To put an elderly animal to sleep? Do you just "know"? Im not doing this yet, but I know my dogs health is declining, and dont want her to suffer, but also dont want to have to do that, here in probably the near future..How do you cope? Is there a way to prepare for that? I pray everyday that she just goes in her sleep, so I dont have to make that decision... Thanks!
2007-01-28 04:53:02 · 10 answers · asked by misstikal311 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
She is eating, drinking, and actimg normal, except she sleeps alot, which is NORMAL for a 14 yr old dog...Its not time yet and the vets said all her organs are functioning normally..Her Diabetes is under control with diet and insulin....This question is for the "future"..I would NEVER allow her to suffer, but realistically I see her declining slowly, again shes 14..
2007-01-28 05:10:59 · update #1
Definitely not an easy decision to make, and thinking ahead and trying to plan for it is sometimes the best you can do to prepare. Consider your options regarding what you want done "after the fact". Do you want burial, cremation, would you like to have a paw print casted, etc. These things seem trivial to some, but the memorial is very important to others.
Regarding "when"; your veterinarians are your allies in this. If they aren't recommending euthanasia right now, take stock in that and trust that you don't have to consider it as an option right now, and continue to enjoy the time you have with your dog. My doctors have always referred to this "quality of life" decision in terms of the pet. If your dog is acting normal and enjoying the things that they have always enjoyed, and any pain is under management with success, then the decision does not necessarily need to made right now. From another standpoint, is your quality of life being hindered because of the care necessary for your dog? If not, then it would appear there is no pressing need to make the decision right now.
My best wishes for enjoyment of your special girl in the time you have left
2007-01-28 06:47:10 · answer #1 · answered by SS Enema 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hardest thing I have had to do so far with my dogs is put one down because of renal failure. You will know when the time comes by the symptoms the dog is showing you. When the time does come, be prepared to do what is right for the dog, not you, and I do not mean that as a put down. Many people want to keep the dog around because they are afraid to let go, it is not right. Let the dog go peacefully and you will cope just fine knowing you did the right thing for a friend you no longer whant to see suffer.
2007-01-28 13:07:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very sad situation, but I don't think that you should wait for her to go on her own, in her sleep. If you do that she'll most likely pass away at night and you'll have to deal with the aftermath in the morning. There's also the possibility that if you wait and hope she passes on her own that she will, but only after a major organ fails in the middle of the night and makes her final hours very painful to her.
I think that you should take her in for a check-up and ask the vet for his/her honest opinion. A good vet can take good care of both the animal and the owner.
I wish you the best
2007-01-28 13:09:38 · answer #3 · answered by mgrenia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my dog shows signs of suffering, then I will have him put to sleep. Not until. Just because they die naturally doesn't mean they suffer. They are like humans in that respect, many die in their sleep without suffering. Even if he gets arthritis so bad he can bearly walk, it is time to put him down. Even waiting this long to do it is better to the animals than what we allow for our other beloved human beings. It will hurt you a lot for awhile, they are family after all. But you do get over it just like you do when a parent dies. You can love another dog again, just give yourself a little time to heal.
2007-01-28 13:18:51 · answer #4 · answered by Fruit Cake Lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
after 13 years with my rottie, I finally had to have her put to sleep.[I hate that term] My dog was ready to go, God bless her. You really can't prepare yourself for something that's about to happen later on. Just be blessed your animal has a loving & caring master. I prayed mine would go in her sleep but no way. I finally got the courage and had her vet check her out and said it was time. It was like losing my daughter. Just wait until inside you know it's time, do it, and deal with it the best you can. Best of luck to you
2007-01-28 14:14:01 · answer #5 · answered by jepa8196 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 16 1/2 yr old cat let me know, but his health declined very suddenly so it was obvious he was no longer enjoying life - he couldn't make it to the litter box, or have energy to play or eat (his two favorite pasttimes)
There are a variety of pet loss support groups - the SPCA has one "real life one"and there are many online sources of support.
It is the hardest thing I have experienced, but remember you are not alone in the pain, reach out to others.
2007-01-28 13:18:53 · answer #6 · answered by mme_queen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a tough decison, but you will feel better if you do the right thing. You cant prepare your self for any death, so dont try. It will be hard but you will know when the dog is suffering, yur vet will give you advice.
2007-01-28 13:02:52 · answer #7 · answered by evilgrl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dog just died last week. she was a lab/boxer. she was 13 years old and we had to put her to sleep. she was dying of cancer that was growing in her stomach. the last week was terrible for her. she couldn't barey walk and i had to carry her up and down the stairs and hand feed her. it was so hard because i was always so busy that i couldn't all ways be therefor her. i had family but they didn't care as much as i did. the last 2 day she hadn't eaten any thing and that's when we know that it was her time to go.the last week for me was miserable. she wasn't the dog that i had since i was 3, she was dining and i know it. i cried so much it was the hardest thing to do.the hardest thing was the car ride there. i had missed school to go put her to sleep. then they put her to sleep and i felt like a part of my heart was riped out. i will never of get her. i will always remember her. she was my little baby and i will forever miss her.
2007-01-28 17:12:57 · answer #8 · answered by *ballin* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the longer you wait, the more miserable the dog is getting- if you know for a fact that she is suffering, do her a favor
2007-01-28 13:01:40 · answer #9 · answered by notfromaround_here 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all honesty.. you will know when its time.. you will see it in their eyes.. and trust me. it isnt an easy decision.. best of luck to you...
2007-01-28 14:32:01 · answer #10 · answered by nurse_driller 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋