i think its time for my dog?

Question

my Rottweiler is 9 years old and he has a limp fore left leg and he doesn't eat or run or even stand up anymore. I know it sounds weird, but, I think he is ready to go too. How do I go about finding where, when, how and who to use to let him "go to sleep"? Any information is much appreciated. Oh, please don't tell me he is just bored or sleeping, I know my dog and know how he used to act. Regardless, any info regarding the question is appreciated. Thanks.

Thank you, everyone that has answered. I appreciate your words and most of all your candor and compation. Thank you.

Answer 1

It does sound like it is time to say good-bye. It is a difficult decision to make and usually the owner will know and in your heart, you do know. We know our pets better than anyone. When they quit eating, playing, moving around, they are ready to die. It will be the best thing for him. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a pet is to let him go. God bless. I am so sorry!

Answer 2

Well a change in actions comes with age in animals just like it does in humans. The signs above sound like aging, not a reason to put an animal down. If they have an illness then a Vet will tell you your options and if theres no treatment or they'll suffer the vet will suggest to you that you consider ptting them down. If theres no illness and just age then it's just a matter of waiting for that particualr day to come. You put an animal down if they are suffering and can't be helped, think of it the way you'd think of pulling the plug on a human. If something is treatable or it's just signs of age you just let time decide when they go. A caring vet can always assist you on the decision of if it's time to let a pet go.

Answer 3

Please take him to a vet. If you have had him for awhile, he should have been getting his shots so where-ever you took him for that should be able to help you. A local humane society may also be able to help.

It's possible that there is something wrong with the leg and once it is fixed, he could have some happy, healthy years left. Your vet can help you make the decision about what is best for your dog.

I had a dog that developed cancer and his behavior changed quite a bit due to feeling so sick. The vet did surgery to try and save him, but unfortunatly, the cancer reoccured. We made the decision to put him to sleep rather than let him die slowly from cancer which was unstoppable at that point.

My sympathy... I know dogs can be a part of the family.

Answer 4

Well, if he isn't getting up and eating then it does sound like it is time for your baby to go. You don't want him to suffer.

You would have to take him to a vet to euthanize him. You have the option to stay with him or not while it's done. What it is, is basically an overdose of an anesthetic. It's an injection and it works quickly and they just go to sleep. If you are planning to stay, most vets place an IV cath to make it easier when it's time. Then usually you have the option to have him cremated.. you can either have him cremted communally or have his ashes back to you.

I'm very sorry about your dog. It's good that you realize he doesn't have a very good quality of life any more and you want to help him. He knows you love him.

Take care.

Answer 5

I'm sorry, it's always hard to come to the decision that you have.

As you've said you know your dog, you've loved him, you've cared for him, it's your decision to make and if he could talk, i'm sure he'd give you his blessing.

Talk to your vet or call around and see if you can find one who will come to your house if that's what you'd prefer. If money is a problem, you can take him to the SPCA who will do it for you.

They may shave a leg in order to find a vein and they will administer anaesthetic, it's green in colour. Your dog will go to sleep and they will continue to administer anaesthetic, his heart will stop, he may give one last breath which is just a reflex, it's not really a breath. The vet will wait a few seconds or so then check the heartbeat with a stethoscope. You can choose to bury your dog yourself or for a fee, the vet can send them for cremation at the government facility. There are some places who will cremate your dog and you can get the ashes back in an urn if you would like. That's up to you.

I wish you all the best and my sympathy and condolences go out to you.

Answer 6

Your vet is the best one for telling you if a dog should be put down. I would make an appointment with my vet telling them you think he might need to be put to sleep and they can look him over and tell you if that would be for the best. The pound is the cheapest place to put a dog down. The vet is more expensive. The vet gives them a shot to put them to sleep while most dog pounds use a gas chamber. I would rather my dogs have a shot while I am petting their head, then to use some of the other methods. It is not an easy decision to make, but sometimes it is better for our pets.

Answer 7

His vet will know if it is time. Nine is a good, long age for a larger dog. Some vets will even come to your house to put your pet to sleep. If he doesn't eat or stand up it won't be long before he passes though so if you are hesitant to do it, you might let nature take it's course if you don't think he's in pain. You have my sympathy, it is very hard to know what to do.

Answer 8

Oh i think instead of taking it to the vet you should spend more love and care it more than taking it to the vet.. Dogs have feelings to.. It is like someone that is 63 years old and lets say she cant walk and she cant stand up or she she doesn't even play it doesn't mean mean you have to her to a hospital and make her asleep. Spend more time please!! Dog's live up to 13 and it has 4 more years! Just wait till it is 13 and I hope you will be fine...
Well GOODL UCK! 'ㅂ' And i hope it lives for along time.

Answer 9

Take him to a vet, if he doesn't have a vet that u've visited regularly, ask around friends, family, neighbors and find a kind, trustworthy vet. take him to the vet and first of all have him looked at, it may be something minor. if this is not the case and he is terminally ill, then that vet should be able to euthanize him for u. im sorry for ur loss, i worked at an animal clinic all summer and saw people come in to euthanize pets, its very hard .

Answer 10

You could take him to your vet and they'll be able to help you there. I had to do that with my dog a few years back and everyone was just so nice and comforting. They sent a card where the staff had signed it and everything. Theres different options they may be able to give you after they put him to sleep like cremation, but thats up to you. Before you make up your mind to put him to sleep id have a vet look at him just to confirm it.