This is my dog, Georgie. I know one day we’ll have to make a gut-wrenching decision about her life, and I cherish every day with her.
Deciding if it’s time to put your dog to sleep is heart wrenching. Here’s what a veterinarian says about making this decision for your dog and your family.
These guidelines are from Marie Haynes, a veterinarian who had to put her own dog to sleep. She shares her story, and offers information about pet euthanasia.
“If you can save your dog or cat even one day of discomfort, you must,” says Dr Haynes.
And that’s the number one criteria for deciding if you should put your dog or cat to sleep: if suffering is involved. If your dog is suffering in any way, then it may be time to decide on pet euthanasia.
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet is Gary Kowalski’s second book on coping with dog death, and it may help you heal after making the heart-wrenching decision to say good-bye.
One of the best ways to cope with your dog’s death is believing that their souls and spirits live on – and you’ll be reunited one day. Read Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends’ Journey Beyond Death to learn how some pet owners experience their beloved animal companions after they’ve passed.
And, here are some guidelines to help you decide if it’s time to say good-bey to your dog or cat to sleep…
Is It Time to Put Your Dog to Sleep?
It’s often difficult to tell whether a dog is in pain or suffering, says Dr Haynes, but there are some general guidelines:
- Is your dog’s appetite suffering? If so, this is often a sign of pain.
- Does it seem like your dog is enjoying life?
- Does your dog still do the things that bring her joy?
- Are you enjoying having your dog around — or is there more pain than happiness?
- Does your dog seem happy more often than not?
- Or, do you find that your dog looks distressed or uncomfortable most of the time?
Pet owners often want to be told what to do about putting their dog to sleep, but it has to be the pet owner’s decision. The vet only sees a snapshot of the pet’s life, while the pet owner has the big perspective. “I see a scared, sick animal in the hospital,” says Dr Haynes. “I don’t see a pet owner’s beloved dog.”
“You have taken care of your dog or cat all its life,” says Dr Haynes. “This is your final chance to take care of your pet. If you can spare your dog pain and suffering, then putting it to sleep is the ultimate gift – no matter how hard it is for you.”
The bottom line: when it’s time to put a dog to sleep
There will come a day when it is absolutely clear to you that your dog or cat is not enjoying life. That day is one day too late. If you can save your pet even one day of discomfort, you must.
Deciding on euthanasia is difficult, but it could be the most loving thing you do for your dog.
You can be present if you put your dog to sleep. Euthanasia is similar to falling asleep, and you can be with your dog when he or she drifts away. Remember that euthanasia is generally painless, and almost always goes smoothly.
Do you feel guilty about putting your dog to sleep? Read 4 Ways to Cope With Guilt After Pet Loss.
How this veterinarian decided to put her dog to sleep
“My shepherd/cattle dog cross, Eddie, had a multitude of problems and I couldn’t decide if it was time for euthanasia. Then, one day he tore his cruciate ligament. He had already previously torn the ligament on the other knee and although it was healed he had severe arthritis in that knee. With both knees injured, Eddie was unable to walk. My decision to put my dog to sleep was finally made for me.
I went to my office and collected the supplies I needed for euthanasia. Eddie was such a good boy as I shaved his front leg and placed the needle in his vein. I will never forget the look of love and trust he gave me as I made the injection. Then, the life just went out of him and he was gone. Once he had passed away, his buddy Joey (my other dog) came in the room but he did not seem to care about or comprehend what was happening. Then, my two cats came in and I swear they suddenly had a look of glee in their eyes as Eddie was very much a cat tormentor!”
How will you remember your dog? For ideas, read my article about different types of pet memorials.
For help saying good-bye, read Letting Go of an Animal You Love: 75 Ways to Survive Pet Loss. I interviewed veterinarians, grief experts, counselors, and pet owners who survived their dog’s death. Their stories and wisdom can help you cope with the loss of your dog.
If you have any thoughts on putting your dog to sleep, please comment below.
I have only had this foster dog, Beau, for a week. I volunteer at a shelter and he was dumped here as they said they couldn’t afford them. He had obviously been neglected for a long time. I have 3 dogs already – the legal limit in my county, but Beau is now our 4th. He is at least 11 the vet thinks and has bad arthritis and bad hips. He’s a yellow lab/shepherd mix and I love him as much as the dogs I’ve had for 7, 5, and 4 years. He’s on Tramadol, a spinal drug, Rimadyl and something else to help with his incontinence. He had another big “accident” tonight and my husband is not too sympathetic. I cannot let this dog go back to the shelter; he’s bonded with me and I want to give him a few last happy weeks. He’s eating okay, loves treats, and loves to go outside with my 3 rambunctious able bodied dogs. I can’t reach for the leash without Beau getting as excited as he can without falling down. His legs go out from under him pretty often and the stairs are nearly impossible, but he does it once a day to come sleep in my room with me. How can I possibly love this dog so much after a week?
I am the owner of a 17 year old Chuhuahua who I think is at the end of her time with us. She was originally owned by my in-laws and I took care of her whenever they travelled. She came to me perminently after 5 or 6 years when my in laws passed away. Tessa was willed to me. She has had a very peaceful life, never going for a walk – she hated walks. She had her favorite food almost every day – Chicken and lots of soft comfy bedding. I am the owner of a large sheep dog cross and a tabby cat who Tessa completely ignores. She is very much a grumpy old lady. She has been incontinent most of her life. She decides when she will go, thank you very much. The past 2 years she rarely will go outside, or will go out to pee and come in and do the rest on the floor. She is mostly blind and deaf now. She took a wrong turn about a month ago and nearly leaped down a flight of stairs that I was coming up. I have come to the decision today to finally put her to rest. I feel terrible crying so hard reading these stories. I can’t say she has been loved as much as my own pets. I have always taken care of her the best I can but she has always been like a visitor. Do you think it is time to let her go? Why do I feel so bad? I wonder what my Father in law would want me to do?
Thank you for allowing me to ramble.
How do I bring to a close the life of my friend, my shadow and my bed buddy. She was a gift from my boys to their mother for her birthday, but Abby attached herself to me…she became my dog. I think I just was more patient with her and her behaviour. Abby is a mix breed chow/doberman I think, and a challenging one at that. She has always been aggressive, the big “B”. But, in the face of all that, I loved her. I would lay on the couch with her body curled up in my legs and her head across my legs and just pet her, soothing that anxious, high-strung “personality”. She did not play well with other dogs, but we had four other dogs, so that to was a challenge…always refereeing. She was my “problem” child, not to be trusted around other dogs…had to watch her like a hawk. She was a bright rust color, but as the years have passed her muzzle is white and her head, ears and front legs have white in them also and that high-strung “personality” has waned. She has lost her sight and her hips are a mess. So much so, that it’s difficult for her to walk. She has difficulty getting up, so that has led to “many” accidents of both varieties. I have to help her outside as she has trouble stepping off the porch. I keep her steady as she steps off and walks to the grass. Early in the morning, when I take my dogs out, she will walk slowly and unsteadily out the sidewalk and thrust her nose into the air smelling the cool morning breeze and looking around…she can’t see anything, but she looks just the same and she will turn and look back my direction with those empty eyes as if to say, “You’re still there aren’t you?” I miss my rambunctuous, fiesty Abby. I will take her to the vet today and have her put to sleep. She has suffered enough and needs release from her frail age-worn body. I will miss her.
It looks as though the time has come for my best friend to move on to another journey. Darth entered my life in summer of 1998, and for 14 years everyone has been blessed to be in his company. I picked him at a animal shelter and he stood out from all the other dogs. He jumped over the 6 foot fence, just to see me and tell me “get me out of here” As a large gentle black pit-lab mix, he was with me when I was shot at as police officer, divorced, re-married 5 years later,my son was born and my father died. How can a person repay something as magical as the unconditional love of a dog.He is now in constant pain and cannot walk and has been on meds for years. Its too much to ask of him to handle, even as tough a breed as he is the pain is too much now. We were able to have 4 wonderful pain free years with the help of his medicine. As tonight winds down and we have our last meal, I will give him steak and hugs and cry while I sleep besides him. I thank God that I was blessed to have him in my life, and indeed the name dog reversed shows the name of our creator. Thank you for sending him to me and my family, and now he will return as we all will one day. Take care of my best friend, I will see you on the other side…one day.
We have had my rottwoller for almost nine years. He was an aggressive dog but not with my family. We have had him since he was four weeks old. My nine yr old daughter was raised with him along with several other children for over half their live. The sad time has come for us to put him down tomorrow at 11am. He had surgery to remove a large tumor and the vet discovered it was already threw his body. My family including me an my husband are just heart broken. This is one of the hardest things i will have to do. But, like i told my husband, I am his mother on earth and he will die in my arms. I will not let him die alone. God help me tomorrow. none of us are dealing well with this.
My dog Lucky a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ended his journey yesterday morning in the vet’s office. He had been going downhill slowly for a few months but recently stopped eating and would drink water incessantly. It was the hardest decision I have ever made and the grief I am trying to deal with is as difficult as the loss of my father.
I never took my time with Lucky for granted, for life whether human or animal, is finite and must come to a close at some point. He was in so many ways spoken and unspoken, my best friend,my companion, who would lay with me and comfort me when things were bad and enjoy the fun times as well with our walks and inline skates through the neighborhood.
He possessed that rarest of love, unconditional love, and even though my heart is breaking now, what he has given me cannot be measured nor can it be taken away and I am so lucky to have had Lucky in my life for these 13 years.
Seems like only yesterday waiting at LAX on a long descending conveyor belt with three dog carrying cages from Dallas, Texas (Lucky had two siblings who were also finding their new homes that day) I instinctively grabbed one of them not being able to see what was inside, and sure enough it was Lucky and was greeted with kisses instantly.
That warm spring day in 1999 he entered my heart and will remain until my days are complete.
To Lucky the best friend I’ve ever had with heavy heart I say goodbye this September day with hope we meet again some day.
Thank you all for sharing your heartfelt stories of not just a dog but and absolute member of “your family!” My dog, Kobe, a Welsh Terrier, is 14 years old and “my baby.” I just look at him lately and I cry; thinking back to the “good old days.” Kobe has gone through so much with me and my family. I’m searching the web right now for some miracle answer on “what should I do?” I KNOW my dog is in pain, in my heart I can tell. Kobe has been suffering for quite a long time, but when I took him to the vet 9 mos ago, she told me that if I can name five things that make Kobe happy, then keep him alive. If not, then I’m doing it for me. Well, I can name five things: #1.he likes to eat (but I have to hand feed him ALL the time)he has trouble figuring out how to stand by the bowl and eat, it’s crazy, he runs around as if the food is going to bite him. If I hold on to him, my arm around his belly, put my hand up to his mouth, he will eat all his food. He begs for bones, but my husband believes it’s just an old habit; because once he gets the bone, he cannot eat it. He just licks at it. #2 He loves when I come home from work. Rain, snow, whatever, we go for a walk. He isn’t as interested once we get outside, he just stands panting and looking around; maybe pee on a bush or two. #3 He loves for me to pet him, standing there for hours I can just pamper him right now. #4 He still gets excited when I come home from the store, thinking he is going to get a “present.” #5….. well there really isn’t a number 5… I just realized this as I’m typing. In fact, #3 and #4 really don’t count either. Kobe, trembles often, wimpers/whines many times during the day, he paws at his face, he lays wherever anymore (on his side always), he has trouble standing and will fall over easily if he gets a little off balance, and he is peeing everywhere (my diningroom is carpeted in puppy pads – I never had a problem with Kobe he was very good about going outside). You were right, it does help to share your story. I’m keeping Kobe alive for my own selfish reasons. I just wish I did’t have to even make this kind of a call. He’s in pain and I don’t know where or why. The vet put him on Tramadol approximately 9 mos ago and he takes it faithfully, I’m sure it’s getting to his organs. I think I’m going to spend some “alone” time with my puppy and then take him to go to sleep… and may he live in pain no more. Thank you for letting me share my heart. My best friend… who always loves me, never judges me, and always happy to see me… may we all be with our beloved pets again in heaven.
We put our beloved 14 year old dog to sleep last Thursday. It was agonising wondering if it was time to let her go. So many times we asked people ‘How can you tell when it is time’? The answer was always ‘You will know’. So, we did know in the end. We had an amazing vet come to our home and she passed away so peacefully in her own warm bed. We feel empty and bereft but at the same time, we know we did the right thing. What a difficult journey, but what a wonderful dog who did not deserve to suffer.
I have a yellow lab/retriever mix that is 13 yrs old he has spinal arthritis and has lost mobility in his front and back legs at one time or another and is on prednisone and tramadol for the last couple of years but now he seems to be having the same problems of tripping over his front paws and sometimes falling down to where I have to help him up. And he has a hard time sleeping at nitetime he is constantly up and down and panting really hard. I think he is in pain and I want to have him put down but he is all I have in the world! Do I not be selfish and go ahead and put him down and how do I deal with it ????
Yesterday I put my dog to sleep. This really huts…but I know it was the correct thing to do.
Missey is a 16 year old Pikingese. She has arthritis her entire life. She is now deaf and is unable to walk or stand with out help. She still drinks and eats and does not appear to be in any pain. She spends all of her time sleeping. My thoughts are to continue to nurse her until it becomes obvious that she is suffering.
Any thoughts? Do you think it’s time?
I wrote this for Brenda, who is struggling with putting her dog to sleep:
My Dog Has Cancer – How Do I Say Goodbye?
If you have any experience with this type of loss, please feel free to share your thoughts.
Hello,
I have a beautiful 8 year old male bernese mountain dog named Benas. I rescued him when he was a pup and when he was just 7 years old, he was diagnoswed with lyphoma-Stage IVA. His disposition was great and we decided for him to receive chemo treatmets. Within the first treatment, he went into remission. He finished the protocol and did not receive any chemo for almost 8 months. Then it happened, I had taken Beans to his oncologist and the discovered that Bean’s lymphoma had returned. Becuase Beans had such great success with the first round of chemo, we diceided to do a “rescue protocol”. The first 0 treatments were great and again Beans tolerated it and went into remission. Then he had to start a pill called Lomustine or CCMU. After the third dose, Beans began to fail and his appetite was completely lost. His white blood cells went down and he developed pneumonia. Beans has lost a great amount of muscle mass and I am getting him fluids almost evey night at my local vet because he isn’t eating or drinking. I feel it’s time but I can’t tell you the agony I feel inside. I never felt this way before and I am so scared to say “goodbye”. If you could provide me with some advice I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much. Brenda
To CC,
My dog also suffered a vestibular attach in January, having him in the hospital over a week. After a month of rehab, he was able to walk on his own without falling down and his head has straighten significantly. He has begun to exhibit previous signs of excitement and playfulness prior to his attach. I never gave up on his recovery, however I have medical bills exceeding $10,000. My dog currently is suffering from an ulcer which requires special meals of either chicken, pork, rice, potatoes; choice is decided by his food desire for that day. It is very tough watching him age and have signs of the disease, however I do not and will not regret allowing him all the time he needs. I know he will tell me when it is time… Good Luck with your friend..
I am feeling very guily of even thinking of having my dog put down. He isn’t even 3 years old, but has had a horrible skin condition for the past 1 1/2 years. I have taken him to the vet, and tried antibiotics, and medicated shampoos, tried changing his diet, tried fish oil, and tea tree oil, and almost everything else anyone has suggested. But, nothing seems to help. He scratches almost constantly, or licks and bites at himself. He has lost almost all his fur from his rib-cage down to his tail from scratching and chewing on himself.He used to love going to the dog park, and he still gets excited about going, but once we are there, he lays by my side and barely even pays attention to the other dogs. So, last night I just broke down and told my son that I think I might have to have Dusty put to sleep. Why? Because he started scratching his head, and when I noticed the scratching didn’t stop… I went to stop him, and he had scratched so much and so hard that his head was bleeding (and I don’t know when or if he would have stopped on his own). And this is not the first time he has made himself bleed. I am not rich, and cannot afford to keep returning to the vet, because I have my kids to think of first, and I just feel I am out of options and money, and I think that is why I am feeling guilty. Because I wish I could give him more medical care… that something, someday may help. I am just lost……
I’m pretty sure it’s time for our schnauzer. He’s at least 15 and possibly a bit older. I adopted him from a shelter 14 years ago, They told me he’d been on the euthanasia list in their sister shelter but someone tried to give him another chance & sent him to the one where I found him. He is a purebred dog and they thought he was only 1 or 2 years old. He was shaved to the skin and had ticks. He became a hearing dog for my young deaf dog and was her companion until her death 3 years ago. Now he’s nearly unable to keep his legs under hm to walk, he’s deaf and nearly blind. He sleeps all day lik he in a coma the wakes up at night and paces relentlessly all night long. He slips and slides because of his legs. He eats but I think it’s just habit. He seems confused and agitated whenever he’s awake. e’s been soiling inside for the past 2 weeks because he forgetswhere the dog door is or how to use it. The last 2 nights have been he worst and convinced me it’s time. He has pooped in the laundry room where the dog door is & where sleeps at night nd then slid and slipped in it covering himself and the room in poo. The past 2 mornings have been awful for me to find him like that and then have to scrub the room and him. There is nothing good left in his life, only confusion. This is awful to know I have to take him to the vet tomorrow – I’ve been through it many times as we keep multiple pets- and it breaks my heart. He’s been with me through my children growing up, my divorce and me recent remarriage. He’s always been my dog and tomorrow I’ll do the last thin I can to take care of him.
This is so painful, such a complicated issue. I had an appointment scheduled a week ago but then my dog seemed to improve after I stopped her meds for dizziness and nausea. She has vestibular disease. It can come and go, lessen and worsen but she has not enjoyed life much at all in a month, only eating. She doesn’t seem to be in pain but I know it is horrible for her to feel like she’s on a roller coaster constantly. She can’t walk straight or, at the moment, at all. She is suffering but I absolutely cannot take her right now to end her life. The issue is more complex because in the wild, she’d be gone for sure, without someone to help her away from ant hills outside, hand feed her, and give her water. I feel right now I’d be letting her go just because it is painful for me to watch her suffer, not because I’m sure she is ready to go. I hear a lot about guilt from those who have euthanized their dog, but I’d like to hear from someone who waited it out and saw their dog go naturally in some way. This is so painful, but it’s about her, not me. I want to hear both sides of the issue, if there’s anyone out there willing to share. Thank you.
Michelle, when we put Sparkie down yesterday our 17 yr old son was at school. he knew what was going on but just because of the type of person he is, he didn’t get emotional about it (at least not in front of me) I’d only suggest that since your daughters are old enough that you ask them if they’d like to be present. The first dog we put down almost 12 years ago went more peacefully than Sparkie did. I was crushed to see Sparkie agitate when the first sedative was given and then the poor sweet thing was unable to keep her tongue in her mouth. This actually made me very angry and sad all at once. IDK, no matter what, its traumatizing. but this last time with dear Sparkie, I was a bit caught off guard as I’d witnessed a euthanasia before and it was more peaceful. Maybe because the dog was further gone. The vet was wonderful, it was just her last few moments which I’m agonizing about as I write this, seemed less than peacful. So sorry for your sweet doggie and you and your family having to go through this. It is just the hardest thing.
So, it’s done – my sweet little 11 year old wheaten terrier with fur as soft as bunny ears was put to sleep this morning in our home. Our vet first gave her a sedative to calm her. I could tell she was fighting it- her poor little body immobilized but her head switching back and forth. I don’t think she was ready to go… the guilt I have over that is the worst. But she hadn’t eaten in almost 3 days and her little belly was hard and distended. Her breathing very labored…. I just couldn’t stand to see her suffer another day. She’s survived by her litter mate brother who so far seems oblivious to her death–If only some of that would rub off on me. I’ve had horrible anxiety to the point of feeling panic because of her death. I miss her so much it physically hurts-not eaten all day. I know this will all pass, I know the memories of how special she was, how spunky and funny she was, and how much I absolutely crave petting and scratching her furry head will fade. But right now it’s there front and center all the emotions piling up sometimes feeling insurmountable. For anyone else going thru this gut-wrenching process my heart goes out to you.
This is so hard. We Are putting our 12 year boxer down this weekend. I can’t stop crying and I lay down next to her every night. I want to spend every moment I can with her. Should I have my 8 and 10 year old daughters go when we put her down?
so finally I’ve made the decision. Tomorrow will be my dear sweet “Sparkie-pants” last day here on earth. I write thru tears but know that I’m making the right decision. She’s not eating (2 days now) and her little belly is so bloated and hard. She’s having trouble breathing- very shallow rapid breathing. I don’t think she’s in severe pain, but I know that’s she’s very uncomfortable. She no long jumps up on the couch to lay her little head on the pillow or is wanting to go out, even for a short walk with her brother and me. yesterday I took her with me to the pet store and she seemed energized, sniffing everything in sight. But I know that she’s not going to get better and I know the best thing is to stop her from suffering even more than she is already. What I don’t know for sure is if it’s the absolute right time to do this… Am I doing it for me or for her? I can’t bear to see her as a shell of her former self. She was always so full of life and spunk. I’m so very sad and only hope that I’m doing the right thing. I love her so very much.
Today is another day I look at my beatuiful Purbread Shepard name Helga. I call woo woo for short. She turned 13 this pass August the 08th 2012.I read the stories and had tears I know how much everyone that has posted something love there pets and when you need to make that decision it is always the haredest thing to do. I lost my 2 dogs last year Daja January 09th then Mack Feb 14th I still have not recovered from that ordeal.Now here I am faced with Helga I am not ready an I don’t think she is she may have trouble getting up and is confused but she is still able to do her girly business out side and still eats like a horse despite loosing some weight. She loves to goes for walks even tho we don’t do the long ones anymore she will drag her legs.But she is still alert barts when someone comes in the yard.She is teaching Lucy the new pup (rotti) the ropes. Still I worry if I have just put the blinders on and she is ready but I am not.I too have been told you will know when it’s time they have a way of letting you know.Really? is my dog going to say hey mom I am ready to died??? I don’t think so everyones sisuation is different every dog or cat has something different that may or may not contruibute to the problem. I beleive when I see for myself that Helga is just not happy or when she has a change that is very different from her normal self I can only belive this will be the time. I think that for all who struggle with this painful decision look at the sisuation write the pro an cons of the sisuation. like is my pet eating?? is my pet in any pain?? basicly the quialty of life is it the same as before?? if no then maybe it is time but if you animal is still able to do the bathroom thing on it’s own and is eating an you don’t belive there in pain all is good. let them live when they can’t do anything like go on there own that is a sign something is wrong an it could be time to say good bye as much as that sucks.
Take care to all going though this tough time and my condolance to all that have lost that special family memeber.
I put my best friend to sleep this morning. I am missing him horribly right now, but I know I made the right decision. I just wanted to say that reading this article and all of the comments really helped me do what I needed to do. The statement from the article “If you can save your dog or cat even one day of discomfort, you must” went through my head all morning. My baby was not the same dog I have shared my life with for almost 11 years. And he wasn’t going to get better. He wasn’t in pain, and I didn’t want it to get to that point. Thank you for all of your comments and wisdom, that came from the same difficult experience that I went through this morning. I’ll leave you with something a man said to me while I was sitting with my dog just before he was put to sleep: “Life is a series of dogs.” Take what you will from that. I am taking it as a positive, meaning we will give love to many in our lifetimes and each and every one brings us joy, learning experiences, and that never ending unconditional love that we can only get from a dog. RIP buddy! You will never be forgotten, but forever loved.
Hi Amy & Cheri.
I had my Golden Retriver Molly who would have been 16 in one month put to sleep today. It was not my decision but rather the vet who said, “I don’t want you to leave this office with Molly. She needs to be put down now.”
Her heart rate was 120 beats per minute and she was lying down. She had not eaten for three days.
We also have hardwood floors and Molly had a hard time getting up off the floot. She would pee sometime during the last 3 months because she could not get up fast enough. I even bought her Pawz rubber boots which did help her as long as she didn’t pull them off.
I should also say she seemed to be almost blind and had a 90% hearing loss. Two years ago her weight was 61 pounds. Last February she was 46.5. I assume she was about 35 pounds today. You could see her ribs. Her hips were very boney.
Two weeks ago she seemed like she would rather sleep or be outside on the deck. I went to bring her inside that night and opened the door and she started to come in than she backed out. It is carpeted so she had traction to get up off the floor and could go down three steps to the yard. So I let her. I figured she thought that was better than to ware the rubber boots.
Last Friday she had poop in the diaper I put on her but I didn’t get all of it off her. On Sunday I washed her ahd found maggots under her butt. The next day she would not eat. I called the vet yesterday to go in today at 12:00.
This morning I decided to give her another shower. As I was cutting some mats from her hair on her back I saw it was infested with maggots again. She even had small hols in her skin from them.
I guess that what happens when you leave a dog outside if your not careful. That is why I thought she stoped eating and thus my reason to take her to the vet. Thinking the vet could give me something to help Molly if the maggots were a issie.
So for the last week she had much more trouble with standing up and staying up. I could see it was difficult for her to walk on the hardwood floor. When she would walk she would walk into a corner or go behind something and not be able to get out.
I promised Molly when I got her I would never have her put to sleep unless I knew she was in a lot of pain.
The vet said by looking at her that it was time to let her go. It would be the best for Molly. So I said yes.
It just seems like so many of us are agonizing over the same decision. it’s so so hard. my 11 yr. old wheaten terrier with cancer, no cure (already lost one leg to amputation), eating less each day, practically nothing yesterday. Then today she’s up wanting to go for a ride in the car – so excited. Definitely moving slower, sleeping lots, shallow breathing – but loves to be petted, wants to be with us, tail ever-wagging. I won’t put her down until she’s unable to walk or control her bladder. Is that cruel? I just can’t see snuffing the life out of her while she’s still enjoying some of life. She’s on Metacam and appetite stimulant…. they are less and less effective as the days wear on.
I have a 14 year 8 mo old yellow lab who has been with us from the early months of marriage. She has been there through the birth of both our children and has always been a loving constant presence in our home. We could not have asked for a better dog. I have never posted before but am in agony over the decision to put her down. She has arthritis making it difficult for her to get up and down. She can no longer do stairs without assistance which means she takes 3 steps outside to go to the bathroom on the deck and then comes back inside. She sleeps alot but would expect this for an old dog. She is eating well and always has. She drinks alot of water which is new in the past 6 months. She has been having more frequent accidents in the house which has been frustrating for all of us. Her vision and hearing have also deteriorated. As I have read in other posts, she too pants alot along with pacing at night and I wasn’t sure what this meant. Is she having trouble breathing? is she hot? Is it anxiety/dementia? What makes this so hard is that she still takes pleasure in seeing us. Her tail always wags when we are near and she almost always makes an attempt to come to the door when we come home (once she is able to hear and see us come in). She knows when we are packing for the lake and follows us around making sure we don’t leave without her. The hard part is that once we get to the lake all she does now is sleep in the cottage and go to the bathroom on the deck. This was a dog who would spend endless hours in the water fetching a stick. We have made an appointment tomorrow to put her down and are having doubts whether we are making the right decision. Should we wait for more obvious signs of illness or should we spare her any more suffering no longer living the life she once enjoyed? I can’t imagine life without her but knew that this day would come. I just feel like we are killing her? Oh if she could only go peacefully in her sleep! What to do!!
Hi there,
Reassuring to know there are many others facing the same difficult decision. I have a 14yr old Norfolk terrier who we’ve had since she was a puppy. After major surgery to have mammary tumours removed last week, the stitches have now come apart and we are now making trips to the vet daily to have the open wound cleaned and covered. The cancer will grow back at some stage we are told but I’m the meantime, despite all she’s going through, she continues to wag her tail, follow my every move and enjoy my company. It is breaking my heart just to look at her.
Is it too soon to consider euthanasia as she is still with it, has an appetite etc or do we wait until it gets worse whilst visiting the cry every day which is both unrealistic time and money wise.
Any advice/support out there would be warmly welcomed at this very difficult time.
Thank you.
I have a German Shepard which my parents got me at the age of 5, he is now 12 years old and is losing the life in the back of his legs. He literally has to drag himself and he falls over whenever he attempts to walk. It’s heartbreaking to watch and I think it’s time to out him down because he seems like he’s in pain but he is still playful and eating all of his food. What do you think would be the best thing to do?
My 11.5 year old lab-shepherd mix Cinders was diagnosed with lymphoma about a three weeks ago. I had found swollen lymph nodes a couple of weeks before that. The vet said that often dogs have about two months without treatment. I do not believe in chemo for dogs (and after seeing what it did to a good friend and my own father who both ulitimately passed, I wonder if it is good for people (only somewhat kidding here). So I was hopeful for more “good” time with Cinders without pumping her full of drugs. She has begun to eat less – refuses to eat her kibble but eats small amounts of cooked chicken sausage – and she has lost quite a bit of weight. Her back legs are weak and just this morning, she struggled to have her first bowel movement in several days. It was thin and ribbon-like (the vet warned me of this). So it is time. And I feel incredibly guilty about stopping her life if she has any good days left in her. But she can’t tell me if she is happy, if she feels pain, if she is ready. I have made the decision to take her after work to the vet and I feel guilty that her last day on earth is home alone. Yup – guilt.
Kym
I completely hear that you’re stressing about your situation- I couldn’t sympathize more. My dog is 11 with cancer and every day I think will be “the day” ….. IDK- I try to go by how well I think my dog is adjusting… In other words, my dog isn’t nearly as active as before, but still enjoys very short walks, tummy rubs and just being with me. It’s so hard to know when to do the deed- I’m waiting for the bad to outweigh the good. In your case, maybe the dr. bills wouldn’t be much more than before after she gets over the kennel cough? I know people who’ve been in similar circumstances and just put a time limit on how long they’d wait to see if the dog improved. Say after 3 or 6 mos. you could re-evaluate and then make a decision. Don’t pressure yourself to come to a quick decision- if it were me, the move alone would be making me crazy! Good luck