re: When to put your dog down

quote:

---

My dog died over a year ago and I still dream at least once a week of him jumping on and off the bed when i'm sleeping.





Thanks I needed that tonight.

---

quote:

---

22 bullets are cheap.

---

You're like a walking cliche..... with a white sheet over your head

quote:

---

A day doesn't go by that I don't think about him. It's been about 14 months or so.

---

Damn. I always wonder how I'l cope when it comes, and this is not encouraging.

quote:

---

may be getting to the point where her quality of life is no longer worth it

---

You know your dog better than anyone. Just keep in mind what is best for her.

quote:

---

How did anyone from the OT decide to put their dog down?

---

Its as simple as this: does she have more bad days than good days? Then its time if yes. I just put my dog of 16 years down a little over a week ago. It killed me big time, but she couldnt walk anymore (Golden Retriever hip dyplasia), and she was getting sores from being on the ground all day which ended up infected (I'd carry her to the bathroom, she could still partly squat). Thinking back, it was best because it only would have got worse for her, and I loved that dog so damn much, but it was best for her pain, and I think she was terribly great at putting on the happy face. This is not an easy thing, and I very much feel for you. Best wishes to your pup, and when she does go hopefully she'll find my pup up there waiting.

When your dog's quality of life is bad, you will know it is time.

I had a dog that was getting quite old in age. She suddenly lost her vision due to an accident and I thought it would be time to put her down. I decided to bring her home from the vet and see how she would do, and it just so happened that she adapted to it very well. Her mobility was normal, she went to the bathroom by herself, her appetite was great. She was clearly not as active as she used to be but it seemed that she was just old and slowing down. I would say she was still hyper and very happy and very adaptive.

I got another 3 years out of her and I would say that entire time her quality of life was definitely well enough to keep her alive. Once they start having trouble eating and going to the bathroom by themselves, it's time, and it's much easier to put a dog down when you see them suffering consistently. It's still difficult, but it's easier.

quote:

---

Dealing with the same issue. 6 year old lab/terrier mix was diagnosed with Lymphoma last week. Doc started her on Prednisone and gave her about 3 months.

---

Same thing happened to our female boxer. She was diagnosed with Lymphoma the week of Christmas 2014. I put her in the ground February 27th. It ate her away in a bad way. But she fought hard and didn't really stop until about 2 days before she finally passed. She is in a better place but she has left a very large void in our family. Our male boxer is still not close to being the same.

About the best thing I can say is you'll know when it's time. When my 11-year old lab started having trouble getting up, I started to wonder when it would be the right time. One day, I came home and she just gave me a look that told me she was ready. It was unbelievably heart-wrenching, but I know it was the right thing to do.

That was a little more than four years ago, and I still think about her quite often (even though I have a 4-year old lab now).

You're gonna cry like a baby, but take comfort in the fact that you gave your dog a great life. Good luck.

Had to put my 11 year old golden retriever down earlier this year. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Give him the best meal of his life, say your goodbyes, and let him go before he starts suffering. My vet put my girl to sleep first (like actual sleep) before he gave the lethal injection. She went peacefully and I know it was the right decision.

It's so so hard to say goodbye to your loyal friend and family member. It's gut wrenching and downright painful. However, I cannot watch my pet suffer because I can't say goodbye. I just can't do that. Unless my vet gives me a reason to let a pet live longer, I'm not going to watch my loved one in pain or lose quality of life. I don't think it's fair to them after all they've given me during their lifetime.

I tell myself that when I got this pet, I knew I would outlive it and this day would come and I have to do what has to be done. I made that deal when I adopted and I have to go through with it and I have to do it before it's gone far enough that my pet is not having a happy life. Helps a little, but I cry a lot which is okay. There's a void that won't be replaced because all pets have different personalities, but getting a new pet helps and I start the cycle all over again. They need homes and I'm happy to give one and happy to get the unconditional love and entertainment. I tell myself that my lost pet would want me to provide a good home to another one.

Sounds silly, I'm sure, but I do whatever it takes to get through it.

When you start having these feelings about YOUR dog, it likely means it should have already been done. Shitty situation to go through but it's always for the best.