when to put my dog down?

Question

I have already asked this but im adding some info.
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 (takes about 10 min and hes back to normal) 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

At 4 years old, that's very young in a dogs life. It sounds like quality of life is good. How about for YOU? You seem to be very upset and sad over his condition. I would ask the vet for a prognosis -- how long does he think the dog can live a quality life. My 13 year old German Shepherd developed a brain tumor and had seizures once and a while. We had him on meds for it, but then the seizures came more often, until one day he lost the use of his back legs. I knew that was the time. He was confused, and I could not let him go on that way. I just KNEW it was time. It's almost like he told me. I cry as I write this because I miss him so very much. I hope that you will KNOW when the time comes, and that your dog will communicate his pain and suffering when the time comes.

God Bless those who love their dogs, for they are the compassionates of the world.

Answer 2

I just had to put my 14 1/2 year old dog down after Memorial Day. She showed up at our door as a 10-week old puppy and was my husband's constant companion. My husband died four years ago, and the thought of losing her, too, was almost too much to take.

After the first of this year, she started having more problems. I took her to my vet and we decided to try her on some different medications to see if they would help. For about four months, she was doing much better and had a good quality of life. Almost all at once, it became obvious that everything was going downhill. One morning, she woke up and it was obvious she was having trouble controlling her back legs. She wasn't dragging them, but I knew it was just a matter of time. I didn't want her to suffer any longer. I made the appointment and took her in.

Watch your dog and pay attention. If/when it appears that the treatment he's on isn't working or that things start going downhill, then you'll have a decision to make. Until that time, enjoy him and love him. Love him enough to let him go when the time comes.

Answer 3

First let me say that I know how you feel, I live with a 3 year old Lhasa Apso who is an epileptic. (she has seizures) A seizure is not painful to a dog, even if they bark and squeal in the midst of one. It is the part of the brain that is affected by the seizure that produces an involuntary response, such as barking, paddling feet, etc. I would sit down and talk to your vet about how your baby's prognosis looks at this time in his life. Also, how long are you going to financially be able to care for him? See what your vet says and I'd go with that as the safest bet.

Answer 4

That is so sad! I didn't know that could happen to such a young dog! If that would happen to me, I would keep caring for him until it was no longer financially possible. With my experience as a vet assistant and pet owner, there comes a time when the owner "just knows" it is time. If you are not sure, then it is not time. Don't let anyone tell you differently...it is up to you and your dog. You can not make a wrong decision in this matter. Good luck to your baby and may he see many more days of cuddling!

Answer 5

You're getting plenty of advice about checking with your vet and that's fine. I think the true, real answer to your question is a matter of quality of life for your dog. When it seems to suffer more than not, in spite of all treatment options, then it may be time to consider relieving him/her of his/her pain and let him/her go. There are things worse than dying, and living in constant pain and discomfort is one of them, for a dog. Somebody advocated never letting them go, but its inhumane to allow uncontrollable suffering. When that time comes, go with your dog and hold him/her to the very last. Its hard, yes, very hard...but your dog will pass gently off into painless sleep and you will have no regrets about not being there in the end. I rescue dogs and have had to let many go after reaching that point of diminishing returns. I'm thankful none suffered unnecessarily. Good luck. If you need an understanding ear, contact me. If the website below doesn't fully print out, let me know because it says something I think you'll find very reassuring.

Answer 6

I will tell you this, if your dog stays sick for about 2 days or more and does not get better i think that is when you put him down. He is going through much pain and the best thing for you to do is get a have him put down when he becomes to sick, get him creamated so that he will always be with(it cost more but it is worth it), give him all the love you can for this odgs needs you and the best thing is to put him down so he will feel no pain anymore. Maybe wait a month or two then get a new puppy. I am not saying replace him in your heart just get another puppie to keep you company and so that in that puppy's spirt your dog will always be with you.

Answer 7

Well, if he only gets sick sometimes, and he plays and walks, and cuddles he is fine. If he gets to the point where he stops eating, stops playing, stops cuddleing, and stops and just "gives up" then you wil know it is time, or if he gets to a point of always being sick, and the IV stops working then it is time, but really only you can make that choice, and your vet can offer advice on when his quality of life is not as high as it sounds right now.

Answer 8

My old dog, Minor, was epileptic, and we gave him the best life we could as long as we could.
I will Not go into details, but upon a massive amount of horrid seizures, the emergency vet said he wouldn't make it even a few more hours on his own, that's when we had the sweetie put down. Until then, we did for him what it sounds like you are doing.
Much love for you both!

Answer 9

I know it is hard to say good bye to pets. I speak from personal experience in dealing with a diabetic cat, who I had put to sleep last year, all of her body organs were failing.

In your situation, your dog is relatively young. You as an owner, have to keep in mind the "quality of life" of your pet. It sounds like other than the two visits, you have a happy puppy.

Just follow up closely with your vet. They are usually very knowledgable about quality of life versus sickness a pet has.

Good luck, and I hope he starts feeling better.

Answer 10

Well if you dog plays, walks and everything ok. I dont think you have to put the dog down. Unless he stop his daily things for a couple of weeks i would have a vet check him out. I would think you should get a second opinion. I had some of my favorite dogs put down. One by cancer due to her not getting fixed from what the vet said. Most of the others from old age.