When is it really "Humane" to put a dog to sleep? I'm torn?

Question

My dog is 17 years old. and she's not totally brain dead, but she is having trouble walking, seeing, and she's also having trouble holding her bladder, I love my dog to death, i've had her since i was 4, and i don't want to lose her. But i want to do what's best and right for her. I'm just torn on what exactly that would be. When is it right or okay to put a dog to sleep? and what's the best way to make that decision? Because I'm being selfish, and I need to think about what she needs. Thank You.

Answer 1

When she is uncomfortable more often than not. ..Only you can determine this, as only you know your beloved dog. When the time does come, I hope this will help you.

May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.


Copyright © Susan A. Jackson
Written for a beloved pet and friend.

Answer 2

Sweetie, i'm so sorry for what you're going by way of, there's nothing tougher. I can't let you know what the correct factor to do is, you have to do what's for your heart. I've had to have particularly a number of of my best buddies, my loved ones, for that is what they are, put to sleep, and i nonetheless cry fascinated about it. I've also gone the other way, and have kept them cozy at dwelling, except their time got here. I will be able to tell you this, demise is usually a very gradual factor, it just sucks massive time no matter what you do. I do know the hardest thing I've ever done is to keep my loved pet because the vet offers the injection, but it surely's speedy, and painless to your pricey pet. If by means of now you've gotten been to your vet, and you will have mentioned your goodbyes, recognize you probably did the correct thing. For those who decided to wait, that is the proper factor too. Know you're in my ideas, and i'm going to say a prayer in your dog. She's so fortunate to have had this type of extraordinary residence all these years. *hug*

Answer 3

This is a very tough decision to make. But don't feel you have to be alone during this time. Have you talked to your vet about her situation? Is she suffering and in pain? If there is something that can be done through medication or other intervention to keep her happy, then it's fine to hang on.. but if she's suffering and keeping her alive is only prolonging that you have to think of what her wishes would be. I'm sure she loves you with all her heart and has given you many happy years, but if she's in pain it's not fair to her to keep her hanging on. Quality of life should be considered. Think of how you would feel if you were in constant pain or suffering and your parents wanted to keep you on life support.. would you want to hang on knowing you'd never be able to live pain-free again? I know it's a difficult thing to do, but try not to dwell on losing her. Remember all the fun times you've had together and know that she'll be much happier once she's no longer in pain. Should you decide to let her go, but don't want to be without her companionship, consider adopting another dog in her honor. The company of a new pet will help ease the pain of losing her and she'd be proud of you for giving a homeless pet a loving home.

Answer 4

In the end everything we do is 'selfish'.
On the one hand it is selfish to keep this poor dog around because she JUST wants to hang on; to be with you even though she is in great pain.
On the other hand you have to consider the natural course of events. If she was in the wild she would not be with us today and she would have been taken many years ago.
It is truly the circle of life. she has watched you grow into a full human with all your faults and she loves you anyway. Now it is your turn. Help her move on. Take pictures, get a scrapbook, or make a quilt. Just remember her love and the good times; and the sadness will ease. In time.

Answer 5

Well, honestly it sounds like the time is close. Not being able to get up well enough to go outside, and pottying on yourself instead, is definitely a sign. Especially if she can't get up due to arthritis, as that's quite painful. Not eating is a common sign...but some dogs are so food-oriented, they never stop eating. It's never an easy decision, and unfortunately, noone can make it but you. You are her owner, you know her best. Try to logically assess her quality of life and if you would want to go on in her place. Realize that euthanasia IS a kindess, and the most unselfish thing you can do when your animal is suffering.

Answer 6

Putting a dog to sleep is humane, it alleviates the dog from suffering from the ailments of old age. Talk to your vet and make your choice from there. Dogs are put to sleep at all ages, if whatever is wrong isn't fixable (cancer, arthritis, etc) and its not manageable with meds its best if the dog be put to sleep so its not living in misery. Think of it as a gift to your pup for all the good years you've had that you're not going to make him/her live and suffer through the really bad days.

Answer 7

I think she'll tell you. In my experience, my dogs have told me when it's time. But then, one had leukemia and one had severe heart worms. Most dogs go calmly (they literally "go to sleep"). Some fight it because it's not time. Usually that's dogs that are put to sleep because they got in a dog fight or something. Most elderly dogs take it well.

I like to think of the far side cartoon about dog heaven where all the dogs are chasing a truck made out of spam. They are without pain.

Just ask yourself: Is she happy? How good is her life? Is she in pain? Would I want to live like her?

Answer 8

Sounds like your dog is suffering in her old age. Talk it over with your vet, but personally I think the time is right to let your dog have some relief from her pain. As much as you love your dog, you're not doing any favors by keeping her if she is in pain. Ultimately, you have to decide what's most humane. Seventeen is old for a dog, but she can't make the decision for you. I'd rather remember my dog in her healthy years than suffering and barely getting by.

I remember how much it hurt to put my first dog to sleep, but I felt better for doing it. Sounds like she and your dog are in similar situations. She could hardly stand up, only wagged her tail when I got home. I had to carry her food bowl to her and pick her up to get her outside to the bathroom. She could stand for long enough to pee, and then I had to carry her back in. Though I was sad, I felt like it was best for her to pass on comfortably than to continue to live in pain. My sympathy is with you no matter what...best wishes.

Answer 9

You should consult a vet. If she is suffering from the ailments that old ages brings it would probably be a good idea to get her put down. A vet should be helpful in determining whether or not she is in pain. Best of luck to both of you.

Answer 10

On Dec 4th of '06 we had to have our 13 1/2 yr old Std Poodle euthanized & it was very very peaceful (except for us, of course) & Abby felt no pain. It was the right think to do as her quality of life had really deteriorated for the previous 3 or 4 weeks. She was the finest canine I had ever known. You have my sincere condolences & God bless.