How do you know when to put your dog down?

Question

I have a 9 1/2 year old german shepherd mix that is blind, has diabitese, arthrites, and also cancer. She still has a lot of spirit in her though. She knows many tricks and has not forgotten one yet. She still loves running in the mornings with me, but can't go far because of the arthrites. She loves to play ball even though she can't see it anymore. Her illness has not made her aggressive toward peolpe, but she is starting to become skittish. I don't know whether to put her down or not. WHAT SHOULD I DO?????!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

This is a tough one. I had a dog that was really sick with an enlarged heart, arthritis and seizures, but she still had more good days than bad ones. We had her on medications and got her a special orthopedic bed and spent as much time with her as we could. Honestly, I was probably selfish, but I didn't think I could ever put her down. She was still having fun and eating and playing, just not as much as she used to. Thankfully, I didn't have to make the decision. One night, she just wouldn't sleep and we stayed up with her. She must have known it was going to happen, and she just fell over and died at home. I was able to scoop her up and sing to her before she left us and I thank God all the time that she was at home with us and not in a strange place. She went in a matter of minutes and the vet said there was nothing we could have done.

The moral of my story is as long as she is still getting some enjoyment out of life, make her as comfortable and happy as possible and make the most out of every day. If she is to the point where she hurts all of the time and there is no quality of life left, then you probably need to give her some peace. Just make sure she knows how much you love her. I wish I could say more, but words aren't enough. My girl died 3 years ago and I'm sitting here crying as I write this. So I really feel for you. Give her a kiss for me.

Answer 2

She still seems to be doing well so for me the time would not be right as even though she has several health issues she still seems to be doing okay and enjoying life.

The best people to talk to are your family and your vet. I would never take advice from anyone else on this subject. No one knows your dog apart from you and your family like him/her.

To me the animal usually tells me in their own way anyway. Maybe because I have had so many animals over the years I can tell by looking into their eyes when the time is right.

Once you have spoken with your family and your vet then you can decide together if the time is right.

I agree with Alison. I myself have a lot of disabilities. Diabetes since I was 2. MS and I can hardly walk and I'm often in pain, but I still have a lot to give this world. I think your dog has some still left to give too.

Answer 3

I am in the same situation, but my dog will be with me until it is in pain. Then it is time to help him.

Hi, it's really the last paragraph in this poem I wanted you to see.


A Dog's Prayer
by Beth Norman Harris
Treat me kindly , my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have be do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food so that I may stay well to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And beloved master , should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw, my fate was every safest in your hands.
http://ra.nilenet.com/~gaska/dogpray1.html

Answer 4

I agree, it has to do with quality of life. If she is in pain and the only reason she is around anymore is because you can not live without her or because you feel it is cruel to put her down, then you are in the wrong. You have to think of the pain she is in, if any.

But it does sound like she is not in too much pain and that she might still have some life in her yet. Just don't make it for your own reasons. Make it all for her.

Answer 5

What your asking is the hardest thing i've ever had to do. IF there is a hopeful prognosis about your dogs conditions, then hang in there. If not, it comes down to a quality of life issue. Most dogs are very stoic and do not let there masters see them in pain. Enjoy the time (however long it may be) you have left together. Dogs can sense our stress levels, try and stay positive. The decision is yours. I wish you luck.

Answer 6

I'm really sorry about that. Right now she seems to be really happy.

You should let her have a long rest right now, and meet her in the rainbow bridge. I had a dog with cancer when I was a kid. My father told me that the vet could get him fine. He suffered a lot and still he had to go. I still feel guilty at times that he didn't sleep peacfully and happy.


I would recommend you to go to the following web page;

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

You should let her rest happy, as she is now, don't let her sleep in pain. You'll always afterwards wonder if you could have done something earlier.

Sorry again.

Answer 7

It sounds like she's still enjoying life. I would have the vet look at her though, it's possible that her skittishness is due to her being sore from the arthritis and she's afraid of being touched and hurt. Perhaps there's a (stronger) medication you can give her for that.

When she loses interest in the things she enjoys, then it's time.

Answer 8

If she doesn't seem to be in any constant pain and she still enjoys her quality of life to some degree, wait a while to put her down. Give her a few more quality months- then when her life starts to look like it's weighing her down, or if she suddenyl acts like she's in pain, then you'll know when it's time. Right now she's just sort of like an elderly lady who may not be in tip top shape but can still enjoy the finer things in life.

Answer 9

My parents put the sixteen year old cocker spaniel down when the couldn't control his bowels anymore. He had already lost vision and a lot of mobility a couple of years before then.
If she gets senile and aggressive or starts getting sick all of the time that would be a good time. Or if she get to where she isn't mobile anymore.

Answer 10

I say if they are not in pain or suffering don't do it yet....sounds like she has a lot of hardships but so do handicapped people and we don't put them to sleep. When she isn't happy anymore and doesn't want to play or is in pain I would do it then. I know this is hard, I feel for you.