I have a question about my dog....?

Question

I have a 14 year old German Shephard. He has arthritis very bad, and is just generally close to death. He lies on the floor and whines and yelps all night long. Like I said he is 14 years old and he weighs over 90 lbs. I just do not want to see him suffer anymore. I do not have enough money to youthanize him, and I do not want to shoot him, thats just inhumane. I am an owner of 3 dogs, I love them very much, seeing Rex suffer is breaking my family's heart. Is there anything that I can purchase to ease my dog to the end? I know you may think I am too cheap to get it done properly, but we just want to bury him in a spot where we believe he should be, thats all. Any response to my question would be greatly appreciated,
Sad For My Dog, Illinois

Answer 1

I'm sorry for your loss. Most vets will work out a payment plan for this.

Also, check where you live, but usually you are not allowed to bury large dogs on private property

Answer 2

I am very sorry for your loss! I had grown up with a dog that my mom had and she had chosen my over everyone else and I grew up and left home to join the military and came home to visit and found out that she had been euthanized because she was in great pain as well. We found her on the streets when I was 5 or 6 and she died when I was 19 so she lead a long and happy and very spoiled life. To answer your question as horrible as this may sound I know that most people don't like to think about it there are humane societies who if the shelter is to full or if the dog that they get off the street is to ill or would be a danger to its self and to others if put back into society they are humanely euthanized. They will also if for what ever reasons the owner wishes it to be done can do it for the owner, because they feel it would be cruel to turn away some one trying to put an end to their friends suffering. Now not every shelter does this there are what is called a no-kill shelter ad will not "put an animal down no matter what the circumstances. If the vet. will not discuss with you available options or if you think that the vet. isn't an available option i.e. because it would cost to much to end your friends suffering than that might be the available thing to do. I am sorry for the situation that you and your Shep are in I hope that everything works out.

Answer 3

Sorry bout your luck
German shepards are pron to hip dispasia. He is probably in more pain than you. You ever see old yeller. Sometimes you just have to be a man and do whats right. I relize this is hard beans to swallow but I've been in your boots more times then I care to remember. I could tell you stories that would make you think I'm a monster. Sometimes it's hard to live with the things I've had to do, to keep the dog from suffering. Every min. that goes by is a bad selfish min.

Call around ALL vets and tell them your story. Look for the cheapest.
Try the city pound they sometimes will put a animal down.
I've worked in vet clinics and have been involved in the process. The dog has no idea whats happening and is gone so fast you'll have every bit of confidence you did the right thing.
Have you ever had a broken bone?
It hurts until it's set and stabilized.
This is what the dog feels.
Do the right thing.

Answer 4

The most humane thing to do would be to euthanize him before it gets worse. Most good vets will be willing to arrange a payment plan where you pay x amount every so often (every week or two). If you euthanize him at the vets office, your family can be there too. Just being able to say goodbye to him is enough for Rex. It is going to be better than waiting until he goes on his own - you may not be able to say goodbye. Even worse, he will be in pain when he does cross the Rainbow Bridge. Please, do the right thing for Rex; do not make him pass in pain. I know it's hard to make the decision with the family to put down a beloved pet, you need to judge what his quality of life is. As I see, it's not too great. I'm very sorry that you need to go through this.

Answer 5

How heartbraking. Im sure its like watching a memeber of the family suffer. I dread the day my dogs get too old too. It seems your really love you dogs very much, and I respect that. But the most humane and appropriate way to end his suffering is with a vet. Anything else and you become the one hurting.poisoning your dog. When animals are euthanized, the vet can return him to you for an appropriate burrial. I would strongly suggest speaking with a vet. There no easy way through this and you have my deepest condolences.

Answer 6

Speak to yuor vet about your financial concerns and about getting Rex euthanized. I'm sure they can work out a payment plan for you. Anything you might consider giving him from "over the counter" would likely cause additional pain and no matter what would be considered animal cruelty if given by an everyday person.

Answer 7

Why don't you set up a euthanasia donation fund for your dog? You can start with asking family and close friends for donations. Then you can bring the jar with you at low key social gatherings. Your vet may be able to set up a payment plan if you prefer that.

Answer 8

Start with an aspirin a day for him. May be your vet can give you some morphine for him. Oh ya you have no money, Do yourself a favor and give the other two away. You obvious can't afford to take care of them.

Answer 9

Dude, you can not be that broke to not be able to put a dog you have had for 14 years to sleep. Stop dragging your butt and get some money together today. How can you let this dog go through another night like that and you say you love it.

Answer 10

Euthanasia is the best option. Like the others said, try to work out a pay plan. If one vet refuses, try another. If the vet really is a good one, they'll care enough about the animals to help you out even if you can't pay it off immediately. Please do what's best for the dog.