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Started By
Message
Help me decide whether or not to put the family dog down
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:19 pm
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:19 pm
Dude can't walk at all (has no feeling or control of back legs), and generally he seems bummed a lot of the times. He was once a very athletic dog, protecting the family from natural disasters and wildlife. When my siblings were home for Christmas, he seemed super happy. Loved his toy we got him, and generally just loved hanging out with everyone. It's tough to be decisive about this. Every time the fricker looks like he wants to quit on life, he will be super happy hanging out for several hours. I am headed back to Houston this week (parents live in Dallas). So it's decision time.
He still eats although not as much (not surprising since he doesn't do much physical activity).
He does have problems going to the bathroom, as someone kinda has to make sure he gets outside. This can be a pain, and will be a pain when my siblings (college) and I are back out of the house.
Final point is that this dude does a great job dragging his arse around at the vet, so the idea of putting him down hasn't even been mentioned by our vet. I'm sure if I do take him in tomorrow, she will charge me with animal cruelty while he does hand stands in her office.
What says the OT?
He still eats although not as much (not surprising since he doesn't do much physical activity).
He does have problems going to the bathroom, as someone kinda has to make sure he gets outside. This can be a pain, and will be a pain when my siblings (college) and I are back out of the house.
Final point is that this dude does a great job dragging his arse around at the vet, so the idea of putting him down hasn't even been mentioned by our vet. I'm sure if I do take him in tomorrow, she will charge me with animal cruelty while he does hand stands in her office.
What says the OT?
23
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:20 pm to SwaggerCopter
If he is struggling doing the things that dogs do, put him down
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:20 pm to SwaggerCopter
Is it a boxer?
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:21 pm to SwaggerCopter
DIdnt even want to click on this thread..... one of the worst things ever
Prayers man... frickkng dogs are so frickkng awesome
Prayers man... frickkng dogs are so frickkng awesome
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:23 pm to SwaggerCopter
Do the right thing. Let him go.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:24 pm to SwaggerCopter
what is the problem with him? Why has he lost use of his back legs?
honestly, every time I have had to make this decision, I have felt that I waited too long in retrospect.
honestly, every time I have had to make this decision, I have felt that I waited too long in retrospect.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:28 pm to SwaggerCopter
Can he use one of those wheel chair contraptions. I know someone whose rottweiler had a similar issue and they kept him around another year or so with one of those.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:31 pm to SwaggerCopter
Dogs can get arthritis and he may be in pain.
But the good thing is, you can give him low doses of aspirin. I'd try something before I'd just give up on Old Yeller.
We have a dogwho his issues like yours, and the aspirin has shown some pluses.
But the good thing is, you can give him low doses of aspirin. I'd try something before I'd just give up on Old Yeller.
We have a dogwho his issues like yours, and the aspirin has shown some pluses.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:46 pm to SwaggerCopter
What does he enjoy the most? Walks, cuddling chasing the ball, treats?
If he doesn't get excited about it anymore, it's time. If he still has the same zest for life and just can't get around as well, they make wheelchairs for dogs.
ETA: Replied before I read the entire thread.
If he doesn't get excited about it anymore, it's time. If he still has the same zest for life and just can't get around as well, they make wheelchairs for dogs.
ETA: Replied before I read the entire thread.
This post was edited on 1/3/17 at 8:48 pm
Posted on 1/3/17 at 8:49 pm to SwaggerCopter
quote:
I think I will be a little more under control this time
Don't count on it. I thought the same thing my second time around. Hurts just as bad, but in a day, you'll realize it was the right thing to do.
If you can swing it, go to the pound and get a new puppy as soon as you can....it's a win win for you and the new dog.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 9:09 pm to SwaggerCopter
I had to put one of my puppies Down 2 months ago he got down real bad after the flood 14 years old hurt like hell the vet told me it was time and I knew it was good luck to you love my fur babies
Posted on 1/3/17 at 9:12 pm to SwaggerCopter
Sorry to hear that man. Had to put our 15 year old beagle down a few months back. It's tough but it's best to not see him suffer long term. It was one of the first times I've shed tears in awhile but I cried like a baby when we had to put him down
Posted on 1/3/17 at 9:15 pm to SwaggerCopter
OP,
I just had to put down our Basset Hound this past Thursday. We rescued him as a senior and were luckily able to have four wonderful years with him. The day we left to go to Atlanta for Thanksgiving, he began acting lethargic, having problems with bowel control and what not. He lost 25 pounds in less than a month. From 73 lbs to 48; he lost all appetite and wouldn't eat. He was a counter cruiser and wouldn't even eat the New York Strip I made for him. We don't know exactly what the issue was, but it was suggested that it was an aggressive cancer. At that point, no amount of chemo or treatment was going to help him in his weakened state, he wouldn't have survived the treatment.
Last Thursday was the day. He shook so bad going into the vet. Well, because he hated the car and the vet. I had never had to put down a pet. I've never had to as I was either away from home and I lost my other Basset when I was deployed. I will say, before it happened, he was at peace. He stopped shaking, nuzzled us both and stayed close. It was fast and incredibly peaceful, which I was glad for. I wept uncontrollably.
We have had our same vet for 16 years. Even he, as straight forward as he is, said he appreciated our decision.
I like to think that I've been spared the decision to put a loved one down. Until now. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I cried for nights wondering why I had to play God with my dog. But Quincy starving to death vs. a peaceful and easy passing was the humane thing to do for him.
OP, I know this isn't easy. Hang in there.
-B
EDIT: Damned too much onion chopping in here
I just had to put down our Basset Hound this past Thursday. We rescued him as a senior and were luckily able to have four wonderful years with him. The day we left to go to Atlanta for Thanksgiving, he began acting lethargic, having problems with bowel control and what not. He lost 25 pounds in less than a month. From 73 lbs to 48; he lost all appetite and wouldn't eat. He was a counter cruiser and wouldn't even eat the New York Strip I made for him. We don't know exactly what the issue was, but it was suggested that it was an aggressive cancer. At that point, no amount of chemo or treatment was going to help him in his weakened state, he wouldn't have survived the treatment.
Last Thursday was the day. He shook so bad going into the vet. Well, because he hated the car and the vet. I had never had to put down a pet. I've never had to as I was either away from home and I lost my other Basset when I was deployed. I will say, before it happened, he was at peace. He stopped shaking, nuzzled us both and stayed close. It was fast and incredibly peaceful, which I was glad for. I wept uncontrollably.
We have had our same vet for 16 years. Even he, as straight forward as he is, said he appreciated our decision.
I like to think that I've been spared the decision to put a loved one down. Until now. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I cried for nights wondering why I had to play God with my dog. But Quincy starving to death vs. a peaceful and easy passing was the humane thing to do for him.
OP, I know this isn't easy. Hang in there.
-B
EDIT: Damned too much onion chopping in here
This post was edited on 1/3/17 at 9:28 pm
Posted on 1/3/17 at 9:15 pm to SwaggerCopter
Time for a family BBQ
Posted on 1/3/17 at 10:46 pm to SwaggerCopter
If the quality of life has gone away, it's time to put him out of his misery. You will have an empty hole in your life for awhile but your friend will be out of misery.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 10:53 pm to SwaggerCopter
Is he able to dog often, interact well with his pack, and do it without pain? If the answer is "no", then treat him to as great a day as you can, take him to the vet, hold his paw and scratch him while the deed is done, and then go home and drink whiskey and cry like a man.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 10:54 pm to SwaggerCopter
If it is enough of a problem for you to ask this board for advice, you prolly need to do it.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 11:01 pm to SwaggerCopter
Didn't read through all the responses, so I don't know the exact issue with your dog's legs.
I'm going to make a suggestion that may help give your dog a few extra months/year. Talk to your vet about putting him/her on prednisone (think that's the name of the steroid). They don't like to do it because it ultimately is bad for organs, but since your dog is now on borrowed time, it shouldn't be much of an issue. Don't think the drug is expensive, either.
I've seen it do miracles for my ferret during his last days and for my mother's dog, who she was about to put to sleep due to similar issues as your dog's. Don't expect for your vet to suggest this, though; you will have to make the request.
I'm going to make a suggestion that may help give your dog a few extra months/year. Talk to your vet about putting him/her on prednisone (think that's the name of the steroid). They don't like to do it because it ultimately is bad for organs, but since your dog is now on borrowed time, it shouldn't be much of an issue. Don't think the drug is expensive, either.
I've seen it do miracles for my ferret during his last days and for my mother's dog, who she was about to put to sleep due to similar issues as your dog's. Don't expect for your vet to suggest this, though; you will have to make the request.
Posted on 1/3/17 at 11:56 pm to SwaggerCopter
It's time. Sorry OP :(
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:31 am to SwaggerCopter
Being a veterinarian myself, I can say it's hard to make these decisions w owners
The bottom line is this: how do u feel his quality of life is and is there a reasonable situation that he can sustain happiness for himself and for no one else. If HIS OWNER feels he's not living a good life for himself and the vet cannot provide a reasonable comfort level and happiness for him than he needs to be put down.
Dogs who are down in the back end and are otherwise healthy are the hardest to deal with. Some of these guys do well while others are miserable. It takes feeling out what is seen by the people who know him every day. They are the best judges of how his quality of life is.
EDIT: There are some reasonable methods in providing care and relief from such conditions. It's tough to say. But if all means of conservative care have been attempted and owner still feels the dog is uncomfortable and not capable of living a good life without an invasive/expensive process then other measures should be taken sadly. I hate this part of it but it is part of the process of having a creature u care for
The bottom line is this: how do u feel his quality of life is and is there a reasonable situation that he can sustain happiness for himself and for no one else. If HIS OWNER feels he's not living a good life for himself and the vet cannot provide a reasonable comfort level and happiness for him than he needs to be put down.
Dogs who are down in the back end and are otherwise healthy are the hardest to deal with. Some of these guys do well while others are miserable. It takes feeling out what is seen by the people who know him every day. They are the best judges of how his quality of life is.
EDIT: There are some reasonable methods in providing care and relief from such conditions. It's tough to say. But if all means of conservative care have been attempted and owner still feels the dog is uncomfortable and not capable of living a good life without an invasive/expensive process then other measures should be taken sadly. I hate this part of it but it is part of the process of having a creature u care for
This post was edited on 1/4/17 at 2:37 am
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