How do you know when it's time to let your dog go to heaven.?

Answer 1

when all they do is sleep and never want to eat or play anymore. If my dog was in pain all the time I would put him to sleep.

Answer 2

I had to put down my partners dog of 15 years. I had some advice from my and her friends to make sure that I was doing the right thing for the dog.

Last year, he had become bed-ridden. He couldn't walk. We were hand feeding him (in his bed) his wet food. We had to dip it in spaghetti sauce and other yummy things just to get him to eat. When I'd come home from work, he'd soiled himself, and I'd have to give him a bath every day to get the poo off of him. Being that he was my partners dog, and she had him since 8 weeks old, this was very difficult. She had once said that once he couldn't to "x" then it'd be time. Once that happened, we talked about it. The next day, I left to work as I normally would. After she left the house, I went back and got the dog, and took him to the vet. When she called me through-out the day, I had to act normal, or I just wouldn't take the call. Once she got home and saw that he wasn't there, that's when she knew and we cried about it the rest of the week. In the end, she knew it was the right thing to do, but she wasn't ready to face that decision.

I don't know how I'm going to be able to face that decision 15 years from now when my baby puppy has to go. :'(

My thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you during this difficult time.

Answer 3

I like the term "send them up" instead of "put them down". Your dog should be euthanized when he no longer has any quality of life, and is in a lot of pain every single day. You will know when the time is right. Good luck to you, and I am sorry you have to go through this. Many years ago I had to "send 2 of mine up" at the same time, ages 15 & 16. It is very difficult to say the least.

Answer 4

Most importantly, trust your vet. If you do trust them, ask them to let you know when they think your dog's life has become a burden to them. Ask them what they would do if it was their dog.

If you aren't sure your vet has your dog's interests at heart, then you have to ask yourself some questions. Is the dog always in pain? That right there means that it's not fair to keep him going. Much as you'll miss him, your dog deserves your care, including keeping him from suffering.

If the dog isn't in pain, but is ill, but the illness is manageable, the dog still enjoys eating, playing and cuddling, then I wouldn't have him put down.

You owe it to your pets to make sure that you prolong their life only as long as they can enjoy it. The last act of love is saving them from pain and giving them peace.

Answer 5

Hate to give you a non-answer, but you will know when it's time, as you know your dog best. In general terms, you can tell when they have no real quality of life left, and pain/suffering is outweighing anything that makes them happy. Never an easy thing to go through.

Answer 6

We are going through the same thing with our 16 year old Ibizan Hound.

Everything we have read and every expert we've talked with says there are 3 strong indicators: 1) they lose interest in the household & quit participating (for example people come over to visit and they won't even say hello); 2) they quit eating, even treats; 3) they quit drinking.

Hugs! I know how hard it is to be going through this. I hope that your pup spares you from the decision and goes quietly in the night (that's what I'm praying for too).

judy

Answer 7

Here is a poem that i think will help.
I'm sory apparently you have a problem iwth your dog.Thank you for thinking of your dog
I believe it's when the dog hasn't got teh quality of life and often teh dogs eyes and actions will tell you.


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 8

You know your dog better than anybody else right? Believe it or not your dog will tell you when it's time to say goodbye. When he is no longer himself, you'llknow. It's a look they get in their eyes. However if he is in constant pain and has to be on medication 24/7 to control the pain that really isn't fair. Like I said, you know your dog better than anybody in the world, you'llknow when the time comes.

Answer 9

that is a tough one. i have done this over the years and it never gets any easier.when your dogs is in pain,can not do what he enjoys any more.won.t eat or play,is old and has an illness.these are some of the qualities of life that can leave them. the disision is up to you. if your pet is suffering you know its time but you will have to convince yourself first if you really want them to go.you will when the time is right. good luck to you.

Answer 10

I don't know if there is a universal answer; but if you think their uncomfortable or they have no dignity left; its time to let them go. We had our Labrador, Anny, for 13 wonderful years, and last fall her arthritis became so severe she could hardly stand back up from going to the bathroom. There's something about watching your good friend be incapable of something so basic. When she looked to me for help; that was it. So I think you will just know by their face- theres something different there that you will see; and do that last favor for them.

Answer 11

My great dane had heart problems when he turned nine and we had to put him down. My hubby had a dane/lab mix that had to be put down after she was too old to get around. The timing is up to you, but I would say just don't let the dog suffer. If it is in pain, can't move, and your vet says they can't do anything...then would be the best time to let them go.