putting a pet dog to sleep?

Question

when is it reasonable to give up give in and put your pet to sleep = chow 18 years old = barely walks = last 4 months uninates on herself as can't stant to do so and craps on the floor ==

Answer 1

Wow 18 years is old for a dog.
I am sorry you are faced with this decision, but you must evaluate the dog's quality of life.If she is in pain / suffering it is time to let go. Look in her eyes & read how she feels!!

Answer 2

I have a Lab that is 10 years old and has diabetes. He has had this for 1 year now. I give him 25 units of insulin twice a day. However, in just the last 2 weeks, it seems that his health has been failing, he has slowed down in eating therefore, I cannot give him his daily dosage of insulin. He has a hard time getting up, but he still gets up to greet me everyday, ears up and tail wagging. His hind legs are in a very weak condition and often cries even when just laying there. Also, due to the diabetes, he has since gone blind, but manages to get around very well.

I have made that very hard decision, that on Saturday the 17th, I will be putting my best friend to sleep. How do I feel? I feel just awful about doing it. I have been thinking everyday ways to stop it. Telling myself, "oh he's doing better today" or "he'll be just fine". But will he? He no longer can go for walks or fetch a ball in the backyard. Is that really fair to him, I don't think so. The quality life for him is no longer.

I have giving him the best life possible, took him swimming every summer, long walks, camping, he has never seen the inside of a kennel. What more can a wonderful pet ask for? He was able to live with a wonderful family in a wonderful neighborhood, where everyone knew him and treated him as their own.

Am I dreading this Saturday, I am!!! But know in my heart that he'll no longer be in anymore pain.

Believe me, its a very hard decision to make, but its time. I get over it. I will always have the memories in my heart and so will you.

Answer 3

As long as the dog seems to be enjoying life, then let it live.

Myself and y family had to deal with this about 2 years ago. A miniature chawawa/ toy poodle mix started going lame on late Christmas eve. She was 7 years old. She never walked right after that, but she still seemed happy.

Eight or 9 years after that she mostly quit eating and drinking. Tests at the vet proved that her kidney's and other organs were starting to shut down. She no longer seemed to be enjoying anything and seemed to be hurting.

Our vet agreed that that was the time she should be put to sleep.

He administered the stuff with us in the in the exam room and we got to spend her last few minutes together.

We feel bad that she went lame, but we don't regret keeping her the next 8 or 9 years, even though she was now high maintenance. We have a lot of really good memories of her that we wouldn't have otherwise.

bdraft
(Written in memory of "Lady")

Answer 4

We saved a 6 year Great Dane from the Humane Society. Had her four 5 years. Put her to sleep then because she was in alot of pain with hips. Large breed dogs normally have a 6-8 year life span, she was 3 years past her life expectancy. Most protective dog we have ever owned.

Answer 5

trey, its time to say goodnight, God bless, safe journey to your little friend, she's having no quality to her life, is probably miserable and in a little discomfort. I know its the hardest bloody decision any of us, as true animal lovers, will ever have to make but make it you must, someday soon. She's had a very good, long life, has been loved and given love, has known goodness and comfort all her life, has given you 18 years of her devotion and respect - give that respect back to her and let her go, it really is the kindest thing you can ever do for her. If you could cure her you would but you can't, no-one can so for her, life is horrible, useless and she's hurting inside coz she can't do the things she used to do. Go with her to the vets, let them know you are coming and they should let you in ahead of anyone else waiting there. Hold her close and whisper in her ear that you love her, always have, always will and that one day you'll meet again. The vet will give her an injection that will send her into a deep, deep sleep - she'll know nothing trust me - then another injection will be given to stop her heart. Its over in seconds, literally, and you can bring her home to bury in your garden or you can have her cremated at the many pet cemetaries. If you are in England, the Cambridge Pet Crematorium will pick her up and deliver her ashes back to you in a beautiful oak casket. Prices vary but she's worth it isn't she. Be kind to yourself in the days that follow, you will miss her more than you ever thought possible, she was in your life for a very long time but you will come to terms with it in time, its just that time goes so slowly when you're hurting. God Bless you both x

Answer 6

Once she is up off the floor, can she walk at all with help? If you can help her a bit--take a large towel and make a "sling" by placing it under her abdomen (position it where it balances her and is comfortable) and with the two loose ends, gently help her up. If she is mobile at all, walk her slowly outdoors by holding onto the sling and guiding her out. It's a tough call--unless she has serious medical issues such as organ failure (the kidneys diminish at this age of course) then I'd be trying to make her comfortable. Everyone uses the term "quality of life" and so, the barometer for that is:
Is she eating normally?
Is she generally out of pain?
Does she have interest in normal activities?

If she has lost control of her bowels it's one thing--usually due to spinal degeneration as well as the urinating. You can buy special pads used for people in any drug store to place under her that are disposable. But, if she's doing this because it's difficult to get up, then help her. If she's in pain due to her spine or hips, discuss with your vet medications to ease that. Sometimes a coated aspirin or RX meds work wonders if it's arthritis related.

Generally speaking, they just let you know when it's time. When she no longer has interest in eating and doing somewhat normal things--or if she cries at any time in pain, then it's time to assess her needs.

You are very blessed to have her that long! I know it's hard--been there and done that--but this is part of pet ownership and if it's strictly the bathroom habits that are difficult for you, that can be dealt with. If it were me, I'd make sure there's nothing too serious going on (mobile vets can come to the house and run a quick blood test to rule out internal issues) and deal accordingly. If her health is relatively OK, I would not put her to sleep and wait and see. Best wishes for her.

Answer 7

I'm so sorry you have to make this decision. I know it will be difficult but you must try to separate your feelings from the issue and only concentrate on what's best for your dog. If you want to put the dog down simply because of the inconvenience of its incontinence issues then you should rethink it. But if your dog has no quality of life left then perhaps the most selfless thing you could ever do is relieve that suffering. Your vet should be able to help you decide if your dog has any quality time left and what to look forward to if you decide not to put her to sleep.

Answer 8

18 is really old for a dog! You should feel good knowing You've taken such good care of your pet & they've lived a long life. Putting them to sleep is tough. You have to consider their quality of life though. Also is your friend suffering? Noone can make that decision for you. I've had to do it twice, and it was very sad, but I know it was the right thing to do. My vet told me that when the time comes, I'd know. Remember the good times. Your in my thoughts.

Answer 9

Hey i just lost my dog she was 9 in a half years old so i can understand the pain in letting a dog go and it hurts like mad but you also got to weigh out the pro's and con;s of the situation and what you really want to do i would recommend putting her to sleep personally because of the age it just depends on if your dog is suffering you got to think about your dog and not your feelings its very hard thing to deal with as im am still trying to deal with my own feelings about loosing my own dog all i can say is dont let your dog suffer

Answer 10

My personal philosophy - It's better to euthanize a month too soon, than a minute too late. I just don't want my animals to be in pain.

You love your dog and have obviously taken great care of her for 18 years! That's amazing for a chow!

You aren't giving up on her, you are allowing her peace and release from her pain. Euthanizing at this point is one of the most kind, loving and unselfish gifts your can give her.

It's always easier on us if our pet just dies in their sleep, then we don't have to make that awful decision. Consult your vet, if he agrees with you that it's time, ask for a sedative that you can feed her at home before you bring her in. That way she will fall asleep peacefully and her last thoughts will be of you and her home.

This is one of the worst decisions a pet owner has to make. My heart goes out to you.

Answer 11

I feel that if she is urinating on herself and can barely walk then she is suffering. At 18 she has lived a full life, much longer than most. Taking her to your vet to be put to sleep is your best option. Do not let her suffer. Look into her eyes and you will see her pain. You will know you have done the best thing. You can then have her cremated and placed in an urn that you can keep in your home forever so she will always be there.