Is it time for me to put my dog to sleep?

Question

She is about 16 years old. She has broken her back twice, and while she still walks I know it is painful for her. She still wags her tail when I get home, comes to greet me and likes to go in and outside. She barks randomly, and the vet said she might have some dimentia. Some days she won't eat, and I think that that is it. Then she'll scarf down all kinds of food. One day she'll pee on herself, and I think that is it, then she won't pee on herself for a couple days. I don't know what to do. I love her, and I just don't know what to do. I don't want to put her down because I am being selfish and she is hard to care for, but I don't want to be selfish and keep her going either. Help~!~

Answer 1

It sounds like your dog is very loyal and that makes the decision harder. It's funny though because if it was a person in so much pain we would say no way never let them die.
A lot of pet owners feel that way about there dogs to. They become family and are like a person to them. That makes it even harder.
The truth is your dog has it easier as you know she is hurting and you can give her final peace. It is hard for me to say this but that would probably be the best thing to do. She is hurting bad and is probably close to the end. So as much it hurts she will be happier being put down and you will probably need some time to get over it also.
My suggestion is that if you do decide to put her down. Go to you local animal shelter when you are ready and pick another dog. In this way you will give another a life back that it may lose.
Really sorry but that is a tough question to answer. Wish you the best.

Answer 2

I am so sorry to hear she is having such a hard time. You need to follow your heart. What does it tell you to do? You know this dog better than anyone. Does she seem happy with a few bad days? Or are most of her days hard on her with a few good? I know it is a very hard decision to make (as I can tell you really love her). I understand not wanting to put her down. You are right (but it is not just you, everyone does this about ALL loved ones). We want to keep them around because we love them and we feel like we are being selfish. It is so hard to let go. You need to look at the situation at hand. What will be better for her? I'm sorry that I can't give you a yes or no answer as it is not my loved one. All I can do is share some kind words with you and pray that you can make this decision without a lot of heartache. If you do decide to put her down just remember it is painful (but with time your heart will heal ~ but you will never forget her). She will be in a better place without all the pain and trouble she has here. I wish you all the luck at this difficult time. My prayers will be with you and your little loved one!

Answer 3

I'm so sorry to hear that, when i read that i almost started crying myself. If the dog seems like he can't take it anymore yes then it is time to let go. It will be hard and I am not going to lie about that. You might regret it for a little while but in the long run you will see that it really was the right thing for you to do. You should do what you think is right. if i was you i would take the dog to the vet one more time and see what the vet says. if there is no medicine for your pup then yes, from what you said she probably will not get much better. if there is a medicine for your dog then try out the medicine and see it it works. just remember this, if you end up putting the dog to sleep you did what was best for you 16 year old dog. Good luck and whatever you do, trust your heart

Answer 4

No one can tell you when it's time, unfortunately. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Have you discussed it with your vet? If you let your vet know that you have strong feelings about making sure your dog is comfortable, and about letting her go when her quality of life has deteriorated, your vet may be able to offer you some personal guidance, since he or she is familiar with your dog's condition.

For me, the decision is about quality of life - is she happy more than she's in pain, or does it seem like she's suffering more than she's happy? Can you look into her eyes and get a sense of whether or not she is still happy and comfortable being here, or if easing her passing would be a relief to her?

If you've never had to go through this before, this article may be helpful to you: http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/euthanasia.htm
It's written by a vet and explains what to expect, and at the bottom is a letter from a client to the vet, and a response by the vet about making the decision to euthanize.

My heart goes out to you - you're a wonderful person for trying to do what's best for your beloved dog.

Answer 5

I'm experiencing the same quandry myself. My Alaskan Malamute has spondylosis (fusing of the vertebrae) in her lumbar (lower) reqion. She has not had control of her bowels for a year or so. That hasn't been a problem since her poop is dry and manageable. She has also been losing muscle mass in her hind legs and quarter.

In November, I took her to a specialist at an animal hospital here in Denver. She was seen by a neurologist as well. Long story short...she could have a brain tumor or just some neurological disorder...so she's on Prednisone for inflammation. That has helped with her alertness and focus, but now (for 2 months) she is in depends as she is incontinent.

It is getting worse. I am lucky with my job that I have been around a LOT to look after her. Sometimes in the morning she is lying in a puddle of her urine...and more often than not, she wets her diapers when relaxing during the day. She is beginning to have trouble with her balance and stumbles occassionally on her walks (I live in an apt.).

So I'm thinking about putting her down. I've never had to put a dog down before and I feel like I'm playing God. I've talked to a lot of friends who tell me that she's in pain and suffering...and that this is the best gift we can give our animals...and other such confirmations of my thinking.

I am just afraid it's too soon. Mollie is happy to see me, and still begs for treats and is alert when food is around...but I watch her when I walk her and it breaks my heart that she seems to be getting weaker and unbalanced and clumsy.

It's a hard decision to make, and we go to the vet this week to talk it over.

Bless you in making your decision. It's a hard one...and from what I've read, it's so very personal when you love your animal. And that's what counts...I believe I have to balance my emotion with the objective reality of what my girl is facing...that helps me see that I will do what needs to be done for her...and in consideration of what I am ABLE to do for her.

Take care....

Answer 6

I do not envy you having to make such a hard choice. At the end of the day, I think you have to do what is right for her. If she is in pain then that isn't fair to her. I know and understand it is a hard decision, but it is only you that can really decide.

If it was my dog, going by what you have said above, I would personally put her down. Hard as it may be, you have to remember she is old, in pain and probably not going to last for too much longer.

I wish you and your little dog well. I hope you make the right decision.

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 7

I just put my dog to sleep and she was only 6. She had lymphoma. And 2 months later I got another dog, different kind. He seizures out and went into a coma and I had to put him down after 14 days. You will know in your heart when it is time to put her down. Dogs wont tell you if they are hurting, so you have to make a decision on your own. I put my dog down and held her while they did it. It is painful but we owe them that much. When it was over, you finally realized that she was in peace. She didn't sleep at night and stopped eating her dog food. She ate what we gave her. She lived like a queen for the last 3 weeks of her life. Just give your dog whatever she wants while she is around. Make her happy and enjoy it, then make your decision. You will know when it is time. Good luck with everything, I hope I helped.

-Dave

Answer 8

If it were my dog, I would likely put her down. Part of the responsibility and (for lack of a better word) priviledge of owning pets is that you don't have to watch them suffer through things as you do with family members. When they start to become embarassed or distressed about their behavior, you don't have to wait out their painful death. You are given the ability and the responsibility to let them end their life with as much dignity and as little pain as possible. If she's in pain, incontinent and has dementia, I would consider euthanasia better alternative for her than suffering. While I cannot say what you should do right now for her, I would start to monitor her favorite activities. If she starts to lose interest in them, or continues to not eat, I would say it is time to make a decision soon. I have been there, most of us have been there, and know how difficult it is. I wish you the strength and courage to make the right decision when the time comes.

Answer 9

This is awful and yet something each of us has to go though in our lives....I believe our pets read our thoughts. They know what's going and I would simply sit with her quietly and ask her what she wants. If your dog is your baby, you will know her well enough to understand the answer she gives you. Ask and she will tell. And then you will feel it was her decision and not all on you. She will tell you but you just have to ask. And please know that when she passes, she will still be around you all the time. That energy, the love you had, will never die. I'm so sorry for the pain you will soon have to face and I send you my prayers. Good luck, sweetie!!!!

Answer 10

I know how you feel.My mom has a cockapoo who is 15 years old she pees everywhere she hides under the bed for days,she even snaps at her once in awhile,she has a hard time getting around,she won't hardly eat.I know it's hard to let go of your best friend,but sometimes it's for the best interest of the animal.She has lived more than her lifetime.I'm not trying to be cold hearted but i think it would be the best.