My dog is blind and getting really old should i put him to sleep???

Answer 1

this is a veery hard call, but easy if its right time. i would say if you are caring for the dog like a patient, and he obviously isnt enjoying life, or just laying all day, he may be suffering. and if this is the case, be the one to help stop the suffering. i am very sorry for you friend, and can relate.

Answer 2

Do not put him to sleep unless he's in pain or is seriously sick. Being Old and Blind is not cause for euthanasia!

Tips for caring for blind dogs would be, make noise EVERY time you or anyone approaches the dog, Blind dogs are jumpier because they cannot see what is coming at them AND do not move the furniture around in your house. The dog should know where everything is located so he will not run into things... maybe put up baby gates at the top of stairs?

He could have a lot of good quality life left in him.

Answer 3

I think to even ask this question out loud, you probably already know what you believe you need to do. Maybe it would help for you to write a list of reasons NOT to and reasons TO do it.
I had a German Shepherd that had to be put to sleep when she was only six because she had a weak immune system from birth and got very very ill, each bout of treatment meant there was less time between when the next bout would start until she was weak and all options for treatment were exhausted. Still I questioned the decision thinking there must be something more I could do. I did everything with the Vet's help. They never told me to put her down. When the time came that she had suffered too much and I knew, really knew she had no quality of life left, I made that decision. I don't regret it at all but I sure do miss her.
You have my sympathies.

Answer 4

My uncle had a blind dog for years. Being blind and old are not good enough reasons to put him to sleep. If he is healthy and doing well around the house and the family, he should have a pretty good life. your vet can advise you as times goes by. Best wishes.

Answer 5

We had to put a dog to sleep this year after she had a stroke. She looked as tho she was in pain trying to sit/stand. We made the very hard decision to put her to sleep.

However, we also have a 14 year old long haired husky who is almost completely blind. He still plays like a puppy, he is always cheerful and so forth. Once he loses his sight completely, he will retire in the house with us. I wouldn't put him down tho because he is blind. Remember, dogs use their noses more then their sight.

Answer 6

The only thing that matters is if he is in pain. A dog's sense of sight comes second to smell, so being blind is not as disabilitating to a dog. If you've had the dog for a long time I'm sure he's lightened your mood many times. Let him live out his life if he is not suffering.

The natural order of senses in dogs is: Nose, eyes, ears.

Answer 7

should you put your old, blind granny to sleep...??
unless the dog is showing extreme pain.. i think the dog will still want to spend more days with you , and you the same..
old dogs will naturally experience some pain.. just like us humans.. unless it's in extreme cases, these pain can be controlled, and your dogs can take it.
let nature take it's own course... since she old and blind.. spend more time with her then... it will be a memorable for you...

Answer 8

I just put down my black lab Oct 31st. I had him for 14 years. Three times I took him to the vet to have him put down. Every time I got there he perked up and even the vet was surprised. Well, just before the kids were going out for candy, he fell. For the first time it was like we both new it was the end. He made little effort to change my mind this time. His name was Ace. I knew to keep him any longer would rob him of his dignity. I will miss him but, each Halloween remember 14 beautiful years together.

Answer 9

Are his vital organs shutting down, heart, lungs, etc? Those are good reasons. In the advanced stages of cancer? That would be an option for a pet. Do you get the idea?

A disability is not a reason for termination. Age is not a reason either. He may take a little extra effort on your part, but he has dedicated his life to you. The arthritis may slow him down, but vet's have medications that help.

Answer 10

ask yourself these questions:
is he in pain? does he still have full control of bladder and bowels? other than the blindness,how is his overall health?
if he is not in pain,still has control of facilities,and is in good health,than no don't do it. my aunt was told this by her vet when her dog went blind.( just don;t rearrange the furniture). when yje time comes for euthenasia you will know. he'll tell ypu with his eyes or whine. when it does happen,be prepared it will hurt you,but realize that you are doing the most humane thing you can for your furry friend.