Is it cruel to keep my 17 year old Maltese poodle alive?

Question

She still eats twice a day but is almost blind and deaf and very thin though she wears a little fleece coat. She won't go outside to pee but does it all over the house.

Answer 1

You have to judge her quality of life and whether or not she's in pain. Ask your vet what they would recommend for her. Does she still enjoy any part of her life? If she is not enjoying life and/or is in constant pain then I would say it's time to let her go and end her suffering. If she's not in pain and still enjoys parts of her life....well they do make natures miracle to keep the pee cleaned up, it eliminates the smell.

Answer 2

The choice to put an animal out of its misery is a personal, painful one. Is your dog in misery? Does she hurt? If so, then it might be kinder. On the other hand, if her only problem is the urination, there are other solutions.

I also have a 17 year old poodle cross who's incontinent, has no teeth and is half-blind. I'm not sure if she's going deaf or just ignores me... I think she just ignores me. :)

I give her half of a glucosamine-chondroitin tablet a day and she has no pain (she has a lot of pain without it). If you go to your local petstore, they sell doggie diapers... it's a little reusable diaper coated in plastic on the outside that you can attach a feminine pad to the inside of. Works great for trips or at night.

Another option is crating when you're away. If done correctly, it can be very humane and it would save your carpets. Then you could put her outside when you come back home and maybe use the diapers, too.

I've put 3 links below; one for the diaper, one for the medicine and one for info on crating. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

This is one of the most heart rendering decisions you have to ever make. If the dog has an obvious quality of life, and enjoys her food, then she can continue to do so. That will not last for ever of course. Her incontinence is a nuisance to the point of frustration for you all ( I have been there ! ) but that only points to the fact that she is a geriatric animal although understandibly much loved. Of course she is part of your family but she simply cannot continue for ever and if her physical condition is failing, there is nothing wrong with discussing euthanasia with your vet, however harsh or cruel it may seem. You will have to be brave but responsible as well .... if you decide to put the animal to sleep, it will be remarkably peaceful for all concerned and you can remember your poodle for all the good times and how she was then. And think about burying her in the garden if possible as she will always be there in spirit. Remember that the pleasure that a dog's life can give you is always costed by her death, that is the rule of nature. And I am sure that you have given her the best retirement possible with love, care and attention. Just make sure she gets it at the end as well. The sadness will soon pass .... life is a continuum not a vacuum. And you will know in your heart when to make that decision together with your vet. Sometimes we simply have to be brave. Remember she can't help herself but you can. I hope this helps ......

Answer 4

I just went through this with my dog of 12 years .
You have to consider Is the dog in pain does she still seem happy if there is any spirit left in the dog I know it is A hard decision and you will question yourself even after you have already gone through with it but in your heart you will know that what you have done is for the best I took my dog when she just started to lay around and did not want to go outside but she was diagnosed with A tumor so my story is Different but if your dog is no longer able to enjoy life it may be time talk to your vet and see what she thinks she may help to decide and be able to ease your mind about the decision you have to make I hope that whatever you decide that it will work out

Answer 5

This is ultimately between you and your vet. I think you realise the end is near for her. The question you must ask every day is "whats her quality of life?"
If you feel she is content in herself its up to you. But bottom line is it wouldn't make any difference if you had had her euthanased a year ago; you would now be kicking yourself and feeling guilty for doing it too early...
Look, you can't win whatever course of action you take is going to upset you or someone else! So just go and chat with your vet. He won't let her suffer.
If the idea of euthanasia is enough to put you off, then ask your vet if he can sedate her with a spoonful of valium syrup first. You can put her on her blanket and watch her fall asleep, then walk away. Or sit nearby. Its not as nasty as you think it will be, they just have an injection and fall asleep. But you'll feel upset, guilty and awful, so be prepared and let yourself go through all those feelings.
Good luck, this is the worst part of being a pet owner.

Answer 6

It's not cruel, but the love you feel for your pet family member needs to go a bit higher up on the thinking part. Thinking about is the dog suffering, in pain, weak, loss of bodily functions, etc. Then the decision will be to consider having the vet put your pet to sleep for it's own sad / poor health.You will always have the fantastic memories.

Answer 7

blimey... 17 is a ripe old age for a Maltese poodle and you're lucky to have had her this long.

You have to look at her quality of life... does she still enjoy the simple things, a cuddle, a snack, treat etc.

Many animals, like humans, when we get old, sometimes get incontintent and you will have to cope with this and deal with the messes quickly and efficiently.

When she stops eating and stops enjoying life, then you should make the decision to have her put to sleep.

Discuss her quality of life with your vet, he/she may be able to provide her with something to make her comfortable if she's a bit stiff on the legs or some steroids to build up her muscle tone a bit.

Answer 8

is she happy ? is she in pain? these are the things to ask your self I put my dogs to sleep earlier than most people would I don't think you should keep a dog alive just for yourself.
When the sparkle has gone from their lives what pleasure are they getting from life.
If she wont go outside to pee she must be doing the other as well
not a pleasant thing to have in your home.
I don't think you are being cruel but just asking the question says to me you want someone else to make the decision for you she is your dog and you must do what is right for her 17 years is a good age.Its very sad to say goodbye but they don't feel a thing they just go to sleep if you cant bear to take her, get the vet to come out to you the whole thing is a lot more private the dog is not stressed it costs more but well worth it and they will take the body away afterwards if you cant bury her yourself.

Answer 9

Old age brings incontinence in humans as well as animals so it is not necessarily a sign of needing to be put to sleep and our skin gets thinner too as we get older which is why it is important for old people to wrap up well in winter time. Your dog is just doing the same.

It really depends on her quality of life. If she is not in pain and still gets some enjoyment out of life then there is nothing cruel in this situation at all. Try speaking to your vet. They are the best ones to advise you on the care of your dog and they won't say nice things just to make you feel better, they will be truthful and you can make your decision based on sensible and accurate information.

Answer 10

Has she had a Vet check lately to see if there is a reason why she urinates indoors? Also at this age they can, as humans can, develop mental problems - bearing in mind that every 1 year in a dog is equivalent to 7 in a human. If she is in no pain and is happy in herself then there is no reason to think that she shouldn't live a little longer.

If she hasn't had a health check, I would seriously advise getting this done - for your peace of mind.