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.
Hi , my dad has an 11 year old beagle who is his best friend , Bubba !! Bubba has always been such a good loyal boy , a lover of life . 3 days ago he wasnt acting right , he wouldnt eat his food , however he was eating the cats food and drinking , but he couldnt walk down the porch steps . When he did walk , he woukd take a couple steps and gasp for air . Today he acts like he is struggling very much to breathe and can barely walk . He is still eating though . I took him to the vet and she said he has internal bleeding and is filled with fluid .My options are drive from NY to NJ (3 HRS_) and have surgery done on him that could cost 5000 or more (i cant afford that ) and the vet said there was a good chance Bubba wouldnt make it on the ride . The thing thats killing me is this was so sudden , a shock and hes still eating and still alert . I am torn and dont know what to do , I asked the vet if he was suffering and she said truthfully she couldnt answer me . I dont want to lose my dear friend but I caant afford surgery and I dont want him to stay how he is because what iff he is suffering ? What do I do ??
I have a 13, almost 14 year old german shepard/Golden Retriever mix named Tasha. She got Vestibular disease (old dog disease) about a month ago and recovered fairly quickly from it, but now i’m worried that she’s having a stroke. She has that head tilt and she can hardly stand on her own without falling over. She also has arthiritis in her back legs, so she has difficulty going to the bathroom on her own, i have to brace her so she won’t fall over. She just recently started eating less and drinking less, but she still does both.
She still plays with a tennis ball sometimes, but only while she’s lying down. She licks my hand all the time while i pet her, and she still seems like she knows what’s going on around her, but i think she’s in pain. I’ve had her since i was 6 years old and the thought of putting her down breaks my heart. I don’t know what to do and I would love some good, honest advice.
I am right now waiting for my vet to come. My big boy Damien was 13 yesterday. I got Damien when I was working part-time at a vet. He was about 2 months old and in terrible shape. He had frost bite on his face and a skin infection from trying to keep warm in the winter by burrowing into the dirt. The kid that brought him in was trying to sell him saying he was a full rottie (he is part rotie part chow). I convinced this kid that I should take him because he would not be able to afford the meds. Everyone in my house freaked out because I was bringing yet another dog home. Of course, after they saw him, that was it! Few months face cleared up and he was a happy puppy! And a happy doggie! Very well behaved, no accidents, no begging, didn’t even leave the yard when we opened the gate! Yesterday started out o.k. but as the day went into the night, he couldn’t even get up. His hind legs just stopped moving. I see him right now, and he looks so sad. I know Damien has to be put to sleep, but it is breaking my heart. He will be my fourth pet that I have to put to sleep in less than 2 years and it does not get any easier. I know that he is suffering and I know what I have to do, but that does not make the decision any better. I just hope that he will forgive me.
I am struggling. I am sooo sad. My mini poodle, Ralphy, is 13 years and 9 months old. He has had diabetes since he was 7 years old. I give him two shots a day. He is blind. He had always been active. Just this past September he still enjoyed his 2 mile walk. Something changed in October. He no longer goes for walks. He just stops and won’t budge. His appetite has been declining. I had to hand feed him and even that did not guarantee he would finish his meal. This is a problem because if he doesn’t eat he will have a low blood sugar level. This has happened a couple of times over the past two weeks and I have had to give him honey to lick off my finger. He has to have his insulin even if he doesn’t eat because his blood sugar will just keep elevating. He sleeps all day and night. He does not play with his toys or his chewy bones. He won’t eat treats. I have made him eggs for breakfast and chicken for dinner because he will starve before he eats his dog food and I really need him to eat. He has developed a very strong odor. It smell like feces but he is not breaking wind and this smell stays with him even right after a bath. This odor can fill the room. I am not sure if the odor is an indicator.
I am struggling because I love him so much that I am thinking he could live to 15 or 16 like some poodles and maybe this is just a phase and he will bounce back. i am so torn. I really need help. A part of me has begun to acknowledge that he may be done with this world and then he will get up and walk to his water bowl maybe wag a tail (but that doesn’t happen daily anymore) and then I think maybe he will bounce back.
I am sorry this is so long. I am feeling so helpless. I don’t know how to make the decision or when.
For Rosemarie – As you can see from my earlier post I also had a Pekingese that I put to sleep on September 14th. She also displayed many of the same simptoms that your dog is experienceing; slept all the time was deaf and could no longer walk or even stand. I had to feed her by hand like a person who is bed ridden. I knew it was time when she peed right where she layed. You are doing the right thing…may your grieving be short.
thank you for all your stories….today we are putting our 15 yr old beloved springer spaniel, Lady, to sleep. I think with anyone close to you who is dying…you have to go through a grieving process. It has taken me hours of tears, reading and reflection to come to this decision. I know it is the right one for her…not me BUT HER….and that is what you have to come to terms with. 2 days ago, I didn’t quite see it but if you ask them to just let you know if they are ready…I truly believe they will let you know. Lady did that for me today….she just looked me straight in the eyes and said with those sad eyes…I have had enough.
We went for our last “little” walk , took lots of pics and a short video, and now I know I have done all I can do for her. we have countless memories and she watched my children go up….I have been blessed to have the most loving, loyal, sweetest dog in the world…and I thank God for allowing us great joy these past 15 years. I wish you all the strength and love you need for making probably one of the most difficult decisions but know you are not alone….thank you again for sharing….
I have a 15 year old Pekinese name Chloe. She has been an amazing dog for such a long time but now she can’t see or walk very well. She sleeps all the time. I have to wake her to take her outside. then I bring her in and she goes back to sleep. I have another Pekinese she is 8 years old. When she is around Chloe she gets freaked out and goes out of her way not to walk by her. She (my younger dog) won’t lay in the dogs bed because Chloe sleeps there. For the last 10 days she has this strong odor that is smelling my whole house. I been struggling for a long time and I did make an appointment to put her down this Monday. SHe does eat and drink. .She constantly licks the floor. She does not play or climb steps . Sometimes she wets her bed. I just need to make sure I am making the right decision.
Dear Laurie,
I think it is time to put a dog I care for, my sister’s medium-large size 15 year old dog, a mixed breed, “Rolfie,” down, but my 64 year old sister wants to keep him going. About two years ago she became unable to care for the dog. She had moved to a shared apartment that did not allow dogs. The dog barked incessantly, my sister worked odd hours, and the apartment complex told her the dog had to leave. He came to live with me, and I have given him Cadillac care and love him, but I can not manage him any longer. He has these signs – what do you think? My sister seems delusional. I think she is delusional. I am with him 24/7. He is:
1) Mostly deaf and blind, can not hear whistles, claps or see objects in front of him
2) Severely arthritic, can hardly negotiate two steps, often unable to get up. Sometimes unable to go for short walk. Spends most of his time lying on his bed. I try to give him nice walks, but he is often too tired.
3) Often defecates in the house. Usually he barks to go out, but now often fails to bark.
4) Seems to have bowel problems, alternating between acute straining and constipation and diarrhea. I carefully feed him pumpkin, special food, chicken and rice.
5) Becomes agitated and irritable at night, seems disoriented, barks off and on for hours some nights when he seems constipated or has bowel problems.
6) Seems very depressed, sometimes moans.
7) Has become nocturnal, sleeping all day, and then barking, agitated at night. Can’t decide to go in or out. Disoriented and runs into doors and furniture.
He still feels OK somedays and likes his walk, but generally is becoming weaker. I have another wonderful 8 year old Lab who needs attention, but this older dog absorbs everything I’ve got. I just can’t cope anymore.
Dear Jessica,
Keela sounds like such a wonderful dog! She loves you so much, and the thought of putting her to sleep is heartbreaking.
Your upcoming move may force you to make a decision before you’re ready, but maybe it’s for the best? I’m not saying it’s time to put Keela to sleep because only you can make that decision. But, the move may be hard on her — even if there wasn’t the flight of stairs. And her life seems to be naturally coming to an end. She’s getting old, and her body isn’t holding up.
In reading your comment, part of me thinks you have already made the decision…it’s just the carrying out with it that’s left. But you have to remember that putting your dog to sleep doesn’t mean you don’t love her. You choose to say good-bye because you love her so much, and you want to spare her unnecessary pain and suffering. You want her to leave this earth before she experiences the pain and suffering old age can bring.
I’m sorry you’re going through this. But if she’s already in pain, maybe the move would cause her worse suffering than she’s already experiencing.
I wish you all the best as you make this terrible decision. But remember that she is going to a better place – she’ll be happy, light, and free of the encumbrances of her physical body!
Blessings,
Laurie
Dear Nina,
I’m so sorry – Sam sounds like he’s having a hard time, and so are you. I think you need to take him to see a veterinarian, who can help you decide if it’s time to put your dog to sleep.
From what you said, it sounds like his life isn’t as good as it was. And, he may be in pain because he’s barking more. The poor thing — I feel bad for him! I can’t tell you if it’s time to put him to sleep, but I know that if dogs are in pain, then it’s time to say good-bye.
Take him to the vet, and get a professional opinion. And, remember that euthanasia is a final act of love and kindness! Most of the time, it’s way more painful for the owner than the dog, because we don’t want to lose our beloved animal.
I guess the thing to ask yourself is, are you keeping him alive for his sake, or yours?
Let me know what you think, and what the veterinarian says.
Blessings and sympathies,
Laurie
Selfish,
This sounds a lot like my 5 year old cocka-poo. He had an endoscopy done and the biopsy came back gastrointestinal lymphoma.
I have a 12 year old American staffordshire terrier, Keela. I’m am so torn to wether or not I should put her to sleep. She has had hip displaysia for many years, and we have been giving her pain pills for a long time. She has trouble getting up and sitting down. She has been going to the bathroom in the house for a couple years now, and she does not know when it’s coming most of the time. I come home and clean poop a couple tomes a week, on the floors and in her bed that she is still laying in. She is partially going deaf. The vet did not tell me that, but I know. She used to bark at everything, and now she sometimes does not even hear the doorbell. I look at her sometimes and it looks like she is going blind in one eye…she just stares at nothing. She still eats her food and will always take a treat. She still shows signs of wanting to play with my 2 and 4 year old kids, but it only lasts a couple minutes before she hurts herself moving to quickly. She has numerous moles and fluid filled bubbles other body. She is always licking her back legs, front legs, etc. Even though it is difficult for her to get up and down,she follows me from room to room, even if its just for a second. Even though i hate it, I am used to cleaning up after her, but I know it’s not sanitary for my kids. We are moving into a 2 story house in a couple weeks, and I was sure I would feel comfortable doing it by this point. She is clearly in pain and nowhere near the dog she used to be, but I love her dearly and still see how happy she is to be with us. The decision is killing me. I know she will never make it up and down 25 stairs everyday, all day. I know she will not be able to handle not sleeping with us upstairs. She has slept by my side since she was 3.5 months old. I need help please!
Hi,
I feel i want to put my 6 month old puppie/dog foxi (looks like mixed – because owners can lie about their type) with short leg to sleep. As I feel I can’t give him away to anyone. It is really hard. And he is not the dog anymore I wanted. Just tell me what to do really. I missed my another dog standard foxi Billy, he was my great guard dog that can protect me from anyone. I didn’t learn the dog, only to sit.Because i’m hard of hearing. We moved and i wasn’t sure if we are doing the right thing. My parents took him to put out.
I have no more words.
I have a wonderful beagle named Sam, who I adopted 10 years ago. Although high maintenance at times, he has been my baby and my best friend every second of every day. He is approximately 13 years old and has arthritis in his back legs. He has always slept a lot and has always barked but now he barks as if he is confused or in pain. He does take an arthritis pill but I don’t know how he is feeling. Lately he has begun to smell badly and I fear he may have some bad teeth bye only has 12 left as the others were removed 2 years ago due to severe decay. He still sleeps a lot, and eats fine – loves human food and dog biscuits! He likes to be near me all the time but his barking is getting out of control and I can’t seem to calm him down at times. He does have some trouble walking and sometimes wobbles over.
Can someone please tell me if he sounds like he is suffering? I need help with this, I can’t even think of saying goodbye to him, but I can’t deal with the barking. I don’t know what to do!!! Can someone help me and even guide me to a decision?
How do I schedule the day he will die? I just can’t do this, please help
Dear Selfish (but I don’t think you’re being selfish!),
I’m so sorry that your dog is going through this. It’s so hard on both you and her. She’s probably not absorbing nutrients, and is probably feeling less and less energetic all the time. With blood loss comes iron deficiencies!
My dog has irritable bowel syndrome, which means she loses blood and has diarrhea. The veterinarian said he could do a scope to confirm the diagnosis, or give our dog a powder (prescription medication) to sprinkle on her food twice a day. We chose the powder and gave it to her for 3 months, and she hasn’t had a bout of diarrhea or blood since then.
I started feeding our dog chicken soup and white rice, along with half a cup of dry seafood kibble. The chicken soup I make myself – I just boil either a whole chicken carcass (we have roast chicken once every couple of weeks), or a couple of drumsticks or thighs, bone in. I don’t season the soup at all – it’s just plain broth. I give her about 1/2 cup every meal, along with a couple tablespoons of white rice and her dry seafood kibble (for nutrients).
Is it possible to take your dog to a different veterinarian, and try a different medication? I don’t know anything about drugs for dogs, and I can’t even remember the name of the med my vet gave our dog. But I think a different vet may be able to help you find the right medication. Maybe the veterinarian you have doesn’t have enough experience in intestinal disorders in dogs.
Medications take time to work. I have ulcerative colitis, which is an intestinal disease (that’s how I knew my dog has an intestinal disorder! The symptoms are the same). We gave our dog the powder 2 times a day for 3 months. I don’t know how long your veterinarian tried the different medications, but maybe it needs to be longer.
I hope this helps a little. I’m really sorry I don’t have any solid answers for you. If I were you, I’d try the chicken soup/white rice/dry seafood kibble combination, and get a second opinion from a different veterinarian.
I think you’ll find the right way to get your dog healthy and diarrhea-less again – it’ll just take time and effort. Hopefully, the next thing you try will work!
Let me know how it goes.
Sincerely,
Laurie
My 11 year old lab has had diabetes/cushings disease for about a year and a half now. We have had him on meds and insulin for the whole time, and he seemed to be doing ok.
The last week or so, he stopped eating almost anything. He is still hungry, since he will eat easy things like chicken. But he also does nothing but lay around. And he has lost almost all muscle in his hind legs.
I keep telling myself I will do the right thing when the time is right. But I am having a hard time knowing. He will still eat certain things, so I know he has an appitite. He drinks water, does his business outside still, no accidents. He never whines or shows signs that he is in pain.
But he does not seem happy. He just lays around. He does not walk up to me to be petted anymore. He does not seem to enjoy when I do pet him. This is going to be hard to make this decision.
I need some advice. I have a 5 (yes, only 5 y/o) Shih-poo. She has been the best dog anyone could ask for and our first ‘baby’. Now that we have 2 children, she may have gone down the totem pole a bit, but still HUGE part of family.
She has had chronic diarrhea for the past 8/9 months now. This has got to be extremely bad over the past month, where it is to the point where she needs to go outside every 45 minutes to an hour all day and night. Most of the time it is just liquid, but mainly blood. We have been trying for months now, every diet known to man. And at least 5 different steroids and medications. Nothing has worked. We keep paying for blood work, sonograms, etc. and are told that minus this issue she is a healthy dog. But she definitely has abnormalities in the small intestine/colon. They want to do a scope now costing yet another $1-2K….my husband says that we are being selfish and we have to let her go. As she is obviously not herself, she is barely eating, and has lost over 30% of her body weight. But these ‘specialists’ lead me to believe that this next test may be the one that they find something and come up with the right dosage, etc. to treat her. Which makes me feel like I am giving up on her if I don’t. (Which I don’t think my husband would even consider it at this point).
We are exhausted (and not just from the newborn at home), as Marley causes us to wake up way more than her. And really don’t want to keep throwing money down the drain but I don’t want to end her young life too soon either. I expected her to be part of our family for another 10 years.
Am I being selfish, cheap, what? I feel at such a loss…..
I had a Yorkshire Terrier who I owned for 11 and a half years. I am sending this as I have been through the terrible ordeal of making a decision to have my pet put to sleep and want to share my feelings about what happened. First of all his breathing was very shallow and I had to rush him to the vets as I was very concerned about him. They took an X-ray and informed me that my dog had an onset of heart disease, I remember being very distraught but still not realising that this was terminal, in my head he would get better. I unfortunately had to take him back a couple of times to have steriod injections to keep him going as the shallow breathing came back, still I thought he would be ok for a long time but I remember crying my eyes out at the vets thinking I had lost him, the vet said he gave him an injection and he was fine. Before all this he had to have his teeth extacted – quite a few but not all. He was kept alive with steroids etc for a year, so I feel I prolonged his life when I should have let him go when his illness was diagnosed so he did not suffer.
I had to nurse him morning and night with tablets and make sure he took them by crushing his food, he was a fussy eater so this made me worried sick that he might reject the tablets and food. A year later he did, he stopped eating the food with the crushed tablets. He would sit in his bed looking frail and his eye looked misted over. I could not bear to see him like this so when I returned from work I scooped him up and took him to the vet to ask what was wrong with him, still I thought he would live a long time. The vet said he did not look good, his muscle was wasting, his eye sight was going. I had to make a decision there and then whether to keep him going with a steroid injection – the vet said he may go back to normal again but could not promise for how long, he did say though the kindest thing to do would be to have him put to sleep. I asked him three times for reassurance if it was the best thing to have him put to sleep and the vet said yes. I then agreed to have him put to sleep there and then. I remember just before my dog was put to sleep my dad said a big dog came over to my Pepe and licked his face, Pepe just let the dog lick his face which was unusal as he was quite feisty even though he was little.
I stayed with Pepe whilst he was put to sleep, the vet saying to him how he was a brave boy. He went out like a puff of smoke, that quick, he must have been waiting to go. I had to put my dog before myself and I am so glad I did, I have no regrets and this is why I have shared this with others on here as I no longer get upset about Pepe cause I know he is at peace. I did say to him I will not let you suffer if you are in pain and I kept my promise. I hope this helps others as Pepe was my world and I could not imagine being without him. I have his picture with his collar hanging on the frame in my room and know he is safe and at peace. I am thinking of your dogs too and my love and thoughts go to you and them.
My dads, dog is suffering Hes been with my dad and mom seens 2001 he has a skin diease and is whinng and crying all night long. My dad is not capiable of taking care of him. My dad will be lost without him as my mom passed away in 2008. The dog also wont go outside to go potty only in the summer. It is unhealthy for all of us. I cant say anything about putting him down because my dad goes off the handle when it comes to that dog..does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with this. I feel for the dog its time to put the dog to rest please reply thank you Rose
Hi there,
I am in a very confused state and need advice. I have two old dogs one 15 years a miniature pincher male called Archie and the other 14 years mix bread that I got from the SPCA female called Phoebe. Archie at this stage is losing teeth and his hearing and sight is almost gone. But I take him regularly to the vet and we cannot visibly see that he is in pain. He does sleep most of the time and does not really socialize with the other dogs anymore. He fell off the bed the other night just because I guess he couldn’t see or judge the distance (the bed is not high at all) He fell a tooth out.
Phoebe she is struggling and we visit the vet often. She’s on hart tablets and Triumph (not sure of the spelling but it does contain cortisone) because she does have a constant runny and blocked nose and throat. Then we also give her an actual horse sinus relieve gel that I tried because I have a horse and I was desperate my vet later said it can do no harm only improve if possible. We have tried everything else and the last was the final resort. She has lost weight and her skin is looking very strange almost dry/leathery and her hair is not growing anymore. I have noticed this the last 2 weeks. I feel she cannot get more and more medication causing other problems again like liver or kidney failure.
I am now at the point where I decided it is time to put them down. It hurts me to look at how they deteriorate and they are not the same dogs anymore. I do wonder if I am selfish in that reasoning and also I want to put them down together. I don’t think it is fair to leave one behind. I also feel that I would rather want to hold them when they are put to sleep but I do not know how on this earth to do one and then still be calm for the other. Am I wrong in putting both down at the same time
Carla
Dear Frustrated and Guilty,
I’m sorry that your dog isn’t doing well. It sounds like it’s hard on you and your husband. She’s been with you for so long!
Have you talked to your veterinarian? That’s one way to know if it’s the right time to put her to sleep. Vets are often good sources of support and guidance.
And, remember that the “quality of life” that the vet was talking about in this article isn’t just about pain. Dogs are good at hiding pain (a veterinarian told me that), and we don’t always know if they’re suffering. But, quality of life is also about feeling uncomfortable, confused, and unhappy.
If I were you, I’d talk to a veterinarian with my husband present. Prolonging your dog’s life because you’re not ready to say good-bye isn’t good for her, you, your marriage, or your dog.
Putting your dog to sleep is heartbreaking, which is why your husband is reluctant. But he needs to put his dog first, over his own feelings of grief and loss.
This is all easier said than done! It’s so difficult to accept. Sometimes people need to hear an objective perspective from an external person, such as a veterinarian. That might help with the process of saying good-bye.
I like to think of death as a release and freedom from the confines of this world, and of painful physical bodies. I hope your husband and you can see euthanasia as the final act of love for your dog, not an act of betrayal. It’s sometimes the most compassionate, loving thing you can do for your best friend.
I hope this helps a little, and wish you all the best in this difficult time. Come back and let us know how you’re doing.
Blessings,
Laurie
Please, someone help. I have an 18 year old black lab mix, who has literally been the best dog in the world. She has been incontinent for several years, and lately, when she has to poop, she will just pace relentlessly rather than tell us, then will poop in the house. She also paces when she is hungry, thirsty, or just for no reason, so it is so difficult to tell. I am picking up poop now daily. She has arthritis in her back hips, can barely see or hear. But, she still plays with our younger dog once in awhile and seeks out attention. I find myself resenting her now, and that just seems so wrong, as she was such a great dog. But, she is more my husband’s dog then mine, and whenever I bring up the possibility of putting her to sleep, he goes ballistic. Do I just keep waiting for her to show signs of pain? Do I push it? How do I convince my husband it is time if it is, in fact, time? I am torn between thinking putting her down is best for her, or best for me? I am frustrated at not having a clean house… now for at least three years with pee on the carpet… and guilty for thinking this is about me… someone please help….
We had a 12-yr-old black lab that was diagnosed with prostate cancer only 3 weeks ago. It had spread to his lungs and he had lost the function of one kidney. His decline was steady. It became a trick to try to get him to take his pills and he started refusing food. He had to go out to relieve himself all the time and he constantly leaked blood and urine. On Wednesday Oct 3, 2012 something seemed even worse about him. We didn’t want him to suffer and feel constant pain. We took him to the vet to be put to sleep. I think he knew if was time. The vet gave me a comforter for him to lay down on which he did so immediately and went to sleep. The vet then gave him the injection and it was very peaceful. I truly believe that my dog was thanking me for giving him peace. My husband and I have shed a lot of tears because he was a wonderful companion. He will be truly missed by all.
@Teri and @Ilene:
Teri, I completely understand what you’ve been through. We have Gordon Setter, he was great until he was 1.5 old. Then, he started getting the skin condition. As we had no kids back then, we spent really a gazillion of money to find out what’s the problem, tried everything + more than you listed. Nothing seemed to help. We sent skin and blood samples more than once to Germany (we’re in Croatia) via DHL to get it inspected by top vet labs. In the end, it appeared that he was born with genetic malformation, missing some skin cells (not sure which, I can’t recall, it was years ago) + he has had hypothyroidism.
His condition detoriated, but then got better (never visually, though, just the licking/chewing/biting part), we did everything we could. He’s 9, his fur/coat is so awful, it’s really horrible. But, when he’s not licking/biting/scratching, he’s amazing dog. We noticed it has to do with humidity: when days get more humid (or when it rains, but just humidity is much worse), it gets horrible for him. And since autumn is starting, he’s starting to feel much worse… we’ve thought of putting him to sleep many times, but it’s so hard for us. Yet, this year, it seems to be the worst, he even got some bump(s) randomly and at moments it drains a bit of blood (due to scratching or biting, but can’t be sure).
I feel horrible, but that’s best for him, I guess?
A little over 2 years ago, my husband and I had to let go to not one but two of our beloved pet family members. It was so awful and we miss them dearly. I didn’t think I could go through that before or after ,the pain was so great. I decided to write a journal, and that journal turned into a book called -Our Pugs’ Journey-which was recently published on LuLu.com- I wanted everyone to know how beautiful our lives were because of these two pugs and how our lives after were so different. I want other pet owners out there to know they are not alone,saying good-bye to a precious pet member can feel so lonely. I wrote this book to honor them,but to also keep their memories alive. So please as you go through your journeys, read my book and keep not only my pugs memories alive ,but your precious pet family too! God bless you all as you go through your own journeys…Sharon M. Leigh–author
My dog was mauled by two others a few years ago. He survived, but had a tear in his hip muscle, a hernia and multiple puncture wounds. He had multiple surgeries and has done pretty good, until recently. Now the tear in his muscle is growing more and more visible, and he sometimes makes these “ouch, ouch, ouch sounds”. The last few nights he’s been sleeping on the sofa, instead of with me. He still plays and makes his little happy faces, but I know the hip is getting worse and the vet said there’s no real fixing it. I don’t want him to suffer, but he seems to enjoy most of his time still. He’s been such a wonderful little dog. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have him around. I’m going to see if his hip will get better if I restrict his activity and use the meds for pain. Maybe the acuity will lessen. He’s only 6 years old. I love my dog, but his little cries and trembling, pained expressions let me know the pain he feels, although intermittent, are very extreme. I’m hoping he does ok for at least a few months-we’re moving to a place with ducks and a dog park-both of which he’ll love. Either way, he nearly died on 6FEB2011 and he’s been on an extension. Thank God for other pet owners, all who understand the love for our four legged family members.
@Jamie
I posted a comment a few weeks ago and haven’t been back since that time. Making that final decision is the hardest thing I have ever had to do even though in my dog’s case it was the correct decision, I still fought it to literally the very end.
He had stopped eating, only drinking water and panting heavily during his waking hours. Your lovely dog Sophie although deaf and blind seems to be in much better shape than my dog Lucky was.
Have you considered using baby gates and limiting her travel around the house?
Ultimately nobody can make that decision for you but trust me you will know when it’s time.
I wish you and your family the best you all have been blessed with her for these 15 years.
My Italian Greyhound, Sophie, is 15 years old. She is completely blind and deaf, and I’m not sure if it’s time for her to go. She walks fine, she begs for food at the table, but all day she runs into things, very restless, constantly walking in circles running into furniture, walls, etc. We wrapped all our chair, table legs, etc., in bubble wrap but we can’t wrap everything. But right now she’s standing at the edge of the bed with her front feet up, so obviously she’s still fairly nimble, still goes for walks, etc., but I can’t imagine what it must be like for her to be blindly stumbling into furniture and walls all day. I don’t want her to suffer.
Can someone please give me advice? Should I put her down?
To Teri
I read your post regarding your dog with skin problems. How horrible. Just a thought – maybe you can take him to a dog dermatologist. Also, if it hasnt been done, have him checked for scabbies. There ia a medication and it changed by rescue dogs life.
I am glad to see I am not alone…My boy Jack is not doing so well..He has many issues..He has survived so many things..Cancer, Congestive heart failure, life threatening allergies…At 12 and a half, he is losing his ability to walk. He goes in the house sometimes. Other times he goes outside..He throws his food up…I was ready to put him down yesterday but then he seemed to improve. This morning, he wakes me at 5am to go outside, A GOOD THING, HE KNEW HE HAD TO GO….then he threw up all his food, NOT A GOOD THING…He has a brother, Rusty….they are stuck like GLUE…..I was so alone in this world..I had no family of my own..then Rusty was born and I picked HIM..Jack came next and he picked ME…He saw me through so many things, Jack did..now I must see him through to peace. My heart goes out to all suffering the loss of a pet, they are our children…No parent should have to say goodbye to their children. Yet, we took them on, knowing it was only for a while and we must understand that we owe them peace.