Should I put my old dog to sleep? I am confused...?

Question

I've had my dear, little pomeranian/terrier dog for 14 years now...he is about 17 or so. He is so old and frail; he sleeps pretty much all day and has difficulty walking. When he has to poop, he cannot balance himself, so I have to hold him while he does so. He is weak and hardly weighs anything..
He does, however, eat his food and drink water. He has the energy to growl sometimes when he's annoyed, and when he gets happy to see someone, it shows. He still gets a little excited when he sees one of us eating something. But I see him getting weaker and weaker as a result of his old age. His muscles are very weak and he has little energy.
I do not know if I should put him to sleep at this point, since he does eat pretty normally, and sometimes shows signs of being a bit alert....although we see him getting so old and frail. I'm confused at this point, thinking that, A) I should wait till he is ill or B) Is he really suffering, although he has no obvious health complications

Answer 1

Euthanizing, that's a rough one.

When we have pets is always comes down to that very last decision we have to make. Most of his will be taken up with sleeping. There just isn't as much energy left. We all have to remember our pets become "seniors" too.

The body gets frail and it becomes harder to walk and of course his muscles are going to get weaker. It's all a part of become "senior."

His eating "habits" haven't changed, but what you see is that his body is slowly shutting down. He doesn't have to have have any health problems. He's an old man now and why would you want to wait to see if he would get sick. That's just making it harder on him and you. You're to trying to hold on.

When he needs assistance with bathroom duties, where's the dignity that he should have. Of course you would do anything for your best friend, but then there's the part of letting go and not having to watch him get weaker by the day.

I'm not here to tell you what to do, because ultimately that's your own private decision to make.

Our kitty "let us go" just a few weeks ago after 25 yrs of the good life. She was "Queen" of the house and she knew it. Our decision was authorization because we didn't what to watch her get worse in her old age. She left us with plenty of memories which will never be forgotten.

So you decide what you should do. There will be no judgement here. I know what you're going through.

Love You .... along with your dear friend.
.

Answer 2

This is a painful decision and not an easy one. The main things to look for is when your dog slows or stops eating, stops doing its normal daily routines and doesn't seem to be enjoying life anymore, You might look into her eyes and will know it is time. Animals will lose weight and have problems getting around when they age but if they seem happy and are still eating it may not be the time. The experience you had with your last dog is not the normal. At most clinics the vet techs/vet will usually put in an IV catheter into the leg and secure. Often they will give a sedative to help calm the dog - may be IV or in the muscle. Once back in the room you are given the time you need to say your goodbyes. You do not need to stay in the room - it is entirely your choice. When and only when you are ready the vet will inject the medication slowly into the vein and the dog will drift off. Any movement (breathing gasp) is not done consciously - your dog is not aware. Take the time you need - do not rush into a decision. When you are ready please take comfort in knowing that this is the last act of love you are doing for your best friend.

Answer 3

Very tough decision. One I myself have had to make on more than one occasion. I chose to do so ONLY when I knew for sure that my pet was suffering, in pain and could no longer enjoy a good quality life. I know you said your dog was weak and needed help to go to the bathroom, but you also say he shows signs of being alert, showing happines, and being excited at times. Have you taken him to the vet to see what they think? I would recommend this because dogs rarely shows signs of being in pain even when they are. The vet could maybe do some tests to determine if he is in any pain. Sorry you have to make this decision. I know it's hard, but you want him to have a good and pain free quality of life. It sounds like he has lived a full and happy life. But I really would make a run to the vet and see what the doc says. Much love to you both.

Answer 4

I'm so sorry you've come to this point where that dreaded decision has to be made. I've gone through many and it NEVER gets any easier. That is my 1 horrid dread being an animal lover and owner,... "the decision time".
If your little guy's in obviously no excruciating/acute pain and is still enjoying his food and eating,... then wait awhile.
When his appetite is gone and alertness for attention, food, etc. is no more and he's uncomfortable in the least,.. then probably that's the right dignified time.

The best to you.

Answer 5

Teh way I decide is do you think he still has a quality of life or for teh most part just not happy
here is a poem that may help or talk to teh vet about him and his health

PUT ME TO REST

Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
Its better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.

Thankyou for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now's the time to say GOODBYE

Answer 6

awww poor little mite.

i would feel exactly the same in this situation!

its very hard making desisions like this for something that you love so much.

i would say if he is eating and drinking and still taking an interest in things then he should be given a chance to enjoy his last few months with you.

however if he deterirates soon then the kindest thing would be to end his suffering and send him to rainbow bridge...=[

best of luck and i would support any choice you make for your dear little dog.

xx

Answer 7

If he's not in any pain and isn't sick, I see no reason to put him down. He's just an old guy having a hard time getting around. Enjoy him for the little time you have left with him. If he does get sick, at his age, I wouldn't put him through any invasive or extensive treatment.

Answer 8

Does he still seem to take pleasure in life? Is he happy to see you, does he like being petted? If so, then I believe you should not put him to sleep. If he seems to be suffering, if his bad days outweigh his good, then it might be time. Talk to your vet; he or she can give you more information, but only you (and your family) can make this decision (and, boy, is it ever a hard one!)

Answer 9

ITs all about the quality of life. Is he really getting what he needs out of life at this point. You cant just judge on the good days...if he has bad days, then it may be time. Im sorry you are in this situation. Good luck.

Answer 10

Ask your vet if he/she thinks he is in pain or suffering. Sometimes things humans think are "suffering" aren't bothering the dog as much. Pain, however, is a problem.