How do I know when it's time to put my dog to sleep?

Question

I hate even asking this. I have a 12-yr old Brittany that I love so much. In the past year or so she has completely lost her eyesight, I can feel small tumors or growths on her leg and chest, and she is constantly thirsty (meaning she is constantly needing to go to the bathroom). She has no energy or happiness anymore, mostly just lying in her bed all day except to eat or to go to the bathroom outside.

We try to keep things constant since she's blind and only knows her way around by memory, but with a 1-yr old baby in the house, she's constantly tripping on toys and such. She just doesn't seem happy at all anymore, and with her health in decline, I don't know if it would be better to let her go, or let her live on unhappy and just spending all day lying in her bed.

I want to know I'm doing it in HER best interests and not just for my own convenience. How do I know when it's time?!?

Answer 1

I'm so sorry you've come to this point in your dogs life where you have to make a decision regarding their life. Putting a beloved pet down is an extremely difficult decision and you must be confident in the knowledge that what you are doing is in her best interest you are ending her suffering because you love her so much you can't bear to see her suffer. If she's as miserable as you say then all you are doing is keeping her around for your benefit not hers. When you're a senior citizen you'll probably find that you'll spend more time sleeping and going to the bathroom than being active, she may not necessarily be unhappy. However, you need to draw the line if she is suffering or when you feel that her quality of life is severly diminished, then it's time to do the right thing.

I feel your pain, I've been there, my cats quality of life started to decline, I did everything I could to keep her alive, but that was for me not her, however, when the vet told me she was suffering I knew it was time to say goodbye.

Good Luck in your decision. I wish you the strength to make the right decision for your dog.

Answer 2

When you can no longer control her pain it would be time.
When she no longer choses to eat it would be time.
Just being blind is not really a good reason. I have a weimaraner who is blind and he still hunts. He gets around but does run into things and trips at times. He is still active.
Just be casue your pet lays around does not mean she is not happy. Many dogs get fatty tumors on them as they get older. Most are benign and not a big deal. It does not sound as if she is in pain.
Does she still gret you when you come home and do you spend any time interacting with her or doing anything with her? She may be sort of neglected as you have a very small baby to care for.
As dogs age they do less and sleep more but that alone does not make them un happy just older and quieter. It sounds like you dog still has some quality of life left but that you may not have the time she needs.
There is not really an easy answer in the situation.
I wish you good luck in making a decision.

Answer 3

Are you sure she's unhappy? My parents have a 15 yo kelpie red heeler cross who is deaf and blind and pees everywhere!! My parents are terrible at saying goodbye so my mum takes extra special care of the old dog however, she gets along with the other three dogs who love her to bits and she adores human affection and although she cannot see, she can feel the warmth of your touch or the licks on the nose the other dogs give her.

A dogs eyes sight is poor to begin with so she hasn't lost much there. Most people and animals get strange growths and unless they obstruct everyday life - walking - health - then they aren't much to worry about.

If there are no painful health issues, then perhaps it would be advisable to let nature take its course and ensure that your dog carries out her life the most comfortable and loved way possible.

Taking her for short walks and even introducing a new dog as company may brighten her mood. You never know she may be miserable because you are feeling upset about her. Make a space for her outside with no obsticals and let her go about her own business - old dogs like that!

And although my parents dog has arthritus it never stops her from wagging her old tail :)

Answer 4

I sure don't envy your dilemma! You are doing the right thing by asking for opinions/advice. You might want to add a Vets opinion into the equation also. Call a few Vets in your area to get free, over the phone consulting. It sounds to me you are more concerned with Brittany's interest than your own. It's not the easiest decision to make. Let's face it, she is part of the family and deserves what's best for her. All I can say is take your time and whatever decision you make WILL be the right one. Good Luck and give Brittany a pat on the head for me!!

Answer 5

I would talk to your vet about it. They will be able to give you advice based off of her health conditions. It's hard in a situation like that. Does she have any happy moments? Does she still enjoy cuddle time on the couch, or get happy about her meals. If she still is having good moments, even if they aren't frequent, I would say that she has a little more time left. Eventually her health will decline to a point where the decision will be apparent. I'm sorry that you are going through this. It is hard.

Answer 6

I think that is a terrible reason to put a dog to sleep. Sick and hurt and suffering everyday with no hope is a fine reason but not if someone is bored. That person should rather just try to rekindle the fun. After all, everything gets boring once in a while but you can always try to have more fun again rather than replacing it. Besides, dogs are not toys.

Answer 7

the constant thirst and peeing suggests maybe she has diabetes . If her pee smells sugary thats a definate warning sign.

If you can afford a visit to the vet its a simple blood test. If she is diabetic then the tiredness might be part of that. There are shots that will control the condition, but it can be expensive.

Are you playing with her enough? She might be quiet happy just being petted occasionally and allowed to sleep near her family during the day.

If she is in pain and not managing eating and potty well then it might be time .

Answer 8

In reading what you wrote, I believe that you've answered your own question.

It sounds like your dog's quality of life has diminished to the point of where she just lays around in bed all day. When living becomes existing, it's time to start thinking about saying your good byes. It doesn't sound like you're doing this because of convenience. I believe you realize that it's time. And it's so, so hard to do, but usually the right things are.

Prayers to you both.

Answer 9

Would you kill an old and blind grand-mother? I think not. even old age and lying in bed has its pleasures. Since she is eating and enjoying a nice word from you and a nice petting from you from time to time, there are still pleasures in life for her. If she is in no serious pain you must let her live normally through her old age. When she stops eating and she looks like she is suffering from severe pain and has given up on life, then it will be time to let go.

Answer 10

This is a very tuff decision for anyone who has a pet they love .If you feel the dog is in pain and suffering it would be the best thing to do but you say she's eating and able to move .this is a choice only you can make .If it's to much for you to handle put her away if it's a convince thing leave her here what does your vet think have you ask her.?