when is the right time?

Question

I have a standard poodle who is almost 13. He has incredibly bad arthiritis in his hips and is having a hard time getting around like he used to. He is on a few medications, but I feel like it's mean to let him live this this. On the other hand, I've had him all his life and I don't want to lose him! My parents have hinted that his time is coming, but when do we know that it IS the time to have him put down? Or should we allow for a natural death? Any advice?

Answer 1

when the dogs bad days out number its good days....

NOW is the time to talk to the vet and consider your options - you dont want to leave it too late and be unprepared.. simply call and ask about stuff like cremation.. and will they come to your home to euthanize the dog... and so on....

natural deaths can be horrible or peacefull its up to your parents how much they can handle...

Answer 2

Great question.
First of all, I'm sorry you're at this crossroads. I have been there, and it is an agonizing place to be.

If it is time, it is more merciful to end his suffering. You admit you don't want to lose him. This is an honest answer, albeit selfish. I respect your honesty and understand your selfishness and your struggle with doing the right thing.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Is he being kept comfortable? Is he always in pain, then it is time to consider euthanasia. Does your dog sleep most of the day? Does he whelp when he has to get up from a laying position, and does he struggle hard to get up to a standing position? Is he still able to control his bodily functions?
Search deep in your heart and you will find the answer. Look into your dog's eyes. Do you see a zest for life, or do you just see a dog hanging in there as long as he can in order to honor his master?
I wish you the best, and I will say prayers for you both.

Answer 3

Such a sad situation. I have a Maltese and, I dread the day that he passes. Being an animal lover, I can understand your dilemma. But, it seems as though your loved pet, is in pain. What has your Vet said about his condition ?? Are the medications helping at all ?? Your poodle may stay this way for awhile. What do think would be fairest to your pooch ?? Not an easy decision but, for me, if my pooch was suffering, I would euthanize him because he will be at peace. Yes, I would be quite saddened and heart broken but, I wouldn't be able to let his suffering continue either. There is no simple or easy answer. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes. Anyway, I hope my answer helped some.
Ruth

Answer 4

James Herriott, the famous author who wrote the "All Creatures Great and Small" series of books, said it best. "The problem with pets is that they don't live long enough." You definitely need to talk to your vet about what's been happening. If your vet is worth his salt, your vet will advise you correctly. If he has bad arthritis, he's in pain. No question. I had to put my cat down when he was 15. I had had him since he was a kitten. He was a wonderful, true friend and I miss him every day. I know you don't want to lose him - However, this is not about you, my friend. This is about him. I could tell when my cat just didn't feel well anymore and wasn't happy. He was sick. It was time. Do not listen to those idiots who tell you to wait until your dog dies on his own. Don't do that to him. If you wait for his "natural" death, the only thing "natural" about it will be watching him deteriorate more and more, day after day, until he dies sick and in pain. He's your friend, and he doesn't deserve that. If you don't want to take him to the vet to do it, have the vet come to your house. It costs extra, but it's worth it.

Making the decision to do this is difficult and painful, but if it's the RIGHT decision for your pet, there is peace in your decision. You will know in your heart that you did the right thing for him, even to the end.

To HWGA: Nice article, and right on the money. Thanks for sharing it.

Answer 5

He'll tell you when he's had enough. This will be when he loses his appetite, therefore loses weight, and will move about less and less. When this happens, do the kindest thing and euthanise him. It will be hard, but it is harder still watching him suffer on.
For now, buy a heated dog bed (if you haven't got one already), this will help his arthritis, which can be made worse by the cold. Also have his bed off the ground, as the coldness seeps into his body when he's lying down at ground level. It would also be more comfortable for him to lie on, and make getting up and down easier.
Cherish the time you have left with him.

Answer 6

First, I am so sorry that your dog is ill and that you are going through such heartbreak.

I don't know if you're a Christian, but if you are, praying on it may help.

Here's an excerpt from an article you may find helpful...

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Dear Brave Dog Owner: Sadly, you have to face the toughest part of dog owning. It is never easy to lose a dog who has become a well-loved member of the family. Even harder is having to be the one to make the decision to put the dog down.

I have gone through this awful experience several times over the last 30 years, and it never gets easier. Nevertheless, I have developed some criteria that I use as guidelines to help me know when the time is right to put my dog down.
When the dog become so old and/or ill that he or she cannot walk, I will opt for euthanasia. Many years ago I spent a week carrying my 15-year-old German shorthaired pointer from my bedroom to the backyard to go to the bathroom. When she toppled over while trying to defecate it was like a slap in the face that woke me up. I realized that I was avoiding make the tough, but right decision for myself, not for my dog. I had her put down that day and resolved never to put another dog through that indignity.

I will also make the decision to put my dog down when the dog cannot control his or her bladder or bowel. Many people deal with having a dog urinate and defecate in their homes. They will sometimes find their dogs lying in a mess. It is something that I personally cannot deal with.

Also, I will make the decision to put my dog down if the dog completely stops eating and drinking. When at age 15 and also suffering with cancer, my late, great Australian shepherd, Drifter, refused food for two days. I knew that his time had come. Next to barking, eating was Drifter's favorite activity. A happy, healthy Drifter never missed a meal.

If I were in your situation I would tell the veterinarian that I feel that the time has come to have my dog humanely put down. I'm sure that your veterinarian will respect your decision and be empathetic toward you. If the veterinarian does not, he or she is a jerk, and you should not concern yourself with them.

Running up an expensive medical bill on a 14-year-old dog who has cancer is not necessary. No good veterinarian will shame you into thinking it is. No tests or treatments that the veterinarian does is going to take the years off your dog or give him the strength that a young dog would have in fighting a life-threatening illness.

You sound like a caring owner who loves your dog a great deal. That's something that endures, even after your dog is gone. I've been there, too. Let me know how everything goes.

Answer 7

There is no easy answer to this question. Intellectually I know that the time to put a pet down is when the quality of life dips so the pet is suffering. However, I have always had trouble making the decision too. My heart goes out to you.

Answer 8

I am sorry and yes you've had him for a long time but it's more loving to let him go then to make him continue to suffer.
I was given this poem when I had a dog put to sleep when I was youngr I think it pretty much says it all and will answer your question.

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 PUT ME TO REST

Answer 9

This is always a hard subject to breach. Only you can know what is right for you and your dog. The hardest part is knowing if you are holding on for your dog or if you are holding on for yourself. I wish you the best with this and am so sorry that you are in the position.

Answer 10

I had the same conflicting decision to make a few months ago and it was put to me very plainly by one of my co-workers. She said, "If you know she's only going to get worse then why let her suffer?" Speak to your vet about it. Ours was very compassionate about our decision. They understand how difficult it is to make this choice so they will help you weigh the pros and cons.