Dog Dilema??? Is it time for him to go???

Question

My dog is 14 years old. He is a golden retriever. He has a lump on his chest and the vet thinks it has gotten into his lungs. He had troubles breathing and can't walk far distances. Just today he can't seem to get comfortable and sleep. I know he will have to put him down soon but he still eats and drinks and gets up and down by himself. I've had him my whole life and love him tons. He loves my mom more than anything and follows her everywhere. I just don't want to put him down and have him feel like we are leaving him because he acts so happy all the time. Should we put him down now or wait longer? p.s. he is already on a lot of medication for arthiritis, etc...

Answer 1

This has got to be the worse thing for someone to think about or know they have to do>< I had to recently, and i can say it never ever gets easier.... The one thing you have to think about is your pets "quality" of life, ask yourself if it is the same, i no he is eating and drinking, getting up and down, but if he is still playful as much as he can be. You dont want to make a pet ever suffer because of your own selfish reason.. I no we are all selfish, we want to keep our animals around forever and i wish there was a "forever young pill" but it happens, there is a few things to do, like get out his favorite toy's and ask yourself, does he still want to play with them, do things still make him happy, when you start seeing that shorten then you know.. I think he will let you know to, when it is time... Trust me one day he will give you that heart drenching look, and he is telling you "it is time".. My lab i have right now, has sever hip displyasia, she is on all kinds of meds.. I keep asking myself on her bad days am i doing the right thing, is she ok?? She still has alot of spunk left in her, she will let me know.. I so wish i could give you a hug right now, i no your pain and what you are going though. Such a tough desicion and a tough time... But start to think of "his" quality of life and if it is the same... Eating and drinking isnt a quality of life, it's a must, and dont be selfish, it will be harder later, to see him hurt more.... I keep thinking when we meet again at the "rainbow bridge" my babies will be happy, healthy, waggin there tails, and looking so good, no pain, and bringing me the ball to play once again... You and your special friend are in my thought and prayers.. Big hug from me to you....

Answer 2

I am so sorry. I went through this exact thing and can honestly say that I know how you feel. My dog got a lump on his chest and before I got him to the doctor two days later he had a second one. He was diagnosed with lymposarcoma and lived less than a week. It about killed me to lose him. He was my baby. As long as your dog is still eating and drinking and doesn't seem to be too uncomfortable then I would wait. Your vet can also give you guidance. Just don't let him suffer needlessly. Sometimes letting them go with the least amount of suffering possible is the final act of love we can show them. I waited too long with mine and he suffered so much his last night. I don't live where there is a 24 hour emergency vet and I have always regretted letting him suffer so much when I could have helped him. It isn't easy but when he has no quality of life left, it will be time. You and your fur baby are in my prayers.

Answer 3

If you love him that much, get pain medication from your vet. Keep getting the vets opinion on how the dog is doing. You can give him baby aspirin, and other kinds of pain meds. Don't let him suffer. When it's time to put him down don't just leave him at the vet, be strong and accompany him and hold his head and be there for him to the very last second and he will know you never left him he will just go to sleep in your arms. It's very hard, I know, but you have to think of him first after all it's his life.

Answer 4

You have a heart wrenching decision to make. You have to ask yourself are you keeping him alive for your benefit or his? If he seems happy most of the time I would wait. Does he still like to play? That's a good indication. If you throw the ball does he go after it? If he still wants to play then I would give him more time. Watch him when he doesn't realise you are there and listen to him. What level of pain does he have to endure? Look in his eyes and ask yourself is he really happy. He's had a great life but maybe it's time to let him go? Fourteen years is a full life for a retriever. I had to put my black lab down at 14 years. You'll find the answer in your heart and don't forget......all dogs go to heaven. He'll love you no matter what you decide. He knows you love him and want him to be happy.

Answer 5

I recently lost my dog to chronic kidney disease. I didn't want to euthanize him because I said to myself, he has a will to live, how can I take that from him, he still wags his tail and enjoys his family, he still eats chicken and drinks. But he died after multiple seizures (caused by the kidney diseases build up of toxins) and I realized later that maybe I should have let him go. They rarely die peacefully otherwise.. Your dog does sound sick, but before you make this decision, ask yourself what percent of the day is he having trouble breathing or getting around, and how is his overall quality of life. Your dog is unique, so only you can make this choice in the end. My dog, at his end the last few weeks, did not act happy, but he acted lovingly. Like someone else mentioned, I also noticed a change a few weeks before he died. Dog's instincts are to act normal for their family. At some point when it's too much, they just can't anymore.

Answer 6

i'm so sorry to hear about your situation :(

this is a difficult decision only you and your family can make.

if he is in extreme pain, it might be kind to consider euthanasia. most pet parents will notice a change when a pet seems to cross that threshold. it's hard to describe, but there's a difference in the dog's "essence".

if he's still eating and drinking and still has that happy-dog energy, you might take this time to really bond. try focusing your energy on making your dog feel really loved and comfortable. this is maybe going to sound strange, but you can also talk to him... let him know that you understand that he's having a rough time, and that if he needs to go, when the time is right, it's OK.

pets have a habit of going off someplace to pass away (under a bed, etc.) and i think it's because they know how much we love them, and they don't want to upset us. if they feel that you understand, i think it can make their passing easier.

whatever you decide, your dog is lucky to have had you as a mom. your thoughtfulness and empathy is refreshing, and something you should feel really proud of.

best of luck :)

Answer 7

If he is happy, & getting along well, then I would wait, however, if he is in pain & miserable it would be time to let him go, If you have a good vet who you trust, talk it out with them. I am in a similar situation with my cat I've had her for 17 years, she's old & didn't get around well due to arthritis, but after speaking with my vet on whether or not to have her put down, she assured me it wasn't time yet, the arthritis meds are working and she's doing well. I love her so much, but I don't want to see her suffer as I'm sure you don't.

Good Luck

Answer 8

Oh My!
I have been right where you are now with some of my Golden's. It is so very hard to say good by!
All I can tell you is that you will know when it's time. He doesn't sound like he's willing to let go just yet and if he's still enjoying life than let him be for now. You will know when he can no longer enjoy being there with you.

I wish you nothing but good times yet to come and best memories with your beautiful Golden boy!

Answer 9

Dogs want to please you, and they will hide illness from even the most beloved owners.

This is just my opinion, and it's not going to be popular.
Ready?

I feel that the last memory my pet has of me should be as peaceful and pain free as possible.
I feel that pets should be put down BEFORE they feel so lousy life isn't worth living anymore.
I made the decision to euthanize my cat before she got as bad as she possibly could get before my vet insisted on euthanasia, and I don't regret it. I'm at peace knowing I spared her that pain. She went peacefully in my arms, and I would (and will) do it the same way for all of my pets.

Answer 10

on july 13 i put my ole poodle down.he was not able to walk for very long with out stopping and swaying on his feet. his teeth were bad and he had a hard time chewing which caused his bowels to be bound up and his breathing sounded like he had water wheezing through his chest. i took care of him for months like that and finally i decided he had enough. he was still happy around us and wanted to eat but he was suffering inside.it was hard and i swear i see him in the house. maybe their spirts are always with us because they were happy and content they had a long comfortable life in their homes.if you dog is that sick don,t let him suffer and live in pain.you have enjoyed him for 14 yrs and he was lucky to have your family care and love him just as he loves you. when you are ready you will know. remember he will always be in your heart.best of luck.