Is it time to put my dog to sleep?

Question

I have a 16 (human years) old dog. He has started to howl and whine alot lately. We already know he has bad arthritis and recently he has been diagnosed with cancer! I think its probably time that we put him to sleep and I don't want him to suffer! So, give me your thoughts!

Answer 1

I hope your dog lived a long lovable life because I agree that it should be put to sleep. In my opinion, anything old and crippling is suffering so putting it down humanly as possible is the best option. Im kind of dreading the day my lab starts to become that way.

Im sad now.....

Answer 2

Is there a way to get his pain under control? If he can still walk and still enjoys eating,then getting his pain under control would make him feel better and give you a little more time with him.But,if his pain can't be helped and he cries and howls from it,then yes,I think you would be doing him a favor.I hope you or another member of your family will stay with him,so the last thing he hears will be your voice,and the last thing he smells wil be you.It's very hard,but sometimes there is nothing greater we can give to our pets than the gift of a quick and painless death.

Answer 3

May I go now,don't you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely night?
I've lived my life and done my best
an 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 loving 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 you love and fears
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
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 loved you too.
That's why It's hard to say good bye 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.

Answer 4

Unfortunately it does seem like its time to say goodbye to your dog :(

When my nineteen year old dog was euthanasied I was devastated - but I knew it was time. She was suffering from arthritis as well, and had similar symptoms to your dog, such as crying from the pain.

I work at a vet surgery, and see many dogs put to sleep. Really, at his age there is little hope from medication and surgery, and it is the kindest thing you can do. It's sad, but would you like to suffer like that?

I am so sorry, but try to remember what an excellent life you gave him.

Answer 5

I had the exact same circumstance with my beloved Blue Heeler. She was 14 and was diagnosed with cancer and she howled. I couldn't stand her suffering and so we had her put to sleep. (I cry now as I type this). It was quick and painless and it was the right thing to do for her. My thoughts are with you both.

Answer 6

Have you checked other things, like his teeth? The dog cannot tell you about a toothache, tooth decay, or whatever. Have you checked his collar? A dog cannot tell you if a medal piece on his collar is busted and sticking into his skin. You need to take it off and look at it. Is it choking him?

Has he been checked for things like worms? Maybe try a brand new vet. There are lots of things that it could be that he cannot tell you.

I hate it when one of our animals for whatever reason doesn't die a natural death.

Answer 7

Sorry to here about your dog!!! But it does sound like it is time. But before you do put your dog down you should talk with you vet and see what He or She says. There maybe some med that can make your dog a little more comfortable.

Answer 8

yes unfortunately it does sound like this is his time. he must be in a lot of pain from the arthritis and to be diagnosed with cancer! do what is best for your dog, not whats best for yourself

Answer 9

although to lose a dog you had for so long it is very hard for you, i know the feeling, and i've been trough twice that story ''cancer''. it is even better for him to put him to sleep cause he can't tell you ''i'm in pain give me my pills'' they just sit there and suffer day after day. they don't worth it you know, they are giving us so much and we should give them back the same treatment, don't keep him suffering any more my dear friend. just let him go so he'll relax and he'll will no longer have to go trhough the hell he's going.

Answer 10

Thats a question your going to have to ask yourself ~ if you actually believe that he is suffering, and there is not quality of life left then sadly enough it might mean its time for you step in...