Is it okay to put him to sleep?

Question

i've had my dog since i was 4...i'm 17 now..he's really old and has started to pee blood. he makes hell of a mess every day and it's getting really hard to clean up after him..i feel so guilty..what should i do?

to rollin_indahay- i didn't say that.. and ofcourse i've taken him to the vet.. you're horrible for making me feel worse than i already do. i hope you have a horrible week.

Answer 1

Geet a professional opinion. But if he is in pain everyday it is more humane to put him down. I know that's not ever an easy thing to look at, but if he is in pain and isn't enjoying life, it is fair. It's what I had to do with my dog and though it was sad it was time. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Most agreed that putting him to sleep was the humane thing to do - and after the vet looks at him and determines that this is kidney failure or other organs shutting down, then it's time to put him to sleep. But, follow the vet's advice - he's the professional and he will guide you through what has to happen. If it's putting him to sleep, and you aren't ready for it, ask for a really strong sedative, give before taking to the vet on the last journey with him, and then because the dog is asleep already, it's easier to give that last injection. If he's peeing blood, it sounds like he is ready, even if you aren't. Don't be afraid to mourn him - he's been a part of your life for 13 years and that's a big chunk. You will never forget how special a pet that you've had for that long has been and how sweet the memories are. Good luck

Answer 3

First I agree with your follow up comments to rollin hay - You have every right to decide what is best for your pet and no one should make you feel guilty about your decision!

Peeing blood could be a very serious medical issue and it may or may not be something that can be remedied by a vet or a prescription. I'd have him checked out by the vet and depending upon what they tell you then you can make your decision.

Above all else, know that you are seeking humane treatment for your beloved pet - putting him to sleep peacefully is far better than allowing him to suffer with an illness.

I wish you all the best!

Answer 4

This is a very difficult situation, it is hard to know when your dog has had enough. I worked at a vet untill recently and every owner is different. The vet recommends euthanasia when there is no quality of life left for the pet. If you are waiting for someone to tell you it is ok to put your pet to sleep, that is probably not going to happen. Unfortunately you have to make that decision for yourself. I know that if it was me, if I knew my dog was unhappy and showed no quality of life, I would probably put it to sleep. However, it is hard to say when there is no quality of life.

I am sorry, and I hope that you get through this..

Answer 5

I assume that your dog has been diagnosed with something because of the blood in his pee? Have you talked with your vet about quality of life and what can be expected in the future? I am sure you don't want your dog to suffer, but it is so hard to let them go. I had a terrier mix who at 16 1/2 years old was discovered to have liver cancer. Her liver was only processing at 20%. She stopped eating, but still wandered around and came to us for loving. One day soon after she started throwing up and didn't stop for hours. At that point we made the painful decision that we needed to put her to sleep. We spent the day with her and then took her in. If your dog is still eating and playing, or walking around and aware of his environment, he probably still wants to live. But you need to be observant of his comfort level-dogs hide their pain very well. Don't wait too long with your dog, but he will probably tell you himself when he has had enough and is too tired to go on. Just remember he will be waiting for you up there when you are finally too tired to go on. And don't pay any attention to those mean answers. They have obviously never lost a loved friend.

Answer 6

This is really a decision that only you can make. You did not say *why* the dog was urinating blood...if you don't know then you should get your vet to find out. Blood in the urine could be a symptom of MANY diseases. Some of them are treatable and some of them aren't. If he has a disease that is untreatable and his quality of life is suffering, then it is time.

Answer 7

Yes - no matter what some people are saying to you here.
One of the things that are our responsibilities as pet owners is when it comes time to make sure that our loyal friends dont suffer thru a debilitating decline when there is no chance of a turnaround. There is such a thing as dignity even for animals. Urinating blood is a bad sign, and your pet may be actually suffering discomfort. Keep in mind that millions of years of evolution have programmed dogs to be stoic in the face of pain - that is, they may hide it for as long as possible. Not all dogs but many will do this. Ive seen dogs at deaths door at the vet, get up and walk to an owner - then die at home. My pitbull was like that and made me and the vet cry when she got up upon seeing me and walked to me, she stayed with a me another month before I was forced to give her a dignified death after her spinal tumors caused her to soil herself and not be able to get up.
Call you regular vet and see if he or she will come to your home to euthanize your pet. Its best to die at home. In your arms.
Decide now if you want to bury, cremate or city disposal your pet's remains beforehand. Your vet might be able to recommend a mobile vet if they dont do housecalls. The vet staff should be able to make suggestions for the handling of the body. Dont beat yourself up. You seem to have given your pet a wonderful life. And caring for a profoundly sick animal is very hard. Whatever the writer's inner feelings no matter how callous they sound. - its clearly obvious the dog has come to the end. This is part of the cycle of life. And happens to us all. Take care of business.
And for those of you who are giving this kid a hard time -
GROW UP! THIS IS THE REAL WORLD.

Answer 8

You should see a veterinarian, and ask what options you have. Is there medication he could take, or another choice? Ask the vet what he thinks, because it's important to ask someone who know what they're talking about, rather then some random people giving you their opinions. If you have no options left, then you shouldn't feel guilty. You have given him a good life, and there is nothing wrong in that.

Answer 9

Put him to sleep. It is your JOB to do what is best for your dog, now you don't mention what kind of dog you have but 13 years is a great dog life, why would you want to spoil those 13 years dragging it out with a year of pain and suffering? There is not much a vet can do but extend the pain. you cannot save a dog from old age.

Do not think of how think of how this will hurt you just think of how you will stop your dogs hurt.

Answer 10

It sounds like the dog is suffering and in this case, you don't need to feel guilty for ending the suffering of your dog.
That is quite old for a dog and it sounds like he's had a good life and if he is in pain, which if he's peeing blood, the he's in pain, then it's time for him to go.

Answer 11

If you truly care about your dog and it is in pain that cannot be fixxed then I recommend having it put down. That is much more humane than letting it suffer to the minute it dies. I have had to do that to a few pets and it hurts, I know it does, but you must put its' suffering before your feelings. Over you r lifetime you will find that pets come and go. When you can get yourself another pet and things will be ok.