re: How do I know when it's time to put my dog to sleep? UPDATE

Dude, my heart goes out to you. I couldn't imagine.

Appt tomorrow for our almost 12 yo Dane Lab mix. His hips have been bad forever and he's starting to get to the point where he has to be forced to eat.

It's time, but I dread it. I'm more sad for the kids than me. They won't understand.

Vet is coming to our place to do it, then taking him with them when they're done.

Condolences. Sucks so bad.

quote:

---

For those that have done this, did you do something special the day before? Steak dinner, boat ride, etc?

---

I would absolutely feed my dog something great beforehand and try to do some activity the dog has always enjoyed.

A great ending to a great friendship. I miss my dogs that I have lost every day.

Usually if the vet recommends it, it needs to be strongly considered.

But I would say if the dog is in pain, having trouble sleeping or enjoying things it normally enjoys, is incontinent all the time, can't walk, or doesnt seem to recognize you, it's time.

Dogs are wonderful companions. Best way to help with the healing process to is to get another one shortly after your previous one passes.

quote:

---

Very hard for me to think about. 11 yr old boxer. I love this dog like a child. She literally can't walk anymore. I have to carry her to the yard for her to use the bathroom. I bought a custom "dog wheelchair" for her, but she hates it. I think her quality of life is poor in the condition she's in. I've taken her to 6 different vets, a few suggesting a risky surgery, which also costs about 12k (they said it was a long shot to work).

If anybody has had to do this, what made you go through with it? Do vets let you in the room while it's done? TIA

---

Go buy a 6 pack of Ensure (sounds stupid I know) and give her one each night for a week and see if that helps her some. I have had two dogs that could barely move, one would even just shite in the corner of the room because he couldn't make it outside. Put him on Ensure and he was back up within a couple days and was ok for another year before we found him dead. The second didn't move for a couple days and we really considered getting him put down and started doing the same thing and he has been fine for the last 6 months or so getting one a day.

I will be sad when I have to put my coonhound down. I get a tight throat just thinking about it.

I have a 15 yr old Wiemer....He has been with me thru thick and thin. He has the onset of arthritis and I can now see a steady decline in his body mass and strength. His hearing is almost gone. Thru all of this, his desire to be by my side at all times has not vanquished. I know I've given him a great great life and in return he has given my family too many cherished moments to even begin to explain.

All that being said, he trusts me as his leader. I now see that same trust makes it my job to make the right decision when it is time to tell him goodbye, which I expect to be the case within a year. He is my best friend and my son in almost every way.

No way I want to have him in a condition of not being able to walk and be outside. I know his spirit and personality, and he will not be happy laying in a spot and not being able to join us in the room we are in.

Good luck and I wish you God speed on your hurt going away and choosing another pet in the future to enjoy.

If you're at the point that you need to ask, it's time. I feel your pain because, even though it's been about 9 years, the decision to put my 17 year old dog down was hell. Like you, I waited too long. If your dog can't walk anymore & the quality of life is gone, do her a favor and do the right thing. Feed her a big steak, love on her, & make the call. Ask the vet if you can be present during the procedure, if they say no, find another vet.
It's hard but it's the right thing to do when their bodies just won't give up on their own.

I frame it this way.....it is a loving act to have this dog put down. You have the option of going in the room or not. When I put my black lab down a few ago I opted to go in the room. I wanted the last words she heard to be my voice saying what I told her all of her life "You are a good girl." So, I was petting her and sobbing while I had my head next to hers as the Dr. injected her. The Dr. injects the solution and it is over with in less than 45 seconds. One sad day but one of the more loving acts I have done.

(no message)