Is it time to put my dog down?

Question

My dog is a german shepard mixed with rotweiler and i have had him for 14 years. (thats a very long time i know) Well he hasnt been doing to well lately and we dont know if it is time to put him down. He has a VERY hard time getting both up and laying down. You can tell it isn't easy for him. He also has cateracts and is pretty deaf. He has trouble controling his valves so he is always pooping while he is sleeping. He cant even get up to do this. Then when he pee's he doesnt stand in one place he trails it along while he walks. The more it think about it, it seems it's time but then again i have had him for so long i cant decide. can some one please tell me what they think. And NO being rude.

Answer 1

Your dog is sufferring and slowly losing his dignity and quality of life. Tell him everything is going to be OK and go ahead with it even as sad as it is. Don't let him lay around like my friend did until one day he starts crying in pain. Let him die with dignity.
Might I suggest that even though it will nearly kill you., PLEASE stay with him as he goes. Please don't take him and leave him with strangers to die. It would be like someone knowing you were dying and taking you to a hospital and just walking away leaving you there to die. Oh how sad. You might even understand it, but your poor dog won't.
Be blessed and whatever you do, I pray your pain will ease quickly.

Answer 2

I think once you ask this question out loud, you already know the answer. No one can tell you when that time has come, but I know when I expressed it, was around the time that it was time for my Shepherd to be euthanized. It's an agonizing decision and you will need a lot of support. I think that you will find that discussing this with your Vet, you will have a lot of support. That is what happened for me. I discussed it with my Vet and they pretty much knew this was coming for awhile before I was able to put it into words.
I know afterwards that it was the right thing to do, but doing it was very very hard.
You have probably already heard of the site "The Rainbow Bridge". If not, google it because there is a lot of support there for people who have animals that have passed or who are dealing with the loss of their dog.
My Shepherd was only six but she was very very ill. Medications weren't working anymore. Being six, it was hard to let her go because I struggled with her being so young. She was born with a very challenged immune system that only so many antibiotics, diet changes, cortisone shots could keep death away from her.
Your dog is 14 which is quite old for a large breed dog and considering his pain, sounds like you know what to do. Wishing you the best through this very hard time.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to say this, but I think it might be time. My two personal rules that indicate that it's time are when the dog can't get up to go to the bathroom (as a matter of dignity), and when the dog can't eat.

I think the best thing you can do is make an appointment at your vet's office and discuss your dog's problems with the veterinarian. Your vet will be able to discuss possible treatment options with you (ie anti-inflammatories and pain medication to help make your dog comfortable and make your dog able to walk again) and also how effective they think treatment will be. Then you can make a good decision on what is best for your dog. If there really aren't any treatment options to make your dog better, or if you've already tried all you can, then I think you know what's best.

Just keep in mind that it's ultimately *your* decision. Do what you think is best for your dog.

Answer 4

I know your feeling and I can sympathize with you. It's a real agony of a decision, especially if your dog isn't giving you a clear signal letting you know if it's time for them. Some dogs do, but not always. I can only give you some things to think about for consideration. It might be time to consult with your vet and get an evaluation from him. Do this for your own piece of mind. Based on what you are told, I'd think about how you might feel if you were in your dog's same position. And then follow your gut instinct. If you are still second guessing yourself it's time to stop and follow your instincts. Just the fact that you are having doubts is a way to know. Best wishes and God bless...

Answer 5

I work at a humane society and am a cert. vet assist.this is the most hardest question in the world.Because your pet has quit being a pet and became a member of the family. Think about how much pain the dog is in.. Pretend that is you that is going through the same things. And what you would want done. Do your best to remove the emotions out of the formula and try and make your decision then.

Answer 6

This is the hardest decision that we,as pet parents,have to make. It is never easy to lose a beloved pet.We had to send our 13 year old Beagle/Basset to the Rainbow Bridge in January of this year,as he was suffering from alot of the same problems as your old boy,and it is still hard to think about. But they depend on us to make the right decisions for them. And you have been a good enough pet parent to keep your boy for many years and now it is time for you to make the hard choice to let him go with the dignity that,as a loved member of your family that he deserves.I hope that this helps you to make the right decision and just remember that he will be waiting for you patiently at the Rainbow Bridge

Answer 7

This is definately a very hard thing to go through, especially to have the decision in your hands. Your poor dog is just dragging through life. What does your vet say he would do if it was his dog? I don't think your pet is a happy camper and time will only make things worse. He doesn't understand what has happened to him and he must be in pain and uncomfortable and even scared since he can't hear or see. I would end his misery and be relieved that he is no longer suffering.

Answer 8

I'm so very sorry. This is always such a very hard decision to make. I have had to make that decision a year ago. Look at his quality of life.......is he enjoying it? Most of what is happening to him is just old age and there is no cure for it. And as hard as it is for us to say good-bye, it is also the best thing we can do for them. To end their suffering and help the to the Bridge is one of the best gifts we could possibly give to our beloved pets.
Many thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

Answer 9

That's a very hard decision. I'm sorry about your dog, but it does sound like it is time. You sound like you really love him, so now you have to think about what is best for him...not you. You don't want his quality of life to be terrible, and it sounds like he's at that point. It's the humane thing to do for his comfort. I know it is tough, but you can at least stay with him during his final moments. Most vets will let you do that for your pet's comfort. I've had to do it more times than I would like, and it always sucks.

There are pet crematoriums who will make a nice box up for you, a memorial plaque with your pet's paw print in it, and a certificate. I know it isn't easy thinking about that, but it's a nice way to remember them when your pain fades.

Little Angels does that for us locally. Their website is below. You can see an example of the types of services that are around.

http://www.littleangelspetcremation.com/index.htm

Answer 10

that is something that you have to decide for yourself. consider this though: what is his quality of life? would you want to live like this if you had a choice? only you can answer those questions - i have had to do it far too many times. just try and think of your dog first and yourself second. i know it will be very difficult losing him, but just remember the good times. just know my thoughts are with you and i am so sorry about your dog. i can tell you love him very much and will do what is right for him