My parents want to put the dog we've owned since I was in kindergarten. I am now a senior in high school. My sister got a dog, and she is about one years old now, and we take care of it while she is at school. My parents, who didn't even want the dog, have completely fallen in love with it, and you can't even have a conversation with them without talking about her. My old dog has bad back legs, and has been having very bad diarrhea problems. I don't think it is her fault, because they never let her out. My mom, who has never liked her wants to put her asleep, BUT I WILL NEVER LET THAT HAPPEN. What should I do?
2007-09-12 13:16:39 · 10 answers · asked by cowboysblow27 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The best way to handle it is to take the dog to the vet for a check up and see if something can be done to deal with her health problems. If her back legs are arthritic, medication could help and other medication may resolve the diarrhea problems too. But if the vet feels that these problems can't be resolved with medical treatment, your dog is 13 years old and very elderly and is at this point suffering and euthanasia may be the kindest answer.
Talk to your parents about this and suggest that you want to talk to a vet about ways to help your dog, but you'll be open-minded if nothing can be done to help her. See if they will meet you half-way on this.
2007-09-12 13:24:22 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are very emotionally attached to the dog, but you have to step back and look at your dog and really see if your dog still has a quality of life. If she is very old--and it sounds like she must be at least 12 or 13 if not older--she isn't the dog she once was. She has been a great friend to you and it might be time for you to be a great friend to her and determine if she is suffering and if so the responsible thing to do is to ease her pain. That is never an easy decision, but even if the vet takes heroic measures, your dog might still not have a quality of life. You have to think of your pet and do what is right even if it is hard.
2007-09-12 13:23:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How long has your old dog had the loose stools? That needs to be addressed by a vet, ASAP.
If some medicine helps that's great, but if it doesn't that's not so good.
It's also not your parents fault. getting old is part of the cycle or circle of life.
Putting your buddy humanely down is never an easy task, but consider their quality of life and talk to your veterinarian. Yup I was pretty sad when we had to put down a miniature poodle we all grew up with. But she was having heart attacks and even with medicine she was not helped. She had lived a long happy well cared for life and towards her last years she spent most of her time sleeping and yes, my younger sister's dog was young and bouncy and lots of fun too. It is a quality of life issue and if your dog is suffering, then it is not a good life. I loved the movie with Robin Williams, "What dreams may come." If your vet tells you that quality of life is not good. Get the movie or the book, lots of hankies and remember the good times you had with your buddy. it's OKAY to cry and grieve and it's a part of growing up.
2007-09-12 13:44:18 · answer #3 · answered by ladyhawk 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think a dog should only be put down when he is in pain or he is suffering and has no good days because of physical health. Your dog has been a family member all these years, so he deserves love and respect. You could get a doggie door so he can go out by himself. This might give him time to get out before using the carpet. There are foods and medicines for dogs with allergies. And as you said, you can be more forthcoming and do more to help your mom with Bear. If you love him, please give him some of the joy he has given you through the years.
2016-05-18 01:25:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.rainbowbridge.com
This is very hard and I have been where you are- but I never got a chance to say goodbye to the dog I grew up with, Bridgett. Listen to the advice that everyone is giving you- if she is older and in pain, which it sounds like she is- it is the kindest gift that you can give to such a faithful friend. Tell your parents that if they do that- that if you want to be invloved and be there- that they include you. Say your goodbyes, and please visit that site. There is a message board, forums and chat- the people there understand, and so do I- I have 2 furbabies at the Bridge right now. *hugs to you*
2007-09-12 13:51:11 · answer #5 · answered by CHELIFAN24 THE CUP IS HOME!!!!!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like your parents know best you need to realize the dog may be in pain, her bad back legs may be causing her to feel bad bowls can also mean cancer is attacking her insides. That dog is old you may think she is suffering but don't wait until she's in so much pain she stops eatting and moving. Your parents are using less emotional judgement, all you can do is be there when she is put down
2007-09-12 13:24:19 · answer #6 · answered by teenytiny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sometimes as much as we love our dogs, we are obliged to do what is best to the dog. The poor thing is suffering and believe me, I have put down a dog that people made comments like that and I felt like a real JERK. It was not fun at all, even if no one said things like "my mom, who has never liked her" To tell you the truth, if I NEVER have to put down a pet dog again, it will be too soon. I had to go off by myself after I did it and cried, It's real bad for your parents, don't think it isn't, please, it's hard enough to do. Think of the poor dog.
2007-09-12 13:36:59 · answer #7 · answered by Gardner? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't say what breed it is, but 12 is considered an advanced age for a large breed. You mention "bad back legs" and a problem with incontinence. I would never condone putting an animal to sleep merely because it has become inconvenient, but you have to consider your dogs quality of life. If she is in pain, she depends on you to allow her to die with her dignity intact.Sometimes the most loving thing we can do for a beloved pet is the most painful thing for us.
My best wishes to you, honey. Please try to make your decision for the right reasons, what's in the best interest of your dog.
2007-09-12 13:25:09 · answer #8 · answered by Darla G 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Putin her to sleep may be the best thing you don't want her to surfer. I had a dog with back leg problems to i know how you feel but it may be better for the dog.
I am sorry
2007-09-12 13:28:44 · answer #9 · answered by Elegwa 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can tryy 2 thing put her to sleep or put her asleep. i say this because she is unhealthy and getting too old.
2007-09-12 13:31:23 · answer #10 · answered by blogdog08 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋