He is only 5 years old, but has terminal cancer. My vet said that whenever we felt it was time, we could have it done. The cancer has spread through his lungs, and he has started caughing blood. I'm afraid he will choke on blood and die a frightening death.
He also has pain in his legs, and has trouble walking because of this. Before the cancer he was very active, but now he can only go on occasional short walks. In this situation, would you have the dog put to sleep, or let him die naturally.
2006-10-05 04:10:00 · 43 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm sorry for you and your dog. It is time for him. Vets never mention euthanasia unless it's really bad, and maybe not even then. But believe me, when a dog starts looking bad, it is feeling really, really bad. And a lot worse than it looks. If he is coughing up blood, he is going to die within a very short time anyway, and he's definitely hurting.
The same thing happened to my dog in August. I hoped for the better for sure, but when he coughed up two wads of blood and looked really bad, I knew then he was a gonner for sure. I took him in and got him looked at one last time and then once a decision was made, or rather I realized for sure what was best, he crawled in my lap and I hugged him and he got the shot and went to sleep in my arms.
I probably shouldn't have waited so long, because I knew he was hurting. A minute or so after the shot when the nurse vet picked him up, blood poured out of his mouth, that's how bad he was. He didn't look that bad. Donovan was a good dog and very brave and he stood proud to the end. I was always proud of him and I know even at the end he didn't want to let me down and that was why he fought so hard even at the end to be strong. Now I know how bad he was, but I didn't realize before taking him in for the shot, just how bad he was.
Dogs will fight and do anything for their masters until death, even if it means their death. In the case of my dog and your dog, they are just holding on to please us and to care for us. I did what I could for my dog and held him and talked to him and hugged him. Hopefully being strong for me and loving each other was the last moment of his life as he went to sleep, and not the suffering.
Looking back, I wish I took him in earlier, but I myself wasn't ready to say goodbye or accept it until then. I did the best I could for him and he did the best he could for me. It is all you can do. You just have to make the best of it. Letting my dog go out while loving him and while he knew I loved him was better than letting him live in suffering just for the sake of it. I wouldn't want him dying in pain and from being overwhelmed by the illness or drowning in his own blood. That would be horrible.
With the shot at least he went peacefully to sleep in my arms. I cried and cried and cried that night, but I know I did the best thing, and in the end it was all I could do for my friend, my good boy Donovan. I know he did all he could for me, and if things were reversed, he would have done the same for me. We both always wanted the best for each other, and we both knew that, even at the end.
2006-10-05 05:11:31 · answer #1 · answered by craigrr929 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Who knows? What if tomorrow some miracle happens and your dog is cured up and healthy? No one ever knows.
2014-04-18 05:42:56 · answer #2 · answered by SuperMadre 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Losing a pet is extremely painful, because they are a part of the family. I understand how hard it is to know what to do. At least with pet you are able to let them go in a dignified way when the time has come. The only help I can be is saying, if your dog is in pain and the quality of life is at a place where the pain and suffering is greater than you want him to go through then I would let him go. In this day and age it isn't necessary to let an animal you love suffer needlessly. I would let everyone have a day to say their goodbyes and then let the vet put him out of his misery. Letting him go this way is the best way to show him how very important he has been to you and how very much you love him. Again, I am so sorry about your dog. Remember the good times because as long as you remember him he will never be gone completely. I can tell he has left pawprints in your heart. God Bless.
2006-10-05 04:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by Tammy G 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry but it's the kindest thing you can do to put him to sleep.
MAKING THAT FINAL DECISION TO SAY GOOD-BYE
You're giving me a special gift, So sorrowfully endowed, And through these last few cherished days, Your courage makes me proud. But really, love is knowing when your best friend is in pain, And understanding earthly acts. Will only be in vain. So looking deep into your eyes, Beyond, into your soul, I see in you the magic, that will. Once more make me whole. The strength that you possess, Is why I look to you today, To do this thing that must be done, For it's the only way. That strength is why I've followed you, And chose you as my friend, And why I've loved you all these years...My partner till the end. Please, understand just what this gift You're giving, means to me, It gives me back the strength I've lost, And all my dignity. You take a stand on my behalf, For that is what friends do. And know that what you do is right, For I believe it too. So one last time, I breathe your scent, And through your hand I feel, The courage that's within you, To now grant me this appeal. Cut the leash that holds me here, Dear friend, and let me run, Once more a strong and steady dog, My pain and struggle done. And don't despair my passing, For I won't be far away, Forever here, within your heart, And memory I'll stay. I'll be there watching over you, Your ever faithful friend, And in your memories I'll run,... a young dog once again.***author unknown
2006-10-05 05:05:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that euthanasia is the right thing to do. I set up an appointment to have my dog euthanized -the last appointment of the day. I spent the entire day with him just goofing around and when it can time I really wasn't ready but I knew it was best for him. The vet gave him a tranquilizer and let us sit in the room for a while, then asked if I was ready. He gave me the option of leaving but I stayed while they gave him the final shot. If given the option would I do it again... yes. Am I looking forward to having my other dog go... no. But it is reality and part of being a responsible dog owner. Be strong and do what is right for your best friend.
2006-10-05 04:37:58 · answer #5 · answered by buk3314 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I am sorry that you are faced with this situation. Second, it is good that we have the options for our pets to put them to sleep without having to worry about the legal consequences.
With that said, I would opt to have your beloved friend put to rest. To suffer like that and there is no cure, it is not a nice way to go. There are the ethical questions about assisting a living creature to move on but in this case, in my book, it is ok.
I will keep you in my thoughts. Do what feels better for the long run. No matter the choice, it will not be easy. I had to put my cat to sleep when he had terminal cancer. It seemed very peaceful. I was in the room when they did it. It took less than 20 seconds. He just relaxed and did not wake back up.
Have one last meal with him and take him for a walk if he can.
Good luck...
2006-10-05 04:22:41 · answer #6 · answered by nordic_winds1969 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a ver touching matter. If this was my dog i do not know what i would do also. Due to the fact you do not know how much pain the dog is really in, like a human who can sal how much pain they are in and how they feel unlike a dog. So its very hard. Now what i would do is give it a little more tim and see how the dog progrresses or if he gets worse than you are going to have to make a decision then. And it wont be an easy one. Good Luck! And God Bless!
2006-10-05 04:16:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes do it now. He does not need to suffer or be in pain any longer.
We just had to put my mom's little dog down because he was in a lot of pain from the cancer. He was also very old 13 years old.
2006-10-05 04:14:53 · answer #8 · answered by jen 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The answer lies with the owner.I had a dog too that died of the same cancer.We watched her suffer in pain as we just couldn't bear the thought of killing her.I mean every living thing has the right to live.It was painful.We tried to pray for the best that she somehow may get better but it did not.In the end she suffered for a few days.It was our greatest regret.So my advice..put the dog to sleep and spare him the misery.
2006-10-05 04:28:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it is for the better. If the dog is in pain and you don't think they will get better than it is proabably for the best. Don't keep the dog alive if it is going to be in pain all the time. My dog is 14 and she is getting to the point where I can tell she hurts all over so I might have to do the same thing.
2006-10-05 04:14:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋