When is it time to put my dog down?

Question

I have a 15 year old Pug. He can't walk now and he can't hear. If he doesn't see us in the room, he cries. He goes to the bathroom where he sits, so I lift him up, and take him outside, and squeeze him until he goes. He eats just fine - in fact, that's the highlight of his day. He goes to the vet at least once a year, but there's nothing too serious wrong with him. He's been my best friend for so long, and I love him so much, but now I have two young children, and they also require a lot of attention. My wife wants to put him down, but I'm having a hard time with it. I don't think his life is going to get any better, and other than eating, I don't think he enjoys anything. Is it time to put him down?

Answer 1

If you have to ask, then I say no.

He isn't suffering any pain, doesn't have any illness's.
Walk by and pet him more so he knows you are there will sooth his fears of being alone.
Hold the water bowl for him often so he will drink more water, then take him outside and sit him in the grass.. Don't squeeze him,you could cause injury and pain.

He has given you years of enjoyment, so repay him now and accept he has some problems of hearing loss and sight and inability to walk, but is still a member of the family.

We will age too and God willing we won't be given up on if we lose our sight & hearing and are unable to walk.

You ask, I answered.

Answer 2

I would say it is probably time.....Why wait till he starts suffering? He is more than likely getting very close to dieing of natural causes, or organ failure. Why not make it as painless and as peaceful as possible. Also, think about your children, hopefully they are too young to understand what is happening. I would take the weekend with my friend and pamper him and love him and talk to him, spend time with him, then have him put down before pain and suffering begins. Some may think it's cruel, but I don't think it is, it is the kindest thing you could do. I had gotten a little poodle when I was 8 and she was a hyper little dog, when I was 22 and she wasn't walking well and urinating on herself, I could see a truely sad look in her eyes, she was no longer happy, the time was near and she was ready. It is a painful decision to make, but I think it's best to prevent pain and suffering. Then, let yourself heal and think about a pet that your children can grow up with. Every child should experience the joy of a 4-legged best friend.

Answer 3

This is always a hard decision.

I'm guessing a little from your description that he is NOT incontinent. If he is, that detracts from the quality of life.

Being deaf, and even being blind (which he is not), is not as big a deal for dogs, because they use their nose more than their eyes and ears.

It sounds like he has a good appetite, which usually indicates reasonable internal health. A sick dog won't eat.

So, I'm extrapolating that he might have arthritis... in his hips ? If this is the case, then the Vet can give you some Rimadyl or other pain meds, which you give him with a little food. In addition, You can feed him Missing Link, that may help joint problems. You can also get a little wagon on line (or build one), if the arthritis is not the issue.

http://www.gdu-cal.org/articles/mobility.html

http://www.k9carts.com/cart.html

http://www.doggon.com/testimonials3.html

I suggest that you go to the Vet for a little quality of life advice

Answer 4

Gets down to a quality of life issue...I have a 6 year old Schnauzer who is already blind, but gets around well and has no other problems. Some questions: Is the animal in pain? What would be the RIGHT thing to do? Not what's comfortable for you, but the right thing for the dog? At some point we must let go and it's usually a lot tougher on us than on the dog...and 15 years is a pretty good lifespan for that breed. I've been thru this many times and I sympathize with you...K ;o)

Answer 5

It's not time until you realize he just isn't enjoying anything any more. It is always a hard decision to make.

I have had dogs all my life & when it is time, some how you just know it. I have a Chow X that is 14 & I had continplated having him euthanized before I had to move out of my house for 3 months, due to renovations. I am glad I did not make that dicision. He is old, yes, but he still gets around , he has lost some of his sight & hearing but I was afraid that brand new surroundings would just cause him to kick the bucket.

It sounds like you are taking good care of him but like you said you have other responsabilities now. Try to put his best interest to heart, don't let him suffer. & if you don't mind cleaning up after him & that is the only thing wrong, you really have a hard decision to make.

If he were mine, I think I would have him put to sleep but he is not my dog & the decision is yours to make.

I have rescued dogs right & left & some of them were old & they spent their last years with me. I have had to make that decision many, many times & it does not get easier.

My heart is with you. You will do what you think is best for your best friend.

Answer 6

I am so sorry you and your best friend are suffering. This is such a hard decision. Talk to your vet about this. You and the doctor can come to a decision together. I just lost my 12 year old best friend in an accident. Its one of the hardest things I have gone thru. She was always there for me and I will never forget all the wonderful times we had. Your dog has had a great life with you. This is not all about you. He depends on you to make necessary decisions for him. Try not to be selfish, and give him the dignity he deserves. You sound like a wonderful pet owner. I am sure you would not want your pet to suffer. I wish the best for you all.

Answer 7

I wouldn't do it. Until his organs start to fail there is no reason to do so.

I do realize that he is 15 y/o and has led a long life, but could still have another good 1-2 years. If he can't walk or hear.. that does dampen his quality life.

It's your choice to make the call, but I wouldn't do it just yet.

My aunt recently put her shih tzu down. She lived 13 great years, I loved her so much growing up. I did know that within the past year her time was coming. She had horrible arthritis that required a shot every month, she was blind in one eye.. partially blind in the other.. she was almost deaf and just slept all day.

Answer 8

It really depends on you and how the dogs attitude is.

Even though he's old he probably still loves each minute he has with you as he also looks at you as his best friend. In a healthy dogs life, the owner is what gives them joy and a will to live, as long as he is healthy I would let him spend his elder years with you.... if you see you can't take care of him, try finding him a new home before ending his life.

If however you see that he feels miserable, is in pain allot and has perhaps been diagnosed sick you might be doing him a favor by letting him go to a better place.

If you do decide to have him put to sleep, please stay with him as he is given the injection an preferably bring his favorite toy or a blanket from home.
I am a veterinary nurse and see to many animals heartbroken the moments before they die, being with their owner gives them peace.

Good luck.

Answer 9

I held on to my dog till last Saturday when she was put down. It was hard for me too. She was 16. We did it because she could not stand at all and would not even eat or drink. She also seem to be very unhappy like she was in pain but just did not want us to know. She hated not being able to do what she wanted anymore. She had not been able to use her back legs very good for awhile and Saturday she started shaking and when it stoped she just never could get up again. So look at the whole picture and I know it will be hard. But if he can't walk, or even go to the bathroom with out you making him go you may want to take him to the vet and have a heart to heart with your vet about it all.

Answer 10

I am sorry to say that while I think it is up to you to decide. My answer would be that yes it's time to put him down. 15 yrs is a great life but your poor dog can't see, can't hear, can't really go to the bathroom, can't walk I know it's hard. Not to mention that it's possible that one day the pug might lash out at someone even it's a sweet tempered pug simply because it's lying at someone's feet and all of a sudden you move your feet but it doesn't know your going to be doing that because it can't see.