My 12 year old Rottie has very severe hip dysplaysia which causes him pain, he has practically stopped eating and looks like a skeleton with fur, his eyesight is going rapidly and often growls if he thinks he sees a stranger...though sometimes it is family or my girls, He has stopped giving cues about needing to go outside.
He has had a very rough life until we took him a year ago (was husband's brother's dog, though he couldn't be bothered)
I want him to have the very best, but think that maybe the best would be to humanely put him down before the rest of his faculties fail him.
He has been seen by the vet and the vet will not advise on the issue, just says it is our decision to make.
What would you do in this situation?
Do you agree that quality of life is more important than just living?
Thanks all for your opinions on this tough subject.
2007-12-09 06:52:50 · 14 answers · asked by Star 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
To answer your question, Cody was my husband's brother's dog. He was kept outside and for the last 6 years my husband and I have been buying his food and doing our best to make sure he was fed, watered and properly sheltered. We did not live in a home where we could take him until a year ago and then we did. We fought my brother in law and finally got him here. He has been an indoor dog ever since and has been happy.
(We live in Wisconsin)
2007-12-09 06:55:52 · update #1
ICANSEE: The thumbs down accidentally came from me, sorry. I was going to click the thumbs up and my mouse moved unexpectedly. Just wanted you to know that.
(darn optical mouses!)
2007-12-09 07:14:38 · update #2
Alex: You should be put to sleep for all the compassion that shines through.
2007-12-09 07:17:52 · update #3
I think you are right. Quality of life should be considered. To keep a sick animal hanging on for our sake is selfish.
Our cat is very ill, but comfortable with all the medication she is getting. We are prepared to give her that final act of love - ending her suffering - when the time comes.
2007-12-09 07:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by theshadowknows 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately I would have to put him down. Last year I dog sat and I took care of a 14 yr old golden(Melodie) that stopped drinking and eating normally(would only eat canned food w/ pedialyte mixed in), was unable to get up and went to the bathroom where she lay. She made an appointment with the vet to have Melodie put down, unfortunately she didn't make it that long. She died the morning of the day that she was supposed to be put down.
Having lived through that I would have to put him down quality of life is definitely more important than just living.
2007-12-09 08:27:29 · answer #2 · answered by Nichole R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a tough decision for any pet owner. In my opinion, it is a quality of life issue. If he's in pain, not eating, and otherwise deteriorating, I would tend to agree with you that perhaps it is time. Maybe talk to your family and get their input too. Good luck. It's not an easy thing to do no matter what the situation is.
2007-12-09 07:33:00 · answer #3 · answered by Buddy28 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is the worst decision any pet owner ever has to make - I've had to make it myself and it's always so hard.
I believe that when a dog's life has become a burden to him, when he's in pain, and no longer enjoys anything, it's time to let him go.
You can feel good because you've given this dog a good year, but now it sounds like it's time to do the kind thing and let him go.
2007-12-09 06:57:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-15 01:05:59 · answer #5 · answered by cracchiolo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had to have a number of pets put to sleep. I generally believe that if they are having severe mobility problems, vision problems, are very underweight and exhibiting difficulty with their toilet or completely incontinent, then it is time. Animals get Alzheimer's too. The fact that you say he does not eat would be enough for me, I would do it now.At least you have given him some quality of life, good on you for doing this.
2007-12-09 07:04:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep him as comfortable as you can. I think you owe him to stop his misery. He's not going to get any better. If you see the top of his head looking sunken in, that's from fat loss, which is a sign that the end is near.
I would suggest to take him in to stop his suffering. His quality of life is deteriorating. The procedure is quick and virtually painless. I've had to do a few times and it's never easy. Take care.
2007-12-09 07:15:15 · answer #7 · answered by Rudy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Let me thank you for being a compassionate person and doing everything you could for this dog. Please know that if a dog is in pain and has no quality of life it is probably best for the dog to be put to sleep. I know it is a very painful thing to do, but you sound like a smart person with a lot of love for that dog. Please know that many of us are with you and know how much this decision hurts.
2007-12-09 07:01:35 · answer #8 · answered by I CAN SEE RIGHT THROUGH YOU! 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This kind of thing totally sucks. But I agree with Walking Lady and I Can See. They said it best.
2007-12-09 07:04:17 · answer #9 · answered by kaz716 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hard decision... quality of life would be my determining factor and the fact that hip dysplasia is painful and won't get any better.
you will know when.
Be Blessed!
2007-12-09 07:02:46 · answer #10 · answered by ramzee 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋