My dog, a 7 yr old German Shepherd male, has bone cancer in his back right leg. We went to the vet; they said nothing could be done and that he should be put to sleep. He has one week left.
I really want to make this last week of his the best one he's ever had, but I don't know how to do that with his current conditions. He's limping, dragging along his bad leg. It hurts him also and it's not good for him to run too much, or walk.
I've been giving him an extra amount of treats, lots of belly rubs, and spending a lot of time with him. Is there anything else I could do that he would like? Besides any activities that would be using his leg.
Thank you so much! You're helping my dog have the best week of his life!
2007-10-31 11:07:25 · 34 answers · asked by Angel. 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I just want all of you to know...
Yes, we got the oppinions of 2 vets. The first vet... Well they were complete liars.
The second vet is very honest & he was recommended by a good friend who also has German Shepherds. This vet is also a German Shepherd specialist so he knows what he's doing.
And we love our dog very much. We wouldn't do anything that would make him suffer. Our vet gave us pills to give him that will ease his pain for another week, at which time we will have to put him to sleep...
Thanks for all of your concern! I just wanted you to know that! Some of you seemed doubtful.
2007-11-01 08:49:19 · update #1
Spend time with him. Talk to him... listen to him... he may have some good advice for you.
I'll say a prayer for you both.
2007-10-31 11:15:40 · answer #1 · answered by animal_artwork 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh that is so sweet of you to think of that for your dog! awwww lol okay sorry. Well first of all I think you should do what you feel is best for him. You don't need to get information off of yahoo answers from random people you don't even know to figure out what you should do for your dying dog. Just love him and talk to him. Even though you might not think, they really can understand you. Tell him that he is going to a safe place and that you will see him again someday. Because you will. Take him on walks. and make him feel important. He just wants you to comfort him and let him know it's okay...lots o kisses and hugs...keep up the belly rubs and treats and i'm sure you will make his last moments the best! p.s. right now, instead of being on yahoo answers, go be with him. You can spend your time more wisely than that ;)
2007-10-31 11:13:07 · answer #2 · answered by M-L-E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry, I know how hard that is. I was going to suggest the dog park till I read about his leg. Honestly, I'm sure all he wants is you. That's all our dogs ever want. Help him onto your bed at night, gently put your arm around him and tell him how much he has meant to you all these years. And try not to cry. I do this with my shepherd/wolf who is 14 and I'm afraid I won't have much longer, and he gets concerned when I cry. And yes, treats. Not just dog treats, but cream cheese, my dogs love peanut butter, cream, real steak...just be careful to do it in small doses so he doesn't get sick, still give him his normal food so treats won't be so hard on him.
And brush him. My old Einstein loves that more than anything.
I know this is hard, but do you have other dogs? If not, think about getting another one. I lost my dog when I was a teenager and my dad got me one that I looked at at the pound every day. It did cheer me up and give me something to hold and love while I grieved. And two years ago when I lost my beloved Escher, my other dogs are the only thing that kept me from throwing myself off a bridge.
God bless you and your friend.
2007-10-31 11:22:12 · answer #3 · answered by escher 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My dogs have had cancer. There are lots of things that you can do depending on the cancer. It is expensive but dogs can have chemo (my did) or radiation.
All dogs with cancer can take Prednisone. It is a steroid and although it will not kill the cancer, it might give you a little more time. Predisone is very cheap(depending on the size of your dog 20 to 50 dollars for a month supply)
I am so sorry for what is happening. It is tough I know.
2007-10-31 11:15:46 · answer #4 · answered by Starsfan14 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Awww, I'm so so sorry. Just spend as much time with him as you can. Take off work, lie in bed with him, snuggle with each other, give him lots of kisses, talk to him a lot. I hope you were able to get a second opinion by another vet. Maybe you can check online to see if there is a place that does doggie acupuncture or massage therapy to relieve any pain. Maybe you can read up online for dog aromatherapies like herbs or flowers you can put around the house to calm him. Maybe you can play music (not sure if dogs like that). If you know of a neighbor or friends with a dog maybe he would like to be with another dog. My best friends dog had cancer and was hopping around the house like a puppy just 2 days before she past on if another dog was there to play with her. It was a beautiful miracle. Take lots of pictures before he goes. Did your vet say if it was okay for him to go swimming with his leg condition? Does he like to swim? Good luck. xoxo
2007-10-31 11:31:40 · answer #5 · answered by Kimberly R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
oh god i'm so sorry that made me cry.Its really difficult to do any activity that won't use his leg. I think the only thing you can do for him is spend every minute with him if you have to sleep downstairs sleep down there just curl up along side of him .That will help you when the time comes to say goodbye. God it breaks my heart to think of it i know what its like to lose a pet they're more than pets they are a part of your family all you can do is make it comfortable for him. In a way he'll know you know but he'll know its out of love what your doing for him i know that from experience.Make every day special with him take photos of him and you together yes these may be difficult to look at for a while afterwards but they'll help you . I don't know if you've given any thought to having him buried believe me it helps i had my beautiful cat and dog buried in the pet cemetry i can go and sit with them take them flowers its amazing how that helps. If you need someone to talk to then your welcome to email me .This week is going to be so tough for you take each day as it comes and don't be afraid to cry. When the time comes he won't know it will be peaceful. God bless x
2007-10-31 11:19:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is the saddest thing I have ever heard!
I would make him extra special foods, give him lots of treats - just spoil him!! Spend as much time with him as you can - like you said: Belly rubs! My dog (and cat for that matter) also love massages. Does he like car rides?? Take him on a daily car ride, if he does.
I am sorry to hear this - my thoughts go out to you!
2007-10-31 11:13:34 · answer #7 · answered by IJToomer 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So sorry about your dear dog. Give him your time and attention. The belly rubs are perfect. Talk to him and tell him how much you have enjoyed his being with you all these years. Remind him of the good times you have had. He will get your intentions.
Dogs are not afraid of "going to sleep" so don't feel badly for him. Just show him love and not sadness. Keep the happy times in mind.
2007-10-31 11:13:08 · answer #8 · answered by Susan S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go the grocery store and ask the guy behind the meat counter for a 16 ounce Porterhouse
Bring it home , slap it on the grill cut it up into to doggy size pieces and Voila , a meal fit for your pup
Sorry to hear about the bad news by the way
give him a scratch on the belly from me...and a pat on the head
2007-10-31 11:12:05 · answer #9 · answered by banjaxed 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd relax all of the rules. Let him do whatever he feels like, like sleeping on the bed or couch, or whatever else he hasn't been allowed to do before. Also, he'd probably appreciate a food upgrade, perhaps to some Bill-Jacks dog meat, or something like that.
He's going to appreciate the time you're spending with him more than anything else you do, so you're already giving him a wonderful week.
2007-10-31 11:15:14 · answer #10 · answered by SewConnie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First off, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I know how rough it can be watching him suffer.
I'd recommend a nice soft fluffy bed. Or put a big fluffy pillow in his current bed. This'll help with his leg too.
If you can manage it, try to tie his bad leg to his belly. That way he can hop around without dragging it on the ground.
Feed him juicy steak too.
2007-10-31 11:14:12 · answer #11 · answered by marybobary 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋