My white german shepard is 17 years old in our years. How do I know when its time to out him to sleep??

Question

He wants to plays but his hips give out and he cries when he tries to lie down...

Answer 1

I would discuss this with your vet. Find out if there is any way to make him more comfortable or if anything can be done about his hips. I wouldn't jump right to euthanization. The vet would be able to tell you more after examining him. Sorry he's going through this!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

If what you are saying is that he is only a few years old, German Shepherd dogs often have trouble with hips and bones. Take your dog to the Vet and he may give him medicines for pain etc. There are good Dog food formulas specifically for German Shepherds that have Glucosamine and Chondroitin in them. Ask your Vet how much you could give him as a supplement because this often helps alleviate severe symptoms associated with this common problem.
If the committment to the dogs needs (and they are many and may include a need for surgery to correct the hips) are more than you are able to handle financially, consider giving the German Shepherd Rescue a call or send them an e-mail as they take in Shepherds that need rehab and even surgery.
I am sure you love your German Shepherd Dog and sometimes it happens that an owner cannot afford the bills and the care the dog needs when the dog is disabled by illness.
http://www.justshepherds.com/gsdrescue.htm
Finding a home for him where someone has the time and resources to do what you cannot do is the most loving thing you could do for you dog.
If he is 17 literal years old he has lived well beyond what is normal for GSDs. Talk with your Vet and I am sure he or she will help you with this decision. You will have memories of one of the most loyal friends you have ever had. I know. I had to have my six year old GSD put to sleep due to severe and chronic illness and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I tried everything and finally came to terms with the fact that each treatment she was getting sicker, quicker, and there was nothing more I could do for her. Living would be for her to suffer in an agonizing way.

Answer 4

You have been blessed with him for a long time --he has arthritis as you well know --if you give him a baby aspirin regularly and MSM powder it will help allot--As far as when to say enough and help him to heaven?? He will surly let you know --my old girl of 19 years kept hanging in there and everyone kept saying I was mean because she was so old she barely could see and hear but still ate real well and did her duty PLUS she ruled the roost with the other two dogs--I always knew the day would come when she would no longer be able to get around and when the day came I saw it in her eyes --its been 3 years and still today I am taken back and I do so miss her --but it was OK to say goodbye that day --she said so through her actions (she just couldn't stand on her own) and the look on her face it was peaceful --I had the vet come to the ranch to put her to sleep --she is here with me under her Golden Chain tree --
I believe that there are animals in heaven so you will see him again sometime
Give him a hug for me theres nothing more special than an old friend xoxo to you both

Answer 5

Keep an eye on his quality of life. If he is still eating and still able to get around, he is probably okay.. Your vet might be able to give you something to help keep his hips from hurting him so much. I've heard that the best thing is to wait a day too long-- with older pets, each day is kind of the same as the day before-- a little better or worse, but if you are asking yourself if it is time, it probably isn't. Unless something catastrophic happens, his quality of life will gradually decline, and one day you will look at him and think, Oh, god, I should have put him to sleep yesterday. The extra day isn't much for the dog to endure, and you will never second guess yourself over whether you cut his life short or not. Of course, you need to do everything you can to keep him comfortable and happy, and try to keep him out of those situations where his hips give out... Be sure he has a soft bed and a good senior diet. Good Luck!!

Answer 6

take him to the vet for a check up (dogs this age should have check ups regulary( every few months) just to see how they are going). Tell the vet everything he does (like what u said above) and the vet will give your dog a check over and will tell u whe it's time to say goodbye.
seenas your dog cant play without getting hurt at this age. make sure u spend heaps of time stting with him and patting him so he knows you still love him even though he can't run and play.

Signs of aging; less responsive to orders, forget training,surprise puddles, loss of eyesite and/or sense of smell..........

Do not make any sudden changes to food, or furniture layout as this can be very confusing for an older dog.
Keep him walking, take him for a regular (careful) walk. (just on the flat-at a WALK)
Give him a good balanced diet as a good die can do wonders to your older dog, but there's no need to switch to a special diet unless your vet says so. If they do tell you to, add it slowly. Ask the vet how. Do Not Overfeed Your Dog. Older dogs have a tendency to become obese.
Ask your vet about supplements rich in antioxidents, such as vitamin and E. Might also need more vitamin B.

pay close attention to your dog throughout these aging years, plan his meals and activities with this in mind, and he will have a happy and healthy retirement.

Good Lick, and remember- take him to the vet and tell the vet everything. Ask him any question u might have.

P.S. one thing u definatley should not do is give him to someone else to look afeter, EVEN IF they have the time and resources to look after hime better. the shock of losing u and thinking you had abandoned him would kill him at this age. DO NOT LET HIM CHANGE HANDS. IT"S YOUR RESPONIBILITY TO LET HIM KNOW YOU LOVE HIM AND GIVING HIM AWAY IS NOT THE WAY! He will thing u dont love him and have abandoned him. or he will think something has happened to u and will worry himself to death.
Take heed and Good Luck,(again).
LO:)
Be brave if it comes to saying goodbye.

Answer 7

I would only consider putting him down if the vet says there's nothing more you can do for him. I did that with my poodle who was 13 years old and he developed a rare form of cancer that's common to older poodles and it was too advanced for treatment and the vet said it was best to put him down since he didnt have long to live maybe a few weeks to a month. It's not an easy choice since I had my dog since I was 12 and I wasnt even 26 when he was put to sleep. I would talk to a vet and see what they say and if there's something that can be done do it if not then you know it's time to put him down.

Answer 8

It sounds as if he has either arthritis in the hip joints or hip dysplasia. And 17 human years is 119 dog years. If he's exhibiting signs of pain, you need to take him to the vet asap. The vet will examine him, answer your questions, and make recommendations. If his health is otherwise fine, there may be something the vet can give him to relieve the pain. The final decision about euthanasia will be up to you.

Answer 9

I would check with the vet as to why he is crying when he tries to lie down(is it due to his hips...or something else)? My sister had to put down a beautiful german shephard because he had really bad epileptic seizures. It was so sad. I will say a prayer for your cherished pet. As long as he is not suffering or in a lot of pain,I would not have him euthanized, but I would check with the vet.
God Bless.

Answer 10

You may a list of the top 3 or 4 things that give your pet a quality life. Eating and drinking should be the top two. After that going for walks, playing ball etc.

When these things start to disappear or become to hard for him to do, that's when you should put him to sleep.

They have a way of telling us when its time.

You may interested in this website http://www.rainbowbridge.com It is a memorial site for pets. They also offer information on when its time, and have counselors available as well.

This is probably the hardest decision we as pet owners have to make, when to say good bye.