My Great Dane is suffering Kidney failure. When should I put him down?

Question

The vet stated that I should make a decision regarding putting my dog down. He won't eat by himself, but he will get up once in awhile. He is only about 6 years old. I don't see any signs of great pain, but he is obviously suffering. How do I know when the suffering is at the point where I should put him down? Is the death horrible if I just let nature take it's course? Difficult time for me and I need help. Thanks

Answer 1

Some questions to ask yourself:

is the dog happy?
what is his quality of life?

is your dog just hanging in there for you?

Euthanasia is usually very very peaceful and quick. Letting nature take it's course can be horrible and it can mean loss of dignity for the dog.

I understand your pain..I lost a Dane to kidney issues many years ago and just last June I lost my beloved Dane, Cheyanne.It's never easy.

No one can make this decission for you..it is yours to make and your alone.

Answer 2

Go by your Vet's advice. Vet's are generally very reserved about recommending euthanizing a dog. If he is obviously suffering, I'd say don't prolong it. I had a GSD that had to be put to sleep and she was about the same age and she was so sick. I had tried everything and there was nothing left to do and she was in so much pain. I hung on for awhile longer and that is the only thing I regret because I hoped somehow she would get better but she didn't.
If your Vet says the condition is terminal then it will only get worse. Have you ever had even a urinary tract infection and do you know how painful that is? Kidney failure would be a hundred times worse.
So if your Vet says it's time to think about it, I'd bounce it off another Vet and if they said the same thing then I would do it.
I know that is hard. Very hard. Sorry your dog is so sick and I do know how that feels.
Hoping the best for you and that if another Vet can't save him that you are able to do what is best for the dog.

Answer 3

Do you live in a place where it would be possible to put in a kitty door & build her a small safe outdoor enclosure made from heavy-duty wire fencing (like a chain link kennel w/a chain top, or what I call "rabbit" fencing, the type that has rectangular openings in the wire & is sturdier than chicken wire). You could build her some perches so she can watch birds. That might work if you could install it off a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area, where she could come into an area that has vinyl or tile floor. Have her food, water, a couple washable beds or a cardboard box with towels in the room &pet & play with her frequently, but limit her access to the rest of the house. I hate to put any cat down until absolutely necessary. See if something like that might work. If not, you might have to just confine her to a room where she can't do much damage or a cage, and only let her into other areas when you can watch her closely. Put out several litter boxes also.

Answer 4

I once had a heeler I loved very much but he picked up some disease that caused him to suffer excruciating pains. I couldn' t see any signs of the pain but the vet told me it was not in his nature to show pain the way humans do. He was about 13. I had to decide and I went thumbs down. I imagined if it were I, a human being that I'd just want to be kept as pain free as possible if I had a terminal illness, and prepare my mind to deal with the fact that it would be over soon. It's a painful decision to make

Answer 5

Very sorry to hear about your dog. We as pet owners have the luxury of ending our pets suffering. It is sad that we do not extend people the same courtesy. As the owner only you know when your dog is not enjoying life anymore. This is a difficult decision for any pet lover to come to. I can offer you some guidelines, but the decision is one that only you can make.

Is your dog eating?
Is your dog still playing?
Can your dog move around w/o discomfort?
Have his bathroom habits changed in such a way that it is difficult for you to meet his outdoor needs?
Is he suffering?
Is it economically viable for you to continue his treatment?
Has your vet told you it is time?

The answers to these questions should point you in the right direction. Please keep in mind that while euthanasia seems horrible to have to do, it is really something we do out of love. Once again I am terribly sorry.

Answer 6

I am so very sorry to hear about your big friend. I think the only thing you can do is look him in the eyes and ask him if it's time. I have had many dogs and cats over the years- some living for 15 years (a dog) to 21 years (2 cats) and each one seemed to communicate something very different to me when they were ready to go. They each tried to go outside and just sit like they were looking at the sky one more time. It's very sad but you will know.

And know that he will be happy to have been your loyal friend for as long as he could.

Answer 7

I'm am greatly saddened hearing this. I had to put down my beagle not to long ago because of kidney failure. I recommend putting him down sooner rather than later, because he is suffering. My dog was at the point of where I couldn't see her suffer anymore, when you are sure that he is in great pain and that you can't do anymore to help him, this is the point where you must say to yourself that ending his suffering is the only way left.

My deepest condolences

Answer 8

I know you do not want to let your dog and it is really hard to put him down but the best thing to do is do it right away because if he is having kidney failure then he might not make it. Most animals with problems like that don't make it. SORRY! If your dog is doing kind of ok then I would wait until something really bad happens but if he/she isn't doing that good then like I said you might as well put him down right away. SORRY!!!

Answer 9

[e-mail]

A support list for owners of dogs with kidney problems

PS has your vet ruled out Addisons disease? That is fairly common in great danes and looks just like kidney failure. It is treatable

Answer 10

Soon. If you have the option of putting him down it is far more merciful than letting him die slowly. However, I cannot give you a date. You should spend as much time with him as possible, keep him comfortable and loved. Let him go when you are ready, but consider that you yourself have said he is suffering.