Our Malti-poo is 14 years old and can barely move enough to eat. We don't want to put her down. We just want her to go while she's home with her family. She doesn't seem to be in pain, just lies down and looks up at us. She can eat soft food and drinks her water, but has lost control of her bladder. I want to know the best things to feed her and the best way to take of her in her final days. I hate just watching her like this, but I want her to know she's being loved and taken care of. Help...??
2007-07-10 15:06:23 · 18 answers · asked by SillyWyl 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I just wanted to say how sorry I am. I will be thinking of you tonight and saying a little prayer that she goes quickly. I think allowing her to go at home would be less traumatic than taking her into the vet - which smells funny and is sterile and scary and not home. But you may want to see if your vet would come to your house. When things come to the end, quicker is better, for you and for her. I wish you a little relief in all of your pain. And I hope that you all will remember all of the great things and happy things about your beloved pet.
2007-07-10 15:20:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Many of us have been there before. It's a hard decision, but not one you should avoid.
First, if you haven't already, please talk to your vet. Has everything *reasonable* (and this requires judgement on your part) been done to improve her quality of life? For example, could the bladder control problem be resolved by hormones or some other treatment? Could the difficulty in moving be addressed by arthritis medication? (Our last dog had both problems and responded very well to treatment.)
We went through about a two year period of wondering if it was time to let go for our last dog. Each illness was evaluated by the question: Will this treatment give her a better quality of life or just prolong her discomfort? Fortunately, the results of her treatments were very good. However, when she finally developed an illness for which there would no good prognosis, and the treatment would have caused additional suffering, we decided to have her put to sleep.
This happened after a consult with an neurological specialist at an emergency clinic. The process was very comforting. I was able to spend time with her in a quiet room that was very much like a living room in someone's home. The staff explained what would happen and I was able to hold her as she went to sleep. It was very sad, but it was the right thing to do.
2007-07-11 08:08:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry your friend is not well. Why do they leave us so soon? Make her a comfortable place to rest if she doesn't already have one. Make sure it is waterproof underneath. Spend lots of time with her and make sure she knows how much she's loved. You can feed her the soft food if that's what she likes. The most important thing in her life right now is you. Just being there for her is everything she needs. There is no reason why she cannot remain at home with those she loves as long as she isn't in pain. I know how hard it must me to see her like this but she needs you now more than ever before. Please give her some extra hugs and kisses from me and the fur kids here in Florida.
2007-07-10 22:13:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My heart and prayers go out to you and your fur baby during this tough time. I understand the need to have her pass away at home in familiar and loving surroundings. I also know that she is going to deteriorate quite quickly, and you need to make the best decision you can for her, and try to keep your own emotion out of the decision.
Please check with your vet and see if he/she can come to your home and put your baby to sleep. Most animals are very upset about losing control of their bodily functions; just as human beings are and your baby is not comfortable if she has lost control of her bladder.
This is a difficult decision, and I am sure that your vet will tell you that the best thing to do is have her go to sleep in loving surroundings before her condition gets worse.
Keep your wonderful memories of your baby, and be thankful in your heart how many wonderful years you had together. She will wait for you at the Rainbow Bridge and you will be together again.
2007-07-10 23:04:04 · answer #4 · answered by Sue F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im so sorry to hear. My 16 year old shih tzu had passed away one night. it was a tradgic lost. If she is in pain, the best thing you can do to her is to put her to sleep. I know it will be tough, but she knows that you loved her dearly, and she will be thankful to live in peace without suffering anymore. Just think when she is in doggy heaven, she will be looking down on you. But the best thing for both you and your dog is to out her down. Well, the best of luck to you and your dog. Im sorry again about her.
2007-07-11 00:03:57 · answer #5 · answered by Reppzin~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am sorry about your friend. its tough and heartbreaking watching them get old, i have lost many pets in my life. as a former vet tech, believe it or not, the best way to help her now and to thank her for all the unconditional love she has brought to you, is to have her humanley euthanized. honey, if she is not moving around and cant control her bladder, you have to take her quality of life into consideration. she knows you love her. see if there is a vet who could come to your house and do that so she can be in her own environment. alot of vets will offer that to you. you can light some candles and have each member and friend say something, like a vigil. then she can go peacefully and not have to suffer anymore. best wishes.
2007-07-10 22:15:00 · answer #6 · answered by bob © 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear that my Daschund Scottie he passed away this past May 07. The last night I took him some doggie treats and to my susprise he ate everyone of them. Keep feeding her something soft and make sure she can get a drink of water. Also when she does pass away make sure that you have pics of her and remember the good times. The last thing I did for Scottie was I planted a Gardenia on his grave and named it after him.
2007-07-10 22:19:13 · answer #7 · answered by **Anti-PeTA** 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to say this but the best you could do for her is to put her down. I believe she is looking at you with the put me out of my misery look. I have seen so many animals do this. When the injection is given they are at peace as if they know. If you are there with her when it happens, she will know you loved her. It's not what you say or how long a dog lives its how she was treated that she remembers.
2007-07-10 22:11:01 · answer #8 · answered by animal lover 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry about your baby. Just feed her, keep her clean since she cannot control her bladder. Pet her and talk to her. But if it appears that she is in pain, it really is time to let her go to sleep.
2007-07-10 22:10:45 · answer #9 · answered by ~SheSul~ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry you friend is nearing her time here on earth. Please be kind & let her go in dignity. It is very hard to let go of our beloved pets, but this is really the last act of love you can give her. She would not want to live life as she is now. Look deep into her eyes & you will see it's time to say goodbye. I am telling you this from my experience. I just had to take my last trip to the vet with my girl, Desire on June 7. I pampered her & did all I could do for her six weeks prior to the day because I didn't want to let her go. I knew in my heart that my girl wouldn't want to loose her pride in herself & I promised her the night before that I would let her go, no matter how bad it broke my heart!!! She gave me too much love & many years of happiness so I could not allow her to suffer, loose her pride & respect!!! I, as you wanted my girl to go in her sleep her at home, but it didn't happen, unfortunatley, and I could not bear to see her getting worse!!!Think about it, does your dog have any quality of life? Again, I am sooo sorry !!!! You may want to read this http://www.dmpuppylove.com/DJs-Critters/poems4.html
2007-07-10 22:18:35 · answer #10 · answered by ® 7 · 8⤊ 0⤋