re: Help me decide whether or not to put the family dog down

Wheelchair doesn't work. He can't go on walks anymore. He can play with a ball in small spaces and he likes to cuddle and eat steak. That's about it.

Yup. If a dog loses their spirit it's definitely time. If you decide to keep him around for selfish reasons and don't activiely try to improve his quality of life, it's probably best to put him down bc he will lose his spirit. No one would fault you for trying, and would probably give you some peace. However, we do have other priorities in life as humans. This is the tough part of having a dog. I just put our dog down after 16 years. It's tough, but when she lost her spirit I knew it was time.

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

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

My wife (frick y'all no pics) is in vet school. She says it's time if he can't live a happy life and is in constant pain. Especially if there are bathroom issues.

Btw she says it's completely normal for a dog to act excited in a new environment or surrounding like the vet or with people. The vet knows and understands this.

quote:

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She says it's time if he can't live a happy life and is in constant pain.

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We have been told, and it seems like there is no pain. Just no feeling. Which does annoy him obviously.

Sorry to hear that man. It's a sad complex but one that is sometimes necessary. Glad you did that for her though. That's a good man

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.

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.