Should I put my dog down?

Question

Our labrador is going on 16 this August. She has had a pretty bad hip for a few months now but has never complained. Recently she hasn't been able to get up much and has trouble making it up and down the one stair to go to the bathroom. Sometimes she poops in her sleep without even moving. We've made an appointment to have her put down tomorrow, but I'm having a hard time bring myself to take her. Support is welcome

Answer 1

I'm really sorry about ur dog, but think about it this way:

Your dog is in pain, and she will only fall into deep sleep. She will be running in humongous Fields in heaven, just passing the timne of day. And don't worry, you WILL see her again, I PROMISE, AND CROSS MY HEART. She will always be in your heart, never forget her, and she will never forget u.

She will be waiting for u in front of the gates 2 heaven.
Pray for her, and she will be safe, free, and out of pain.

And there r many "Rainbow Bridges" That u can remember her by.

And remember, it is OK to cry.

I will pray for your dog tonight and tommorrow and days, so SHE WILL BE SAFE.
You've got my word.

Hope i helped

Answer 2

"Bad hip". I take that to mean she has arthritis?
That is not normally a fatal condition, but a painful one. There is pain relief available for that. How does she cope with steroids or NSADs?

My own personal measurement is simple: Euthanasia is ONLY ever indicated if the dog has a terminal illness AND is in a lot of pain or distress.

That does not appear to be the case in your dog.

I would relocate her bed so she does not have to walk down the stairs. Make sure her bed is nice and warm. Give her pain relief for the hip.

I had a dog that became incontinent in his old age. We put a baby matress and cover in his bed and a thick big bath towel on top. So if an acident happened at night, we'd just remove the soiling and soak the towel in a bucket with Nappy Cleaner.

Personally I would cherish every second I have left with my dog. Hold her often, stroke her often, kiss her often, and tell her she is gorgeous.

I have a feeling, you are not yet ready. Ask your vet for an assessment, and don't go for what is most convenient, but what is the right thing to do for her. That will make it easier in the end, if you can honestly say to yourself, "All I ever did was care for her the best I could".

When the time comes, do not abandon her. Hold her (or her head) in your arms while the vet puts her to sleep, "so she will know with the last breath she draws that her life was always safe in your hands" (author of that quote unknown).

Gosh, it brings tears to my eyes just to think about it. Please be strong for her sake. Do what is best for her.
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Answer 3

The one thing you should keep in mind is "quality of life". If your dog is still happy and enjoying life, then keep her. If she seems to be suffering beyond repair (surgery, pain medication, etc.), then it is the hard, but right thing to do.

Older dogs do occassionally lose control of their bowels, and sometimes it's a sign that the dog is moving close to the end of its time. However, I have a client whose 15-year-old lab had urinary incontinence, but was given medication and has been fine ever since. This same dog has the occasional day where her hind legs don't work as well as other days, but she is still happy and still has her good days.

If your dog is happy, then I'd strongly recommend keeping her around. Sometimes it can get tough when you have to clean up those messes from incontinence, but, at the same time, think of how much she means to you.

Whatever you decide, know that you are not a bad person. You know your dog better than any of us, and you know that you will do what you feel is the best for you dog. In the end, she will know that you love her, and that, when it comes time to say good-bye, she will know that you are doing the best thing for her. You can even talk to her about it, explain what's going on and tell her all the things you want her to know. That's one of the benefits of knowing when "good-bye" is coming - you get to say all those things in your heart, and you can even hold her and give her love as she passes on.

I'm sorry for your pain. I wish that there was some way that we could have our furry babies forever! :) I wish you and your dog the best.

Answer 4

I am so sorry., Unfort from experience I can say that is one of the hardest things to do my b/f family had a great Dane for 12 yrs and the last few months her back legs could not hold her and she was a huge dog, it was so hard to see her go thru that and the vet said when they were ready that it was time and still a year later they are so heartbroken Losing a pet is just as hard as losing a close family member The only thing I can say is i am so sorry and just let her know how loved she is And try to find some comfort in knowing she will not be in pain anymore I am so sorry

Answer 5

This is a monumentally hard thing to do that comes with pet ownership. You have all my sympathy. She's a pretty old girl and does have some issues that are only going to get worse in the future, but it is hard to know if it's the right thing or the right time. It sounds like a good time for her. Life is getting out of control for her. But if you change your mind, do it before you take her in. That office can be traumatic on a good day. I had a dog make it to 17 years and she went on her own after a good long life. The later years were interesting, but we just went with the flow and did whatever we could to make her comfy. If your dog is past that point, then it may be a good time for her to go. Hugs and prayers for you all.

Answer 6

It's a really tough call when it comes down to having an animal put to sleep. I guess you have to analyze the entire situation. Outside of the limited mobility and poor bowel control, which are both tough to deal with for both the owner and the dog, are there any other pressing issues? Obvious signs of pain? Trouble eating and drinking on her own? Honestly, I guess no one can really say yes or no besides you because you're the one who's been with your dog for the last however many years and the one who has to see what she goes through every day. Is it bad enough that you can't bare to deal with it anymore or do you think she has a few good years, despite the hip issues, left in her?

If I was in your sitaution I know I would have trouble letting go of my dog but I think having to watch her lay around, hardly able to do anything, would be enough for me to realize that it was time to let her go.

Answer 7

Putting a pet down, is one of the hardest, most heartbreaking experiences, you'll ever have to go through. If your pet can no longer do with you and your family the things she once enjoyed, if your pet cannot respond to you in the usual ways, or if there is more pain than pleasure in her life, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if she is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option. Your veterinarian understands attachment to your pets, and can examine and evaluate your pet's condition, estimate her chances for recovery,and discuss potential disabilities and long-term problems. He or she can explain the medical options and possible outcomes. Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you, it is important that you fully understand her condition. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the implications for your pet's future that you don't understand, ask to have it explained again. Rarely will the situation require an immediate decision. Usually, you will have time to review the facts before making your decision. I'm so sorry, that this is a decision you have to make and if the vet says that she has no chance for recovery and you should put her to sleep, then it would be the most humane thing to do for her. If it turns out that you have to put her down, this may help a little. "May I go now? Do you think the time is right? May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights? I've lived my life and done my best, and example tried to be. So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free? I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might. But something seems to draw me now, to a warm and living light. I want to go, I really do. It's difficult to stay. But I will try as best I can to live just one more day. To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears. I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your fears. I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know, that my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go. Thank you so for loving me, you know I love you too, that's why it's hard to say goodbye and end this life with you. So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say, because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today." If you do take her in to put her down, as hard as it is to do, it would make her feel more comfortable if you can be next to her, when she is being put down. Again, I know exactly how you feel and I feel for you. I'm so sorry! God Bless!

Answer 8

When it gets to the point where the dog is having a hard time walking it is there time to go i really hope u make the right choice and although u will feel sad u will realize that the dog was in pain and isnt anymore
To help u could get another lab!
Hope i helped and good luck

Answer 9

o Eric such a hard thing to even think about. yes if the dog is as bad as you say you should but it to sleep. It must be very hard for you and I am very sorry for you and your family . i will tell you that when i get that bad I will hope my family will take pity on me and just let me go. At this point there is no good life left just pain and grief. So please don't be sad about the dog be happy for the full 16 yrs you have had

Answer 10

Oh my. This is ALWAYS the hardest part of having pets. I wish I could say something to make it all easier, but I can't. I personally believe that if your heart says it's time, it's time. If you look in your dog's eyes, and see that 'look', the look that says, "I'm not happy anymore", it's time. I have an ancient chow mix who's mostly blind, deaf and has a wobbly back end. He hops up and is happy to be up in the morning, and bunny hops around the yard to do his business, and then wanders around the house 'tasting' everyone to say , "Hi". He's not ready, even though he looks his age. I had a dachshund when I was a kid who had severe back trouble at 12. He was incontinent, in pain, and was miserable. Couldn't walk, didn't know when he had to poop. We knew it was his time, even though he looked young still. I guess all I can say, is if you make that final decision with the love of your dog at heart, you can't make the wrong decision. My heart goes out to you as you decide. Just do it with love, and you won't be wrong.