how do you know when it's the right time to put your dog to sleep HELP?

Question

i have a 14 year old lab mix dog. she's been with me the day i was born. she's always been an amazingly good dog, never bit anyone, was usually very well behaved, never had any accidents. she was an awesome dog to grow up with. now in her old age, she's gotten cancer in her eye and they had to remove it. ever since, she has been a complete ANNOYANCE. she breathes heavy, she barks at us, she runs around the house, she jumps on the table, she never seems to leave us alone anymore. we try to help her, let her out, get her attention, feed her, all that stuff. she's almost deaf and getting blind i think too. she'll go into empty rooms and bark at nothing.
she is making my familie's lives so stressed. we;re all fighting with each other because of her. i don't know if i have the heart to put her down. should i? and if i should.. when? before christmas? after? ADVICE PLEASE?

ok, i understand that you put a dog down when she's in pain and misery.

our dog is making our lives painful, just seeing her. she is not the same dog she used to be. she's turned into a monster.

Answer 1

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Does she still seem to be enjoying life overall? (If so, then it's not time.)

2. Thinking back over the past few weeks, is she getting better or worse?
a. Does she have more good days than bad?....and are the good days still pretty good?
b. Or are the bad days starting to outnumber the good?....and are the good days not even all that good anymore? Are the bad days getting more and more difficult for her?

QUALITY of life is soooooo much more important than quantity. A younger dog is able to adapt to the changes she's had more easily, and an older dog can handle them when they're very gradual. But this has been fairly sudden for her, and it doesn't sound like she's handling it very well.

We could hypothetically give her to 10 different families....and have 10 different decisions on what to do. There is no right or wrong answer, just what's best for YOUR family. You are the only ones who live with her and can determine what's best for her and the family at the same time. You need to have a family pow-wow and discuss all of this. I know it will be hard, but it must be talked about.

I will leave you with a few other thoughts:

1. 14 years old is very old for that type breed. She very likely has arthritis and other painful issues that she can't tell you about. Breathing heavy and panting are signs of pain and discomfort, when no other cause is present. It can also be a sign that the cancer has spread to her lungs, and her disorientation can be a sign that it has spread to her brain. Either of those is very likely with ocular cancer.
2. We can cure a lot of diseases, but we still can't cure old age.
3. When we can keep a beloved pet comfortable and able to enjoy life, I think we owe that to them for as long as it's possible. But when that's no longer possible, then all we're doing is dragging out the dying process....even if we are just standing by and watching. That's an unfair and cruel way to reward a lifetime of loyal friendship, imo. We are blessed to have a way to help them leave this life as easily and humanely as possible when that becomes only a matter of time. This is your lifelong friend. What do you feel you owe her for all the love she has given you?

Whatever you do, take LOTS of pics with her. Many people like to keep a lock of hair and include it in a memory scrapbook with all the pics of her life, her favorite toys, etc. If you do this before Christmas, it might be nice to make a memorial tree ornament in her honor, and hang her stocking (if you normally give her one), with an angel on it. Take a moment during the festivities to remember her. She'll never, ever leave your heart.

One of my favorite quotes: "The greatest gift that can be given, is to take another's pain upon oneself so that a loved one might rest."--unknown

And here is a poem that might help you:

May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
Copyright © Susan A. Jackson
Written for a beloved pet and friend.

Whatever you decide is best, I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. You're a good person to have given her such a good life, and to be struggling over this decision. That shows how much you love her. She's lucky to have had you as her person.

Answer 2

She is trying to cope with her partial blindness and deafness.....that shouldn't be an annoyance to you. Your family should understand that the dog's life has changed, and it's going to take some getting used to. She doesn't seem to be suffering, from what you've written, and in my opinion, suffering is the only reason to consider euthanization. Work with the dog, maybe have her on a leash for a few days, having her follow you where you go. She just needs some help to adjust. She's confused and might even be a little scared. The family fighting with each other, isn't making her feel any more secure.

If nothing else, and you are unable to love her as equally as you used to, before she ''changed''.....look and see if there aren't any sanctuaries for elderly dogs, in your area. Some places will have that.

Answer 3

You poor thing. I just went through the same battle myself. My dog, a male Golden Retriever (age 12) developed epilepsy in Feb. and really just became hard to handle. He barked all night, had seizures very often, and just seemed to be in pain. It took me about 6 months of deciding when the right time would be to put him down. We decided to on September 29th.

It's really hard to do, but if you think that your dog is suffering, then it may be time. I'm sure that she's had a wonderful life, but at 14 with Goldens, life is an uphill strugle. Think about how she feels, and if you feel that she is not enjoying life anymore, then that is how you'll know. Good luck. I'm sorry!

Answer 4

I also have a 14 year old dog, he is a cocker/springer mix,
you say you dog has had one eye removed due to cancer, and the other eye is going blind, and she is starting to go deaf. and she barks at nothing ect. my friend. I hate to say this she has lived a good life. please do not put her thru any more stress or your family. the time is now. I must do the same in the next few days I hate to , Shadow has been my helper for the last 13 years, and he has been by by side the whole time but do not wait. I know the grief will be hard. but know she will be at rest.

I leave you with this Prayer .

A DOG'S PRAYER
By Beth Norman Harris


Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest--and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Answer 5

As a pet groomer I have been ask that question several times and I just had them a copy of this poem;

A DOGS PLEA

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in
all the world is more gratefulf for kindness than the
loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I
would lick your hand between blows, your patience
and understanding will more quickly teach me the
things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's
sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce
wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my
waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I
am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to
bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sittin
at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot
tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp
and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side,
and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with
my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very ol, and I no
]longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not
make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not
having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is
taken gently.

I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath
I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Author Unknown

I hope this helps you, it is so very hard to loose a pet especially one that you grew up with. It is a proven fact when a pet dies it can be worse than if it where a member of your family. This dog has been your best friend and has seen you through good times and bad and the memory of her will last you a life time. You will never forget her.

It will be very hard to do but you will know when it is best for her sake.

Lots of love to you and your precious girl.

Answer 6

Exactly the conversation I had with my vet. He said to consider her quality of life. YOur dog is old and sounds like it lived a full happy life. Also consider this: In your dogs poor health she may eventually run off to die. Would you rather put her to sleep and be their with your companion while she moves on, or always wonder what happened to her, did she suffer even more running off, etc.

Honestly it sounds like the time to do it is near and you should start preparing. There is a profound change in your pet that probably can't be fixed.

My Golden had a failing liver, I knew about it, and my vet was wise in telling me she could die anyday and that after a full life, there is nothing wrong with putting her down at any time. I woke up to her having a seizure from the liver failing. She had no control over her legs for a while, struggled to get around, and was clearly in distress. I took her to the vet by which time she had bounced back to normal. He offered to keep her and run a liver test, but I decided to let her go, for the following reasons.

Her liver is gone.

Watching her suffer afterwords. I didn't want to come home to dog the had a seizure, tried to get around, and ended up taking a tumble down the stairs on top of it.

She lived a great life and gave me countless hours of companionship and therapy.

She was always there no matter what, through the hardest times of my life and she just seemed to make it easier.

Children at home and who knows what could happen during a seizure.

She bounced back and was her good old self. And I took the chance to end on a high note and not with her in a coma, or seizing at the time.



I held her for the injection, the vet said about 5-7 seconds. She was gone in less than 2. I stayed with her for about 10 more minutes to thank her and say my final goodbye. It was the right choice at the right time. They do not suffer during it.

Hard, excruciatingly hard. But I felt I owed it to her and there was no reason to be selfish and try and squeak another day or week out of her. She now sits on the mantle of my fireplace and little bit of her is in her favorite places outside.

R.I.P. Samantha Heaven Lee Maria 5/4/2005

Answer 7

My vet always told me when the pet has no quality of life. Just because the cancer was removed from her eye, doesn't mean it hadn't gone into her brain, or elsewhere in her body. She will ultimately be blind, as well as deaf. I'd think hard about how much this dog isn't enjoying her life, as well as making life miserable for the family. If it must be done, and it sounds to me like it should be done, would you and your family grieve less after Christmas?

One of the hardest things we have to do as pet owners is to decide when to do the merciful thing for our pets. Over the years I've had many, dogs, cats, horses, and often had this awful decision to make. Our grief is not for the pet, it's for our loss. So, while none of us can tell you what to do, pet owners will encourage you to do what's best for the dog, not for you and your family. Good luck, and bless you for caring for your pet for all these years!

Answer 8

She's an old girl, but age alone doesn't constitue putting her down. Most really old people are annoying in their own way too, but we don't put them down...It sounds like she just wants attention, just like many old people do!

Is she in any pain? Does she still have "Life" in her? Does she have arthitis or any other health problems (Besides the cancer that was removed)?

You can't just look at this from a "Human" standpoint that "She's annoying us, so let's put her down" - You generally put a dog down because it's suffering, NOT because YOU'RE suffering because of the dog!

Answer 9

First of all, base your desicion on the dogs health and happiness now in general. Not based on annoyance,heart ache & past smiles. If the dog is miserable, it may be best. I believe that right now your dog is probably not in hte best of spirits, considering she cant see her family, possibly not hear her family- she may be barking out of utter confusion! I would have her taken to the vet, and have a consultation. With all your family members. It sounds like it may be the dogs best intrest to be sent to dog heaven. There's no need for her to spend the rest of her life being told to shut up, yelled at, pushed around and felt like a nusiance... don't you think?

Answer 10

im sorta in the same situation as you...my advice would be to weigh up the good points against the bad points, but seeing as this dog had had a good life and is very old and ill i would probably suggest to have her put down and remember as the good dog she was instead of her being remembered as an annoyance. this is only my advice and i know its a tough decision but i hope ive helped