He is 11 years old and besides his back legs not working, everything else is fine. I dont mind taking care of him. He doesnt seem to be in any pain. I bought him one of those dog-wheelchairs but he cant use it. I have had him his whole life since I got him from the pound.
2006-08-28 16:17:08 · 15 answers · asked by slappy_h3 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Please don't let this dog suffer anymore. I had a friend who loved her dogs so much, but let them stay alive in spite of their obvious discomfort. One lost use of his back legs, and would pee and poop without knowing it as he dragged himself around. Another would lay around and whimper because it was in dire pain. It really is hard to let go of a pet, but it is our loving duty when their quality of life will never improve. I wish you luck. It really is hard as hell for you to say goodbye, but it honestly is best for the animal.
2006-08-28 16:26:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
So sad. I just had to put one of my dogs down, his legs. I also had a wheelchair, he couldn't use it either. I found a photograph of him in his younger years, to look in his eyes in the photo and to look in his eyes at the time, I could see that he was in pain. Even though I had had him since he was 5 weeks old and he was then 11, I decided it was time to let him go. It still hurts so much, but he doesn't hurt anymore. Wish I could say the same for my heart. Love your dog, but if he is hurting, let him go.
2006-08-29 01:07:12 · answer #2 · answered by woowoo19532004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to tell you this dude: I had a dog from the time she was 8 weeks old. When she was 10 I came home and found her hind legs paralyzed. Take him to the Vet and talk to the Vet.
I did and the Vet said it is best to be humane and put her to sleep. It was the hardest thing I did in my life and I am still thinking about the dog today. I can still see the sad eyes looking at me as I said goodbye to her. But this is the time when you really show your love for the dog and not let them suffer.
2006-08-28 23:28:35 · answer #3 · answered by fem40_98 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Be strong! You said he is doing okay. Remember that animals aren't vain like us and he probably loves the extra attention he is getting from you. If he isn't in pain, then don't worry whether he looks a little lame. He sounds like he isn't letting it stop him! All my animals have always been a little "broken" - a cat with a lame ear, a parakeet without a foot, a dog with a limp - all were happy! If your pal is still with you and you can sit together on the couch and scratch his head, he is happy! Enjoy your life and don't let his disability make you feel sorry for him. Good luck to both of you!
2006-09-01 22:38:52 · answer #4 · answered by msparker_2020 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never had this experience, but I guess I would do my best to take care of the dog since he is a part of the family.
Could you make a comment on how the dog is able to go to go potty and does he need help when he does?
Does he need to bathed more? What kinds of problems does this situation cause for you as the owner?
2006-08-28 23:21:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what a difficult situation this is for you. I've had to make decisions on when enough was enough for my dog. The best you can do for this dog who means so much to you is think about it from his perspective. Is he getting any enjoyment out of his life? Is his quality of life worth what he's going through right now? Look in this dog's eyes and try and see what he's telling you.
Only you can make the decision when it's time to let him go, we don't know what his daily life is really like, but please, don't keep him with you just because you'll miss him too much. Put him ahead of you - he deserves that.
2006-08-28 23:54:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was going to suggest the wheelchair. Why can't he use it if everything but his back legs is fine? Have you checked with your vet to make sure that's really the case? Had a dog who died of cancer of the spinal column, but she was able to use her wheelchair for months before she succumbed. She had also lost control, so we had her in diapers for a while (had to cut a hole for her tail) & we put area rugs down in some places because it enabled her to pull herself more easily than on wood or tile floors. Some people said we did a lot for her, but I always felt that she gave so much to us.
2006-08-28 23:32:36 · answer #7 · answered by Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What does the vet say? If he's truly not in any pain or discomfort, try the wheelchair again. Just like a human, it'll probably take a while for him to get used to it and learn how to get around in it - just be patient with him.
2006-08-28 23:29:23 · answer #8 · answered by tootie2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is not in pain and still eating you probably have some time left with him. If he stops eating he is telling you that it is time for him to go. It is so awful but something you have to do. I have done this with 3 dogs and it has never been easy to say goodbye. I did know that I absolutely made the right decision.
Bless you for taking care of him and I wish you the best of luck. After all is said and done you will still have your companion in your heart.
2006-08-28 23:26:13 · answer #9 · answered by reddemonwi55 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you spoken to your vet about acupuncture or any alternative treatments? Maybe they would help. A website that might help is
http://www.handicappedpets.com.
I lost my 16 year old dachshund three months ago. His front leg was totally paralyzed. He was not a candidate for surgery. He couldn't even stand up to go to the bathroom. No one can tell you when it's time to say goodbye. You have to look at the quality of your friend's life. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I still miss him terribly, but I know in my heart that he is at peace.
Good luck!
2006-08-28 23:44:55 · answer #10 · answered by GSDoxie3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you didn't say why he couldn't use it, does he need to learn to use
it?
Is he too weak?
It may be hard to realize this, but animals don't show pain the way we do, they pretty much adjust to it.
I've worked in vet hospitals for years, and seen cats with needles stuck in the roof of their mouths, dogs with shattered hips, animals impaled all sorts of things that are surely excruciating to them, but they never made a whimper.
Try to be sure he isn't in any unusual level of pain.
He may have the kind that we awssociate with arthritis, chronic but not excrutiating, if so, he has adjusted to it by now.
Noone but the human that loves the animal the most is able to decide whether or not he needs to go to sleep.
If you do make that choice, please remember that you are the only one who could have done the best for your dog.
Sometimes love brings with it awful responsibilities.
2006-08-28 23:37:19 · answer #11 · answered by Betty's Boops n such 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋