when to put down a dog?

Question

I love my dog very much but he's getting sicker. He has chronic renal failure, and while doesnt need his little IV often, last evening the IV didn't work, and he had a seizure. It was very hot here but he was not outside for long (10 min and he siezed hours later). He's only 4 years old and is a yorkie. This little dog is my baby but I don't want him to be in pain...opinions? This is his second ICU stay.

to explain most peoples comments his quality of life usually is fine. In the last 6 months hes had to get the IV twice. Once at home and then this time at the hospital. Besides that he eats special food no one would ever be able to tell. He plays all the time, takes walks, cuddles everything.. just occasionally gets sick

Answer 1

Put yourself in the dogs life(since he doesn't have shoes) if it were you and this was happening to you. Would you want to go on like this? Ask yourself if he has a life a real life or is he only existing? Does he play and run and bark and sleep like a normal dog? Or does he do nothing but lay around barely eating and nothing more than a wag of the tail? We had a collie who I loved dearly. But as the years went by he started having skin condition problems that could not be cured and a hip problem that made it difficult for him to get up and down. I loved him so much that I could not bear to see him deal with this anymore and I put him down. Animals trust us to do for them what they cannot tell us they want. They trust us to feed them give them water take care of their fleas and they have no way of letting us know just how ugly or good they feel. What is the end result of his chronic renal failure? Do you want to watch him go through this? What do the vets feel? Most vets are real animal lovers and will give you their honest opinion. If there is no hope of him ever getting better and he is in pain and going to have more pain later on then let him go. Im sorry I know that is not what you wanted to hear. But just for FYI I never have regretted putting my collie down. I miss him but have never regretted it.

Answer 2

There is a decision you have to make - does he have any quality of life? are you keeping him alive for your or his sake? It's a very sad day when someone has to make a life or death decision, but I honestly feel that since you are questioning it, you know, deep down in your heart that putting him down is the loving thing to do. Seems like you just needs some support and some validation to do so. You are not the bad guy here, it takes more love, loyalty and strenght to make this decision, than to continue on and allow him to suffer. Your vet will also let you know if this is the best decision you should make. My heart cries for you and what you have to face.

Answer 3

Putting a dog down is the hardest thing in the world to do. I can tell you that because I had to put my Lhasa Apso down last Tuesday. She became sick in March....she was straining to pee. We took her to the vet. They did tests, but the test results came back negative for cancer. The vet inserted a catheter and said she could not get it all the way through. She figured there was a tumor there. She told us to watch the dog carefully and if it ever stopped peeing, it had to be put to sleep. Unfortunately, that happened last week. The vet told me to bring her down that day and she'd see what else we could do. When I got there, she told me that her bladder was as big as a baseball....and it was time. I was devastated, to say the least. But...the vet asked me one question that made my mind up to do the worst (put her to sleep)....."how would you feel if you couldn't pee"? The pain would start to get unbearable! So....I gave her the ok. I am still grieving today. It's so hard to make that decision. We all love our pets, and we don't want to see them leave us. But try to think what would be best for the dog, not for you. That's what I had to do. And I stayed in the room with her, talking to her till the end. The only thing helping me get through this is thinking that Buffy (my dog) is not longer in pain. Best of luck....and I'll be praying for you and your little yorkie!!!!

Answer 4

Consult your vet. If this is something your dog has to live with for the rest of it's life, then consider your options. It's a hard decision to make but do what you feel is best for your pet. As for the age, if it's a purebred, problems like this are common due to genetic inbreeding.

When my 16 yr. old cat developed kidney failure, I did the iv for about a yr. One night she when into a seizure and pooped and vomited all over. I called my vet the next day to make yet another apt., but as I was on old I decided at the moment to put her to sleep. I couldn't allow myself to continue letting her live like the way she was.

Again, consult your vet. I spoke with mine for a long time before scheduling the apt. for euthanasia and getting her feedback was extremely helpful. After all, she had been treating my cat throughout her life.

Answer 5

If he's having seizures & is no longer able to enjoy this life it's time sweetie. It's good that you don't want him to be in pain & suffering. You'd be surprized how many people try to keep their animals alive just cause they can't let go. I know it's hard but it is a part of life. I have worked in many vet clinics. The having to put animals down is the very hardest part of the job & one they never get used to.

I'm sorry your baby is having such problems. But in my opinion, it sounds like it's time to let go. So sorry.

Answer 6

Oh hon I feel for you, I really do, I had to put my faithful companion down a couple of months ago, she was only 4.
I have had to put alot of animals down in my life, 1. I have had more animals than 10 'normal' people, 2. I have worked as a vet assistant for 3 different vets. By far one of the hardest decision in life to make.
My thing is to look into their eyes, although all of my animals showed love in their eyes for me, I could tell when the pain was too much for them, with my experiences I know what kind of life each ailment will put the animal through hell. My love for their well being out- weighed my love of having them with me -no matter what.
Ask your friend, although you will see love in their eyes, look past that and see what pain they are in. Remember this animal will lay down their life for you, they will endure the worst pain to stay at your side. You have to be stronger, you are the care- giver and it is your responsibility to make sure your friend has the best everything - including quality of life.
My heart does go out to you, you have a tough decision, but I trust that in the best intrest of your friend you will make a wise choice. Blessed be fellow animal lover.

Answer 7

First off Renal dogs cannot tolerate heat, so keep your baby cool. The seizure may have been nothing but the heat. Keep up with her ivs. When she can't get around and stops eating ,it will be time to put her down,.

Answer 8

I have had to make this hard choice with two of my cats. They were in chronic pain with cancer. I decided to not let them suffer any longer.

I am sorry to tell you that it is probably best two have your baby put down. Think of how much you will relieve his suffering. I imagine the pain that he is going through right now is very great.

I wish the best for you and your dog whatever you decide and am sorry your yorkie is suffering so greatly.

Answer 9

I say keep him if my dog was getting sicker i would take him 2 the vet 4 a few days and see if they can make him better if not then the only thing to do would be to put him down. Hes still young so take him to the vets and hope..........Good Luck!!!!

Answer 10

He's suffering & we all know it's hard but it might B time 4 U 2 let him go.
The Heat won't help either, save the poor lil thing anymore pain.
Sorry I can't wave a magic wand & make it all go away.
U B strong, we're all thinking of U.
& WE'LL ALL B With U in Spirit.
:)