she hasn't really been herself. i had another dog but recently passed away a yr ago, from that time on its like she is falling apart, she has a bladder problem, she is constantly urinating on herself. I can tell that she get embarrass, cause she hides from me and from other. I had taken her to the vet and was told that she would need to be put down. but honestly, looking at her i dont see her in any pain. my ? is that what can i do to help my dog get better. and be 2 honest it is kinda difficult taking care of her. i'm constantly cleaning after her, when she has a lil accident. But i really dont mind, cause she's my companion.
2006-08-12 11:46:55 · 8 answers · asked by oh_yeah_cinco_de_mayo 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I got her from a shelter when she was a pup. currently right now, i have pads for her to do her bussiness, and have purchase diapers so that she wont feel that embarrass whenthis happens, she is a very effectionate dog!! and i love her very much.
2006-08-12 11:57:55 · update #1
I have been where you are. I had a German Shepherd that was 15 years old and she ended up with cancer. I had to put her down. It was one of the hardest things I had to do. She has had a good life and a long one.
I want you to look at something: What is her quality of life. You can't do anything to help her get better, her body is giving out. She is 105 years old by human standards, if you go by a dog age multiplied by seven.
Your vet is right. I will tell you this; your dog will know when it is time too. She will look at you and in her own way, ask you to let her go. You have to be able to do that.
Love her, give her the best you can, but accept the inevitable. She is old, she is your friend and companion and she is dying. Just make sure she isn't in pain and if she is, please put her to sleep and let her pass humanely.
2006-08-12 11:55:29 · answer #1 · answered by Sharon D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry you are going through this but it is part of being a pet owner. I know, I've had to put a couple of pets down before and it is so very hard. I'm not going to pull any punches here, so prepare yourself.
I think you should make peace with yourself over this. It will become necessary, sooner or later. 15 is quite old for a large breed dog. Dogs rarely show that they are in pain. For example: I had my dog neutered. I know that had to hurt, but other then sit around for a few days, he didn't look like he was in pain either. It's not like they can tell you they hurt.
Here are some questions to ask yourself. Does she enjoy things the way she used to? Does she have a good quality of life? What does the vet say? Do you worry about her all the time? Do you want to wait until you think she is in pain? And most importantly, what do you think is the right thing to do?
I wish you all kinds of good luck with this. When it does happen, it will be painful for you. You will have lost a friend, but while the hurt never completely goes away, it does get better. To rest your mind, the animal feels nothing. It's a massive shot of a tranquilizer that simply paralyzes their nervous system and stops their heart. When you do make the decision, you will know it is for the best.
2006-08-12 12:04:31 · answer #2 · answered by Sabina 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to carefully think about this.
As long as the dog really is in no pain (are you sure or are you trying to see things through pink glasses ?) and still participates actively in live I am sure it is OK to let her go on as long as you are able and willing to consider her special needs now. If she has urinary tract problems (did the vet say what is causing them ?) you will have to let her go out more frequently so she doesn't have to soil the house, this can really tear a dog apart which has been house trained for many years and clean her frequently so that her fur does not get stained or matted
Keep in mind that a 15 year old dog is 105 in human years and that is a very long time to be around !
2006-08-12 11:56:45 · answer #3 · answered by Nicole M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she's not in any pain I'd not put her down.Granted she's old and depressed about losing her companion as well as realizing her body does'nt work like it used to.
I'm sure she is embarrassed about being incontinent as will you be when it happens to you.And probably confused as well as to why she seems to have no control over it.
For now just give her lots of love and re-assurance that she's not in trouble when she has an accident.The pads and diapers are a good idea.Make a big fuss over how she looks when she's got the diaper on or uses the pads.And keep her close to you for as long as possible.When you know she's truly in pain and she's too old to treat that's when you need to start thinking about putting her down.
2006-08-12 15:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are absolutely amazing! Most people would not be willing to clean up after a dog (especially a large one) who has bladder problems. Good for you!
I believe you will know when it's time to have her put to sleep. If she's not in pain, keep her with you as long as you can. When it's time to let her go, you'll be at peace because you'll know you took the best care of her possible and that she had a long and happy life.
Bless you.
2006-08-12 15:25:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is your dog and this is your decision. I had a cat that started urinating everywhere but the litter box when she was about 15 years old. She was going deaf. The vet said "we can put her down"...I said "she doesn't seem to be in any pain"...he said "she probably isn't in any pain, it's your decision". I decided to let her die of old age. She lived two more years and we buried her under her favorite rose bush. That was about 17 years ago. I have never regretted the decision to keep her alive. I might have regretted putting her to sleep. I hope this helps.
2006-08-12 11:53:43 · answer #6 · answered by Sister Cat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aw! Your poor dog! =( If everything else seems okay with her, you should take her to another vet for a second opinion. But if any other problems show up, it might just be her time. It's all up to you though. If you think your dog is ok (besides the urinating problem) then for God's sakes let her live! I hope she gets better!!! =D
2006-08-12 12:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by Rhonda G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try another vet to get a second opinion on the incontinence issue. Another vet, another head who might have a helpful suggestion. But probably not. You can also get a second vet's assessment of whether it's time to put your dog down. Not an easy decision. Best of luck.
2006-08-12 12:13:45 · answer #8 · answered by Hums2oldies 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋