don't you think he should be put down. I don't think he is unhappy cause he other than being blind is very healthy . Am I being selfish in not having him put down?
2007-07-11 07:01:31 · 14 answers · asked by Kat 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
That seems to be the first response a lot of people have. I would say because it isn't their dog and they can't imagine being bothered with it or they are worried that the dog is suffering.
As another person said, people speak out of ignorance. The response you give is, "Why on earth would I do that when he is still otherwise a healthy dog with a strong heart and a pleasure to be with?" It will give them a moment to pause and think. You reassure them that the dog is just fine.
My recently deceased dog also went blind. The loss of sight did not stop her from joining the other dogs in play. It did not stop her from running full speed across the yard to chase birds.
2007-07-11 07:19:42 · answer #1 · answered by Dorthy_Gail 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Putting a dog down is a very personal decision. If you truly love your dog - and I believe you do - then you will have that special bond with him. As a result, you will "know" when his time has come. Putting a dog down due to blindness is the equivalent to putting a person down for the same reason. Now, if your dog also was deaf, had horrid arthritis (where he constantly fell), had his kidneys failing and just suffered a stroke which left him immobile, then that's a reason to put him down. I say this because this is all that happened to my dog last year (when I had to make that decision). His arthritis and deafness came first, followed by the other items. I didn't put him down simply because he was deaf or had difficulty walking. He seemed happy otherwise, as he could eat, still go for walks, still rest on the couch (his favorite spot). And that's key - if your dog is still doing things he likes, even if it is more challenging, then please let him go on. However, if it's clear he's suffering, not eating, not sleeping, not walking, having accidents everywhere, then it may be time.
Good luck!
2007-07-11 14:08:27 · answer #2 · answered by doctoru2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't put people down when they are blind.. Dogs can live a great life still when they are blind.. You just have to take some precautions and think more before you do things, taking them into consideration before you do things.. Wear a bell so the dog knows where you are.. Don't move the furniture around, why would you put a dog down just cause he cannot see ??
2007-07-11 14:06:39 · answer #3 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you are being selfish. If he is healthy and not in pain I would enjoy my time with him. Just because he is blind does not mean that he can't enjoy life, you are his eyes now! I wouldn't listen to anyone if they think he should be put down. I wouldn't do it unless he is in pain and there is no chance of him to recover. It sounds like he is happy and very healthy, you should just enjoy your dog and don't listen to anyone else. Listen to your heart!
2007-07-11 14:15:14 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you keep him indoors (walk him on a leash) where he is safe there is no reason he can't live happy. Don't move the furniture around. If possible get another dog and put a bell on the seeing dogs collar. You would be surprised how much he can follow the seeing dog around and play. Good luck
2007-07-11 14:08:13 · answer #5 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't put him down! My in-laws had a toy Poodle that went blind. She got along just fine. She learned the house and had no problems getting around. They just could not move anything in the house.
2007-07-12 02:32:27 · answer #6 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the dog is happy and living a good life you shouldn't put him down. You will know when the time is right but it sounds like now he is doing well!
2007-07-11 14:06:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. i know people who have a blind, half deaf, and diabetic dog. there's no way that dog could be unhappy. so long as you are giving him the proper attention and he isn't uncomfortable i'd say he's just fine and there's no reason putting him down.
2007-07-11 14:09:04 · answer #8 · answered by Wallflower 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. Simply being blind is not a reason to put him down.
2007-07-11 14:05:30 · answer #9 · answered by searchpup 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No as long as the dog is happy and doesn't have any pain I see no reason why the dog should be put to sleep. You just keep giving your dogs alot of love!
2007-07-11 14:06:52 · answer #10 · answered by Teresa V 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋