My dog has arthritis. His hind legs go out from underneath him more and more each day. He snaps when someone other than a family member pets him as he has many sore spots and some unoperable tumors. We have many teenage kids around our house, so this is a major concern. He's 16 years old and we adore him. In spite of all his ailments, he'll rip across the yard after a squirrel.
2007-02-26 03:14:07 · 34 answers · asked by terriebelle 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
If he seems to be really suffering, then do the humane thing and have him euthanized. It sounds like this might be a wise thing to do, considering his age and that he is in pain. I'm very sorry about your dog.
2007-02-26 03:18:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
If he still seems happy and to enjoy things like chasing squirrels then the time is not here yet.
Only when his health problems mean he has no enjoyment from life should you think about doing it.That could be a year or 2 from now or just a few weeks-there is no way to predict.In the meantime look into getting him pain relief for his arthritis.
Tell teenage kids who visit your house (presumably to visit your own kids) to leave him in peace or not to come in.
2007-02-26 11:36:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your dog's legs are giving out it sound like he really has bad legs,the snapping sounds like he is in real pain and that is the only way he can tell you not to touch him. I think you would be doing the right thing by putting him down. He has lived a long and happy life with your family You don"t want him to suffer anymore than he has to. It might be time to say goodby My dog Blacky was also 16 when we put him down on DEC 29. It was the hardest thing My family have had to do, but i know it was the right thing.He had also been falling because his legs would give out on him and he was in pain all the time. I to have 2 teenage Boys. my youngest is 14 so Blacky was hear is whole life.
You will grieve and you will talk about him and miss him and sometimes it will seem your heart is breaking in two, But it gets a little easier as time passes and when you are ready think about getting another dog. He will never replace this one but you will make new memories with him and your family.
I hope this helps a little Good luck and i will be praying for you and you dog.
2007-02-26 03:31:34 · answer #3 · answered by janet 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I went thru this last October my Herbie just looked at me one day his eyes full of pain, that day he really couldn't get to standing without help, he went that evening(vets) and he was put down in the back of the car with me cuddling him. He's in the garden now. You will Know when he's had enough. Tell and put a sign up to tell the kids that no one is to upset him and they must respect his space, they are way old enough to understand. I am now going thru the same thing with Herbie's brother Josh. no tail because of cancer lots of lumps getting less energetic day by day, still loves his ball though. Its not time yet while they can enjoy their lives. they have a right to life love and respect. Have you tried Glaucosamine for the arthritis? It worked for Herbie and Josh it's the cancer I can't do anything about. Sorry if I'm moaning. Enjoy your boy for as long as you can.
2007-02-26 08:52:48 · answer #4 · answered by chewystuff 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i had 2 put mine to sleep not long ago, she was 17 years of age, yes she had alot of get up and go in her, but at the same time she was tired alot an i could see her pain, it took us a long time to let her go an say good bye, it took long cause we saw the good side, but then was hard when we saw the sad side, she was very old 4 a dog an she was getting lumps on her, u will no yourself an u will feel it in your heart when the rite time is, im also very sory cause its a really hard thing to cope with, but the pain wil go, an even though he or she may not want to go, at the same time im sure he or she wil b crying 2 help them, an its the only way, as sad as it is, an always wil b , sometimes we have to make a choice an b strong even though we dont want to. life is so cruel and i hate that, but please be strong, sorry if my words have upset you. they upset me to when i was told the same. and even now and then, i will still call out to her to come for dinner, cause i forget from time to time. sory here i am talking about how i felt. well you will no when the time is right ok. take care
2007-02-26 05:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by louise 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. Pets do become a part of the family and it is hard to make a decision like this.
I've had to put two animals to sleep in past years. And I just knew when it was time. There's a different look in their eyes and they are pretty much unresponsive.
You do need to seek some pain management from the vet. It's not right to make the dog endure pain when it's not necessary. Your vet. can also help guide you as to determining when is the right time to let go.
2007-02-26 03:27:43 · answer #6 · answered by Tara 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When you know that the quality of his life is failing. When he no longer wants to play. If there is still a doubt in your mind just let him do his thing until then. The day will come when you no longer can stand to see him in pain or he just doesn't enjoy life any more.
Do your have him on Remadil(sp) for the arthritis? If not, ask your vet. It will help with the pain and make life for him a little easier.
2007-02-26 04:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
talk to your vet. i've had to put pets to sleep a few times due to inoperable illness. you need to figure out if the dogs quality of life is being compromised and how much. talking to the vet about this is going to give you some insight. as for snapping at non family members, tell everyone not to go near the dog. it's your house so they must respect this.since the dog still wants to get that squirrel, you have to wonder " does it look like he wants to give up ,yet" i'm so sorry for you and your dog. i know this is heart breaking. best wishes.
2007-02-26 03:45:59 · answer #8 · answered by punkbun03 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What a terrible position to be in, I do sympathise. You must speak to your vet and ask his advice. You obviously love your animal and dont want to see him suffer but is there anything your vet can do to alleviate the dogs terrible pain at least for a while. If he is not enjoying any quality of life it would be fairer to have him put to sleep but I would still seek advice from a proffessional in case there is something else you could do.
I had the same problem with my cat a few years ago so I know what you are going through. God bless!
2007-02-26 03:22:00 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have pet insurance, your dog MAY be covered to undergo a hip replacement. My friends got recently had surgery and is a much happier chap now.
It's all about quality of life, he is getting on in years, but is obviously a much loved member of your family. Not a decision anyone can make for you.
All I can suggest is that you try to put your own feelings about him to one side, and take a long look at wether he is now ready for a well earned rest.
My thoughts are with you, Good luck.
2007-02-27 03:13:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work at a vet clinic - and we always say if the quality of life is gone no good to put them down. Are we still eating/drinking ok? Still happy and not painful? Able to go to the bathroom on their own? It sounds like your dog is snapping at family members because he is painful. Pain meds can be given to ease the pain, however it the pain is not manageable - he should be put down. You don't want to keep a pet around for yourself or other family members. It is nice that we have this option for them - putting them out of their pain. Yeah maybe he still has a spark in him for chasing the squirrels, but other that that he seems pretty unhappy. I would try to manage the pain, but if you can't put him down. You would be doing the right thing! Good luck and sorry!
2007-02-26 03:27:28 · answer #11 · answered by Hannah M 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋