HI, My 13 year old dalmatian is a complete mess. He pees and poops in the house (usually after we let him in from what we hope is going outside t do his business.) He does this sometimes two to three times a day. He never signals when he needs to go out. He has at last count 15 kidney stones and is going blind. I feel that he should be put down but my brother and my parents say wait. Personally I think it is wrong to keep a dog alive when his quality of life is no longer there. He cannot run anymore (he lost all his muscle) he has gone from 55 ounds to 25. The vet said that the surgery to help him would kill him because of his age. Now I know many people will agree with my family and not me but I ould like some imput on what we should do. He is not the dg he was when we rescued him. Recently he got fleas and ticks and wasn't even bothering to scratch himself. What should I do? Please do not say we are cruel because there are many people who would have put him down earlier.
2006-12-02 16:00:03 · 20 answers · asked by Mary 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I don't envy you and the decision you and your family have to make. My dogs are like part of the family and I can't imagine having to make that decision.
That being said, it would be impossibly for anyone to know your situation exactly or to know just how bad your dog's health is. Personally, I totally trust our vet and if the situation is as dire as you make it out to be, I would ask my vet what to do. I suspect if he says the dog can't even withstand the surgery then he will say it might be time to say goodbye and put the dog to sleep.
It is possible for people to love their pets to death. People often make these decisions in THEIR best interest (keep the dog around as long as possible because it is too hard to say goodbye) and not the pet's best interest (making the decision to have the animal humanely euthanized).
Best of luck with your decision.
2006-12-02 16:09:14 · answer #1 · answered by Smoochy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put yourself in his position. Would you want to be pooping and peeing where you never would have dreamed of going when you felt well? Would you want to be bitten by fleas and ticks and not have the energy to even scratch the bites which itch horribly, and not be able to move? Is that the life you would want? I know my answer. This is the hardest decision a person can make. Look into your dogs eyes. He can tell you if he's done. My heart is with you.
2006-12-02 16:10:32 · answer #2 · answered by Mrs. Strain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a dog when I was young that got very old, lost control of her bladder, couldn't stand up,couldn't see, etc. One day she was shuffling through the yard and fell of a 9 foot wall. Since I have grown up, I realize how terrible life was for her. I have had to put down quite a few cats, and a few dogs. It is never pleasant, but it is very humane, and it is the nicest thing you can do for your dog.I would strongly suggest that you take this dog to the vet, hold him while the adminster the injection, and allow this dog a peaceful death. You surely have given him a great life, now give him a dignified death.
2006-12-02 16:11:11 · answer #3 · answered by Erin P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a poem that might help you make the right decision.
A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart that beats inside me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should 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 footsteps fall upon my waiting ears. Please take me inside with you when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting 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 protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, my friend, when I am very old and no longer enjoy good health, hearing, and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me with you. 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.
2006-12-02 16:14:48 · answer #4 · answered by WildMtHoney65 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i think the same as u and i really think u should put the dog down cuz its cruel to let a dog live if its bling has fleas 15 kidney shot so id say put the dog down and i know its gonna be hard but u haft to do it its best to put the dog down it wont make u a bad person but its best to just put ur pet down instead of letting it suffer the pain and i hope u have good luck if u take mine and everyones else answers
2006-12-02 16:03:43 · answer #5 · answered by ghettogangster78 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you that the dog needs to be put down. He may get an infection from the fleas and ticks and then he would be suffering even worse, because his immune system wont be able to fight off the infection. I recently had to have my dog put down and he had similar symptoms to that of your dog. It was a hard thing to do, but in the end he is better off.
2006-12-02 16:10:16 · answer #6 · answered by miss_vixen_1985 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally love animals alive. I had to put my dog down once. He was suffering, arhritis and he was blind. I know it was the right decision and now he is painless. It does not make you a bad person, it actually makes you better than those against your opinion. Your dog is old, and I know you probably had some good times and memories but don't make him suffer, be the better person. It will be hard but you can do it! Good luck to you and your dalmation, I know how you feel. My heart is with your choice.
2006-12-02 16:11:23 · answer #7 · answered by i8 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. I think at this stage, it's more humane to put him down and end his suffering..Some people will be cruel and tell you that it's cruel to do that but if he's suffering, do you want him to suffer anymore. I know it will be hard and you cry for a long time. I had one put down last year..It's a painless procedure..they just go to sleep...My thoughts are with you..This is a hard decision and people who criticize you don't help but it's not their dog..they don't see it suffer in pain like you do. Just know that he is going to a better place.
2006-12-02 16:08:19 · answer #8 · answered by chilover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he should be put down humanely by the vet. If that isn't done then at least treat him for the fleas/ticks. One of my elderly clients would love to be able to have this option but since she is a human she must suffer her pain until her time comes.
2006-12-02 16:04:44 · answer #9 · answered by Dellajoy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you have your pet put to sleep. It is the humane thing to do. I agree that it is wrong to keep him alive when the quality of life is gone. As a human, I can only hope someone would do this for me, this is why I have a living will. Best Regards
2006-12-03 03:06:14 · answer #10 · answered by Battlerattle06 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋