When is it time to put your dog to sleep?

Question

I have a 18 year old black lab mix who has a hard time getting up and around. He has had many accidents in the house. The vet has him on the strongiest pain medicine there is. He cannot run around and chase squirrels anymore. One day he will sleep all day, and the next he is pacing (stumbling) around. He has a good appetite but he has a hard time standing up to eat his food. He will walk himself into corners that he can't get out of. Several times I have come home and found him in situations where I don't know how he got into and he has urinated all over himself. I love him very much and it is very hard to see him this way. I don't have any kids so he is like my child. What do I do?

Answer 1

I feel your pain. My dog was in very much the same state before I made the decision to put her to rest. It was unfair to her, keeping her alive in the state she was in... just as it is unfair to your dog. It was a very hard decision to make, but I knew that when I had to literally carry her outside and hold her up to go to the bathroom, and when I had to feed her food because she couldn't stand up to eat it herself, when I had to pull her out from underneath tables and chair in which she got tangled up, her time was much overdue. Can you imagine what it must be like for your dog, "living" like this?

Putting my pup to sleep was a very hard decision, but I knew it was the best decision for her, even though I didn't feel it was the right one for me. I knew I wasn't ready for it... but I also knew that she was. I scheduled the appointment the day before, and spent the entire night sleeping next to her. In the morning, as if she knew it was her last morning with me, she had a burst of energy. "Second wind" as they call it. She managed to stand up and run around as if she were a puppy again. It broke my heart. How could I put her down now when she was running around, happy, wagging her tail? But I knew it wouldn't last long. While she lived out her second wind, I took her on our last walk before getting in the car to take her to the vet. Tears rolled down my face the entire drive (as they do now). She was so peaceful, waiting at the vet to be taken out of my arms. She seemed thankful. Thankful that she wouldn't have to suffer any longer. Thankful that she had her second wind and got to enjoy one last day with me.

It was hard... leaving the vet office with a collar and leash but no dog. I must've sat outside on the curb and cried for an hour. But I knew it was the best thing I could've done for her.

From what you've described, it seems to me that it's time for you to make the same decision. Make the decision for your dog - to ease his pain and suffering - not for yourself because you don't want to let go. You can't be selfish any longer. It's time for you little buddy to rest peacefully. Believe me... you'll be glad you did it. Sometimes, I regret not having done it sooner, so that I may have spared my dear pup the misery of her last few weeks. But I was selfish. I wanted to keep her for myself a little longer, despite the pain and suffering she was in.

I know it's hard. But you're the only one who can decide. Unfortunately our four legged friends can't tell us their wishes, nor can they execute them themselves. We need to act in their best interest.

I hope this helps. Remember the wonderful memories you've had... and don't make any more memories of your dog's final days. It's unfair to you both.

Answer 2

The most humane thing to do is have the poor dog put to sleep. We had a sweet, beautiful lab that was pretty much in the same situation, and we should have had her put down long before we did. It's extremely hard to do but it is so obvious what kind of pain it is enduring. We now have another lab and she looks exactly like the sick one. She is extremely smart and at 1-1/2 yrs. old is still a "have to watch what she is doing" all the time. Am sorry about your dog and good luck.

Answer 3

I know how hard it is. I don't have kids either so I know exactly what you mean about him being like a child to you. I had to go through it a few years ago with my Chow and I know how hard it is to see them like that. He is 18, which is old for a lab so you've obviously taken very good care of him and given him a good life.

I'd take him to the vet and see what your vet says to do. That's what we did with my Chow and he told us it was time. We more or less knew that.... same as what you're going through now... stumbling and falling... not able to get down the stairs anymore to go outside. We brought him home for the weekend, spent the whole weekend spoiling him and giving him all the things he'd never been allowed to have (people food) and then took him back after the weekend. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Well if he's in alot of pain and can't hardly do anything it might be time to let him go. If he's not having a good life anymore why make him suffer more. On the other hand I know it's hard letting a pet you've had so long go, but maybe it would be less painful then making him go on. I don't know what the exact answer is, but you'll just have to think of whats best for him.

Answer 5

My dog was 17 and half and a cancer scurvier for 8 years. She was able to go up and down stairs, eat and drink and go for our walks. One morning after breakfast she ate it all turned to leave and all 4 legs gave way. I begged her to get up,but there was no way that she could. I knew then it was time. If it's hard for them to get around it's really unfair to them. You'll know in your heart when it's time. Tasha told me by doing that and yours will too. It's so hard it is for you now, but as my vet tells me they will let you know when it's time. I wish you both all the best and please know my thoughts are with you. Be strong and take care. I'm truly sorry;~(

Answer 6

I would let the dog die naturally. Why hurry it? He's got a good appetite, so I'd say he's still fairly happy, even if he can't chase squirrels. Just make him as comfortable as you can. He sounds a bit senile, so I would suggest you restrict him to only a few relatively safe rooms (the least furniture) when you have to leave him home alone. Just shut a few doors.

Answer 7

u should put him 2 sleep and im proud of u that u r makin this decision. call your vet and tell him what u told me. he'll give him some anasthesia and give hima nice log rub for me. tell him it's ok an he can have a nice long rest. then drive home and cry and eat lots of ice cream and look at pictures of him and remember what a great dog he was. it's hard to let them go but you know he's in a better place

Answer 8

I think this is a good time.
If he is that old it means you have given him a good life.
I feel sorry for you but fom what you are saying the dog cn't be very happy anymore and it woud be the most humane thing to do.
Sorry for your loss but don't make him suffer anymore do him the biggest favor you can,

Answer 9

I think it is time. I had to put my dog down after having him for 10 years. He could hardly walk and he was in great pain. It is better to get the dog you love out of their misery. It hurts to do it, but think of the pain they will be out of.
I hope everything goes ok for you. Good luck, and I am sorry.

Answer 10

i think its best when your dog is old, and just looks like hes in pain.

its ALWAYS hard to say goodbye.
there were times the vet suggested that to put my dog to sleep, hes 3 years old. but i just couldn't let him go because he was young and i knew what he had could be cured, but it would be expensive.

i think you should put him to sleep than let him get in situations around the house. it doesn't sound like hes himself. i think its time.

best of luck.

Answer 11

This is a very diificult situation for you so may I make a suggestion.
Call your Vet ,make an appointment and take your dog with you. Have him examine your pet and sit down and talk about what is best.