we have a going on 15 yr old Eng Springer Spaniel, Holly. Shes a lovely old gal, and has aged graefully. Shes my husbands dog. she can see fine, her coat looks good but how do we know if she has a quality life? She has urinary incontinence, and at times can not control her BM's. she had a complete mastectomy due to breast cancer last year. Her legs are stiff when she walks especially 1 back legs and some times she shivers or trembles, I dont think its that she is cold. When she is up, she at times seems disoriented as to where she is. She wants to be with right beside her daddy all the time now, and is up n down all night constantly wanting him for something, he gets up over 5-6 times a night, she doesnt want to go out but just stands there wanting him to be near and I think he is just getting ehausted himself. Ive had been opposed to euthanasia i felt just let them go on their on, but i am not for prolonging suffering. what does this seem like to those who have expericened similar ?
2007-01-01 04:57:57 · 13 answers · asked by bex920 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Every case is unique, just as every life is.
Your husband will be in a good position to know when she no longer has the quality of life that she can enjoy at least a portion of each day. That being said, you can share with your husband your concerns for her wellfare.
When I'm no longer able to control my bodily functions. When I am disoriented and don't know if I'm coming or going. When night is as day and day as night. And I whine and complain daily and nightly....someone please put me down. But make sure that my hair looks good first and foremost. Can I get that for myself?
NO, because only animals get a humane final solution. Isn't that bizzare?
2007-01-01 05:17:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no ez solution to this. I just put down my 7yr female rott just a month ago. She had bone cancer. The problem is that she had a youthfull spirit. She was a happy dog....Yet the bone cancer had spead and I could tell she was in pain.
What you have to ask yourself is this...Is the dogs quality of life gone down? At her age and the bond she has with her "daddy" Shemay not want anything. Just human contact. The dog is trying to tell him that her tie is going to be short. She may know she is dying and is wanting some quality time. She is suffering. And her actions tells me that she is looking for comfort.
My rott was the same way. I would go to a vet for a check up. and tests. Dont let your friend suffer. And dont be selfish. Euthanasia is very humane......
good luck
2007-01-01 05:36:29 · answer #2 · answered by llll_bouncer_llll 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How can you be opposed to humane euthanasia? If you don't want suffering then that is the only other option! You need to decide what the quality of life is for the dog and your family. If you are constantly cleaning up messes, getting up with the dog, helping the dog up and down and the eating and drinking are off then if may be time for euthanasia.
2007-01-01 05:01:22 · answer #3 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was always opposed to euthanasia until my dog had a seizure and became brain-dead from lack of oxygen from not breathing. This is really a decision only you can make... if you feel the dog's quality of life is so poor and she is suffering, it may be the more humane thing to do... do not let the vets try to force the decision on you, because most of them will push it on you for some sad reason :(
2007-01-01 05:01:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing you dont want is to look back and wish you had done it sooner...or later.
So really talk to your vet. Better yet, a board with springer owners. Or someone elses vet. (Vets love to make money and they rake it in over folks like you, in your position, paying for anything to keep her longer.)
If she is in PAIN then you will not know it. Look up her problems. Are they painful? Dogs dont cry or express even horrible pain. Then go based on that. Putting off this decision may hurt you more later, so you dont hurt today. You know?
2007-01-01 06:54:03 · answer #5 · answered by WriterMom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had both the experience of putting a dog to sleep and having a dog die at home. Let me tell you: euthanasia, in my opinion, is the better way to go. I was able to hold my dog in my arms when he peacefully went. My other dog who passed this summer died in shock after having a seizure and it broke my heart to see him go that way.
You will know when it's time. If breathing, eating, or mobility is getting worse, I would consider euthanasia. It's awful to see them whither away. Enough of my depressing stories, lol, but I really wish you the best of luck.
2007-01-01 05:04:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Euthanasia is only allowed when the pet has a lethal disease that cannot be cured, and she is suffering awfully, in a way that she looks like she wants to die. What your dog has is old age. Would you kill your grandmother because she can't walk very well and has urinary incontinence? I don't think so. But you might pray to God to take her if she is in awful pains living only with the help of painkillers and machine respirator or something. So, if the dog has not reached that level, she is having a life and you can't take it away.
2007-01-01 05:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Its time to let go when it looks like the dog is no longer happy or enjoying life anymore. If your dog is in a lot of pain, she probably isnt very happy. Your dog's love for your husband seems to be the only thing that is keeping her alive. He should spend a lot of time with her to keep her comfortable while she's preparing to cross the rainbow bridge. If you euthanize her, let him hold her and pet her as she falls asleep. I'm sorry about your dog.
2007-01-01 05:25:43 · answer #8 · answered by Laurie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the time is getting near. When she no longer shows interest in the things she loves to do. If she wants to be by herself instead of with the hubby. If she quits eating. If she starts to whine or cry in pain. I am so sorry your dog has reached this last period in her life. Really the hubby should be the one to make that final decision. So sorry.
2007-01-01 05:05:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this issue should be discussed with the vet. dogs sometimes seem to be ok but could be suffering. in the wild, the "sick" animals are targets, so most animals will hide their sicknesses/aches/pains, etc. as you said, putting an animal to sleep is a heart wrenching decision, but when an animal is suffering more than it gets any joy out of life, the decision has been made for you! so talk with your vet and he/she can help you determine how much your lovely animal is suffering or not suffering. i will pray for you and your husband and your doggie.
2007-01-01 05:04:21 · answer #10 · answered by habs_freak 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋