In this song, the Antlers uses the idea of “putting the dog to sleep” as a metaphor to describe a dying relationship.

Pet owners may sometimes have to face the difficult decision of having to euthanize their pet – sometimes referred to as “putting to sleep” or “putting down” – to save their pet from pain. The pet owner knows that the end is near and by putting them down, they can say goodbye on their own terms rather than wait for an unexpected end.

The song uses that concept to describe the final moments of a relationship. To avoid the pain of a big fight or the permanent burning of bridges, the song considers whether they should end the relationship on mutual terms. The relationship is dying out and the breakup is inevitable, so it is better to end it now.

However, the song is ambiguous on whether the couple might want to take a second chance on trying again. Is a breakup really inevitable? Or can the relationship be saved? The song is equally depressing and hopeful if interpreted in such a way.