Should I seriously think about putting my dog to sleep?

Question

He's 15 and I've never loved a dog more. He's really smart and loves our family a lot. He's been there to cheer me up when NO ONE was around. But...
He hasn't been diagnosed with anything severe. My family and I have just heard some speculations about his unusually shaky legs. It's hard for him to stand for more than 7 min at a time. He's had some trouble controlling his "business". Twice, we've been so worried about the use of his hind legs we've taken him to doggy emergency. The weakness in his legs seems to get worse with the cold. Now, the worst part...He doesn't see or hear well at all anymore. He doesn't recognize us unless he gets close enough to smell us first. I'm worried. But I love him so much, I don't know what to do.

I forgot to say that he's a pure bred Australian Shepard. The last time we took him to the vet she said it may be neurological. Obviously that freaks me out espcially since she saw no arthritis on his x-rays. I don't know what to think. He seems happy when he can smell me but sometimes he doesn't recognize me at all and walks away.

Answer 1

Yep - the hardest thing for me was to have my friend of 17 yrs
put down - it rips your heart out - no easy way.

So here's the tough decision - when their quality of life deminishes so drastically - then it's time

We had a cockapoo, and she could sleep near the front door, and never budge when someone knocked or rang the doorbell - BUT - let Dad go to his home office and reach into the back drawer to get that secret jar of peanuts that MOM did not know about - and guess who was sitting pretty at his feet - wagging her tail as if to say "I won't tell, if you won't!"

*sigh* the day is coming - all we have to do now is choose

and remember all the fun times - and not the last day!

like when...........u know!

Answer 2

You don't mention what kind of a dog it is, but if it's a medium-large breed such as a lab or German Shepherd, it might be hip displaysia. Hi displaysia typically slowly renders the rear legs of the dog useless. If you've ever seen dogs in a "doggie wheelchair," the dog probably had back problems or hip displaysia. Pure bred dogs are affected most frequently.

I had one dog who developed hip displaysia. It started in the summer and by Feb, I made the decision to have him put to sleep. He was 14. He was not in pain (anyone could poke his hips and he didn't react). He had been a very proud dog - always keeping his fur looking good, etc. - but when he got the hip problem, he lost bladder control EVERYWHERE. I could tell from his reactions he was embarassed (yes, dogs get embarassed) when he would pee in the house.

At any rate, hip displaysia is treatable in some cases. GET YOUR VET TO CHECK HIM OUT. The part about him not recognizing you kind of indicates a more serious problem. However, he might just be ... old. I've owned older dogs whose hearing was gone and although it's a sad time, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the porch with you're old friend and falling asleep together. Good luck and I hope you have a blessed Christmas.

(PS - If you have to put him down, get another dog soon. It WILL help.)

Answer 3

You have to make this difficult decission based solely on what is best for your dog, not for you.
The primary question is is he suffering. This is the fist and foremost consideration. Dont make a decision on other peoples speculation. Your vet should be able to provide a prognosis and your own observations should play a part
The only other influence would be quality of life. personally I wouldn't care if my dogs were old blind and deaf, and spent even more time sleeping than they do now., as long as they were not suffering Bladder and bowel controll could be a different thing, particulay if your dog could/would not get up from bed for these functions. I think though that at this stage there would probably be some sort of suffering as well.
You have to be totaly selfless and do what is best for your dog. No one wants to loose their mates, but it's a cold fact of life that it happens, and sometimes we have to decide when.

Whatever you decide, never regret it, regrets only cause yorself needless pain. Except in obvious cases of suffering there is realy no right or wrong decision.

Answer 4

I agree with most people on the site. Talk to your vet and get their opinion as well. They will have a better understanding of what will be coming up. Maybe they can help releive some of the pain and he can live for a bit longer or die naturally while on the pain meds. Or maybe it won't be worth it and your vet will agree that the pain might be too much.

I am sorry for the upcoming loss of your dog. Either way if you put him down or let him live it out he probably doesn't have that much more time left.

Answer 5

I guess the question is how much pain is he in? Perhaps your vet could give you an idea. A lot of those symptoms doesn't mean he's in pain and still is comforted by your presence. If he was in a lot of pain I would have to think of his quality of life. I hope the family is understanding...they didn't put down grandpa when he started having accidents...I am so sorry sweetie you are faced with this. At least have one more Christmas with him before...

Answer 6

Well that's a hard one. If he's not suffering, then I see no reason. But 15 is old for a dog. I can understand what you have gone thru tough times with him and I wouldn't be able to put my pet to sleep. If he isn't dying of anything, and he's not in pain, and you can handle cleaning up his messes maybe you should enjoy what time he has left. But if he is suffering from something and it can't be fixed, then I would put him down. My grams cat couldn't see either, and she couldn't use the litter box anymore, my gram cleaned up her messes about 15 times a day. I can't remember what was wrong with her cat, but she just put her to sleep like 3 months ago... it was very hard for her she had the cat for like 16 years...

Answer 7

Aww :(... I would say check with the vet, and see what she has to say. It sounds like it may be time, esp because you don't want her to suffer. If you do end up having to put him to sleep, it will be the right thing to do in the end. Also, look on the bright side, your dog won't suffer anymore, and you can go and adopt another one. I can see you clearly do care for your animal, so if it is his time, you should get another one from the shelter and bring him into a loving home :). Good luck with everything and keep us posted on your dog :(

Answer 8

My heart goes out to you. We had a lovely little female, she had been devoted to my family, always happy. I nursed her along for over a year then decided it was time. She was 18.1/2 yrs. old, deaf, eyes milky with cataracts, incontinent, shaky, barely ate. One morning I came into the kitchen and the poor thing was laying in a puddle of urine, she had collapsed and was trying to lick it up, she looked up at me and I felt she was saying, sorry mom. That day I gently bathed her and took her to the vet to have her euthanized. She had been a very clean dog and the thought of her lifeless body, reeking of urine was more than I could handle.That was over 5 years ago, I have other dogs, but still think of her, it was her time. You'll know when it's time.

Answer 9

This is the worst decision you will ever have to make and you will wonder if it's right forever. If he can not control his business, he loses dignity. Talk to your vet about it. Here is something that made me feel better. You will know he is feeling better!

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Answer 10

aah. my pet lovin comrade...1st and foremost...YOU know him best...do you see or sense pain within him? Has his eating habits ceased, or does he still enjoy his favorite foods? Do You see or sense shame or hopelessness within his soul? Are YOU WILLING to help/carry him through his last days if he can be helped ..without pain and loss of favorite joys?? Or hand feed him if necessary, lead or carry him potty? Keep one of your dirty shirts near him at all times to know love is right there? Probably buy him a warming dog bed, or a LARGE Heating pad on low for him to rest upon something SOFT?(Layers of egg crates or a small Tempurpedic work GREAT) Are you willing to honor his unending love with yours now that he NEEDS YOU? These are painful yet necessary questions you MUST ask of yourself...IS HE FAMILY? and can you let him go peacefully if he cannot experience any joys in life? Please, never let a vet Do anything aside from sedate first while in your arms, and then overdose with NEMBUTAL! Nothing less is painful and horrifying for him no matter the circumstance~~~My very best to you and your family in such a difficult time,,,,My Heart is With YOU...I am so sorry...I have been there and will walk that road again someday as my girls, Both VERY LARGE dogs and my pet pigs lives are considered 75% over..will I honor them...YOU BET,,,I'd not be here i it werent for them, their protection and LOVE,,,they sleep in a huge warm waterbed every night, and get in with help from me..I am disabled...Love GOES a LONG long WAY,,,,Hugs to you,,,Cas