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How long before I should put dog down?

Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:05 pm
Posted by The Hurricane
Gulf of Mexico
Member since Aug 2011
7930 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:05 pm
So today we found out that my 9 year old lab has diabetes. Our vet, who's a close family friend, says that there is a chance that she is having kidney failure. We are going to wait for test results and see if medicine will help. You can def see a change in her demeanor and I know it's inevitable.

I'm a first time dog owner so not sure what to do. Am I taking the right approach waiting to see if meds help prolong her life or make that call to have the vet make a house call to put her down?
Posted by BRgetthenet
Member since Oct 2011
117664 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:06 pm to
Try the meds, see how she feels.

Posted by LSUSoulja08
Member since Oct 2007
16969 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:07 pm to
I dread the day I have to put mine down. She's 8 now so hopefully not for a while though

anyway, I would just say that if she is suffering there is no need to keep her around just because YOU don't want face the truth. If her kidneys are really failing then it may be time now

Sorry man, seriously feel for ya.
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
55940 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:09 pm to
I would try the meds first...as long as they don't put you in too much of a financial bind...

otherwise, you'll know when it is time...it is a damn bad experience, but it is part of owning a pet...just be true to yourself and don't wait too long out of selfishness...
Posted by The Hurricane
Gulf of Mexico
Member since Aug 2011
7930 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:10 pm to
quote:

If her kidneys are really failing then it may be time now


This is the big thing we are waiting on. If they are, I know what needs to be done.
Posted by MMauler
Member since Jun 2013
19216 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:14 pm to
When she starts to hurt and there is nothing the medicine can do about that, it's time.
Posted by Happy_wife85
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2012
127 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:15 pm to
I would suggest putting the dog down immediately after vet recommends it. Many people wait & wait but it's just harder on the dog. My vet came to my house to put mine down. It's the worst thing ever to have to say goodbye to your dog. Don't feel stupid for being upset.
Posted by JAXTiger16
TBD
Member since Apr 2013
2215 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:19 pm to
Its hard thing to deal with. Hopefully the meds work and she bounces back.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63140 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:19 pm to
Definitely try the meds first. When her quality of life severely suffers or if it's causing financial distress, then it's time.

Even an extra year of quality life is worthwhile, imo.
Posted by Damn Good Dawg
Member since Feb 2011
47325 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:20 pm to
quote:

I dread the day I have to put mine down. She's 8 now so hopefully not for a while though


My guy just turned 6 and I still dread that day.
Posted by Camo Tiger 337
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2014
2014 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:34 pm to
Try the meds for a while. If you don't see improvement, then I think you know what time it is. I seriously feel for you too, but don't be selfish and let the dog suffer. Make her last days memorable and remember if you do decide to put her down, she'll be in a better place where she can't suffer anymore. Just try finding positives in the situation.
Posted by 42
Member since Apr 2012
3703 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:47 pm to
You will know. Sounds trite, but it is true. Make the time whether it be one day, one year, or longer, worth it.

But, you will know.

Been there, and it sucks.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
38622 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:53 pm to
Does the dog still want to live? Is the dog in pain most of the time? Can you accommodate the needs of an infirmed dog? These 3 questions point to your answer. If you have to leave the dog at home all day but it needs meds or some other attention.......or it is in constant pain and/or seems depressed with no will to keep going.......then end it. In my circumstance, my 16 yr old lab can no longer walk. But she is still alert and wants to be near us just like when she was healthy. I work from home so can accommodate her needs and she is not in any noticeable pain. So we will keep her alive.
Posted by SuzukiGoat
Atchafalaya Basin
Member since Jan 2014
1086 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:59 pm to
I feel for you... diabetes is fairly manageable for dogs. There are special foods you can feed and time their meals.

Hold out...youll find out. Certainly dont give up hope.





Having had two pets put down before...it was much less difficult to deal with the time I did it myself. Sounds terrible, but the first pet was 14 and the second 16... it was very hard to deal with the fact that I wasnt with the first dog.
Posted by The Hurricane
Gulf of Mexico
Member since Aug 2011
7930 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 10:59 pm to
I wasn't aware of any illness til today. She's been with my parents the last few days. Unfortunately with my work schedule, I'm not home a lot and they come over to let her out. I may have my parents take her since they are both semi retired and treat her like a grandchild. And no, I'm not pawning her illness off on them. It's just easier for someone to keep an eye on the dog.
This post was edited on 3/26/14 at 11:02 pm
Posted by chity
Chicago, Il
Member since Dec 2008
6065 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 11:00 pm to
We had a dog with diabetes and gave her insulin shots. She lasted several years. Every case is different and your vet can give you the best advice.

As far as putting the dog down, you will know when the time comes.
Posted by lsuwontonwrap
Member since Aug 2012
34147 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 11:02 pm to
9? Damn that sucks. The one and only time I ever had a dog, she lived to be 15 (she was about 2 when I was born).
Posted by The Hurricane
Gulf of Mexico
Member since Aug 2011
7930 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 11:04 pm to
I'm not worried about the diabetes. That is all manageable. If results come back with other issues, I know it may be time to make the call.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
38622 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 11:06 pm to
quote:

And no, I'm not pawning her illness off on them. It's just easier for someone to keep an eye on the dog.


Not at all. If they are willing and able and the dog is not in pain then let them care for her.
Posted by The Hurricane
Gulf of Mexico
Member since Aug 2011
7930 posts
Posted on 3/26/14 at 11:07 pm to
quote:

9? Damn that sucks.


We got her right around the same time my brother was killed and she definitely a bright spot that helped the healing.
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