practice, you often hear: ‘No, he’s not in pain, he’s just limping.’ But limping is, of course, a clear sign that something hurts–even if the animal otherwise seems active and happy.
Another frequently underestimated symptom is itching. Many don’t see it as a big problem, but the suffering can be enormous. Especially with allergy patients, you see animals scratching themselves raw over weeks. If this itching were recognized for what it is–a massive suffering–many owners would seek help much earlier.”
Why the Prognosis Is So Crucial
How do you differentiate between temporary stress from therapy and real, unacceptable suffering?
“Ultimately, based on the prognosis. To assess this, we need an accurate diagnosis–everything depends on that. A bone fracture, for example, usually heals within a certain time, and then the problem is often resolved. But the path there is, of course, associated with pain and corresponding suffering.
It’s similar with other diseases. Take dental diseases: A dental surgery is initially a burden for the animal, and even afterward, it probably has pain at first. But the wound can heal–and then the animal is pain-free.
Another example from ophthalmology is increased eye pressure, such as with glaucoma. From human medicine, we know that too high a pressure can cause severe eye and headaches. There are different courses, but it often develops slowly, chronically, and the animal has time to adapt. When a painful, often already blind eye is removed, it’s initially, of course, an operation–so again a burden. But we accompany it with painkillers and support the animal during this phase. Afterward, the pain is completely gone, and the prognosis is very good. In such cases, the suffering up to that point is acceptable because healing is expected.
It’s different with palliative patients, animals with incurable diseases. Here, the situation must always be considered individually. You have to weigh: What is the current situation, and what decision is right for the animal?
Ultimately, it’s about weighing the expected suffering against the outcome: Is healing possible or not? And the remaining lifespan also plays a role.”
“Is It Even Worth It Anymore?”
Do you even get to make a prognosis in such cases? Or do owners sometimes stop before diagnostics are done?
“It happens that owners stop before treatment. Especially with older animals, it’s not uncommon. Owners often ask themselves whether it’s even worth investing money in diagnostics to find out what’s wrong with the animal.
Personally, I find it important to know whether help is even possible. Because everything else ultimately depends on that. But yes–this question is often asked.”
The Right Time for Farewell
What would you advise owners who are unsure and afraid of deciding “too late” or “too early”?
“I would always say: The most important thing is to honestly listen to your own intuition. Most of the time, this question is about when the right time has come to say goodbye. And as soon as this thought takes hold–that it might be time–you should take it seriously.
That’s the first step. Because owners usually know their pet very well. The second step is then to talk to the treating veterinarian about it again. So you have your own assessment, but also the professional perspective.
What’s important is a good trust relationship between the pet owner and the veterinarian. Ideally, you know the animal for a long time and have followed its development. Then you can also assess how the condition has changed. If you say, ‘It’s just a shadow of its former self,’ then this outside view–combined with the medical assessment of existing diseases and current treatment–is very valuable.
All of this together helps to make a decision that is truly in the best interest of the animal.”
Between Missed Opportunities and New Possibilities
Are there cases that have particularly shaped you?
“What touches me the most is when old animals–cats are a classic example, but also rabbits and small pets in general–have never seen a veterinarian their entire lives. These animals are often presented to us in very poor condition. Unfortunately, this is not so rare.
Often it’s said: ‘The animal was always healthy.’ But you can often see at first glance that it hasn’t been suffering for just a few days, but much longer. In some cases, we can still help; in others, any help comes too late. It’s extremely frustrating. Because many of these diseases could be treated much better with earlier examinations–with noticeable improvements in quality of life and often also lifespan.”
Are there also positive cases that give hope?
“Recently, for example, we had a very young cat after a severe car accident. She had to be treated for several months and needed several surgeries. But today she is completely healthy again, lives with her family, and has her whole life ahead of her.
Such cases show that today, much more is possible than 20 years ago. It also gives you the drive to say in some situations: We’re not stopping here–it’s worth continuing.
And then there are the animals, often older, with very bad teeth, who are only operated on when there’s no other option–when they can hardly eat anymore. After such procedures, you often get feedback that the animals are like new, almost rejuvenated. Suddenly, they play carefree again.
Of course, you always have to weigh the benefits and risks, for example, with anesthesia. But these experiences show that it can be worth it to muster the courage and undergo treatment–because it can make an enormous difference for the animal.”
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A Dignified Farewell
What would be a good end of life for an animal for you?
“Ultimately, a good end of life includes–besides appropriate care and feeding to keep the animal healthy and fit for as long as possible–good medical care and prevention. This way, issues can be detected early and, if necessary, treated and managed.
When you notice in old age that, despite all efforts, more and more bad days are coming, that’s an important point. At the latest, when the bad days start to outweigh the good, you should think about saying goodbye.
I have the impression that many pet owners have a somewhat romanticized idea of a peaceful death at home. Of course, you wish that for every animal–but the reality is often different. In veterinary medicine, we can do a lot today. But our advantage is that we don’t have to exhaust every option at all costs.
If the prognosis is poor and there is no real prospect of improvement, then, in my view, it is a final act of love to consciously say goodbye and spare the animal further suffering.”
The Responsibility at the End of Life
“In the end, it’s not about making every decision perfectly. It’s about honestly looking–even when it’s difficult. Animals can’t say how they feel. All the more, it’s our responsibility to take their signals seriously and weigh hope against reality.
Sometimes that means continuing and fighting for every chance. And sometimes it means letting go. Perhaps that’s the greatest challenge: recognizing the right moment and acting in the animal’s best interest, even when it hurts.”