ageing much more rapidly than the other, she has arthritis very badly her sight is going, she is at least 20lbs heavier than she should be I have followed all the vetinary advice but her arthritis makes it difficult for her to walk far! I think a decision will have to be made for ehr in the next few months which is killing me, the other side to this horrid dilemma is that I think her sister will become terrible sad and what can I do to lesson her sorrow?? another dog now would not be a solution!
2006-12-02 14:33:39 · 7 answers · asked by sicilyuk 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
my girls are part retriever and part terrier, as for sasha whom I am talking about her weight has been addressed many times by different diets and so on, she is fed healthily and as good a food as I have been advised to feed her on,
2006-12-02 14:55:05 · update #1
I was recently in exactly the same position you are, only my dogs weren't siblings. They were both 14. I finally had to put my girl down because she couldn't walk anymore. I was afraid my boy wouldn't be able to handle her being gone and that I'd lose him soon after because they'd been together since they were just a few months old. It's been 5 months now, and he's doing ok. Of course, he missed her a lot at first and would look for her. My husband and I just made sure to give him a lot of extra attention and love. No, do not bring another dog into the house. It wouldn't be good for your dog, and to be honest, you're probably not ready for a new dog yet either. I know I'm not. I wish you the best and I'll keep you and your babies in my thoughts.
2006-12-02 14:45:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
20 lbs is a lot for a dog yet alone for a human!!!
She really needs to get the weight off. Have you put her on a reduced calorie food? Also reduce the amount you are feeding her. Has your vet checked her thyroid? She could be hypothyroid and that could be causing the weight gain as well as the arthritis problems.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are good for dogs with arthritis and you can get that at the pet store. Also canine aspirin can be given according to weight as well.
I think your vet needs to be more proactive in helping you with her weight loss. Walking her at this time is not the answer if she is in pain. I wonder how he would feel if someone was forcing him to walk when he was in pain!!
You didn't mention the age or breed of your dog but some are more prone to cataracts and such than others.
You have a very difficult issue here with your babies.
If you do have to make a decision on your dog as far as putting her to sleep ( I had to do the same about a year ago with one of mine she was 15 and had kidney failure) and the other is alone you will just need to spend as much time with the other dog as you can. You will both be grieving so you will need to console each other.
2006-12-02 22:50:50 · answer #2 · answered by josiegirl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree that another dog would not be a solution. That doesn't work for people and it won't lessen your dog's sadness either. If anything, I would think it would be worse for her to deal with a puppy or young dog who was always wanting to play. Our cat died last year, and our dog definitely knew and definitely was sad. She moped a bit, but after a few days she came around. She sniffed around and I know that she knew the cat wasn't coming back. We just recently got a new cat and I am SOOO glad we took the time to decide whether we really wanted another cat instead of just replacing the one that died. Our dog was VERY happy when we walked in with the new one. In our house, our pets are family members, so I know it's a very hard choice to make. You'll know when the time is right to take her in and having the rest of the pack still around will help the surviving sister. Best of luck.
2006-12-02 22:43:27 · answer #3 · answered by semper411 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well sometimes the right thing to do is put your dog down. And it will be a very sad time, believe me. If the dog ids hurting badly and there is no sign of getting better, I think the dog wouldn't mind being put down. I know that it is sad and is painful to watch such a nice animal suffer. But your dog may get better! You never know what is instore for the future! Just do what your heart says to do.
2006-12-02 23:03:27 · answer #4 · answered by ~Hayden~ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My dog was only 15 lbs overweight, and crippled with arthritis. I started her on a diet and started feeding her a glucosamine/chondriotin supplement, and 6 months later she has lost all her extra weight, and this dog that could barely walk can run and keep up with our other dog. I never thought a little weight loss would make such a difference, but I never have to give her any pain medication anymore.
I think you shouldn't give up on your pet, I would never have imagined my dog could make such a recovery.
2006-12-02 22:42:44 · answer #5 · answered by Hallie 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you decide to put down your dog (which, I'm sorry for all the pain it will cause you), you might want to think of adopting an older dog to be a companion to your other one.
Shelters sometimes have 10-year olds that nobody wants but they can be wonderful companions. It's like they know this is their last chance and they are immensely grateful.
2006-12-02 22:44:14 · answer #6 · answered by tamara_cyan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you should let her enjoy life as much as she can until it gets to a point where she would rather be out of this world of pain!
When this happens the other girl will start greiving..........................let her grieve! Dogs go through that process of sorrow and then they realize that there is nothing else to do but move on! Then it would be good for her if you get another dog. trust me.
Because if all you do is pet her and hug her and kiss her she will never realize that! its just like praising her behavior.
2006-12-02 23:04:22 · answer #7 · answered by hate school, love Dog Whisperer! 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋