- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Dog Euthanasia Question
Posted on 6/10/20 at 7:40 am
Posted on 6/10/20 at 7:40 am
My Great Dane has lived a good life (12 years old). But her hips are failing now. This is the sucky part of dog ownership. She is still able to get up and walk around right now but occasionally she tries to get a little extra pep in her step but her legs just aren't working very well. Can't run. She looks like she's in pain when she's walking about half the time. Her right back foot curls sometimes when she's walking like she's getting an arthritic bite. She tucks her tail when she has to walk at times.
I'm at peace with the decision whenever it comes. This is my first go with making this decision. So I have a couple of questions.
When did you know it was time? As in, what physical signs made you decide to take your pup in?
I also have an australian shepherd. It's an understatement to say that the Dane is her comfort blanket. They've gotten out of the yard a dozen times over their life and every time, if you find one, you find both. How soon did you wait to get your surviving dog a companion? Is there any value in taking the Aussie in with the Dane to have her put down for closure of any sort? How was the surviving dog and how long did it take for them to get back to somewhat normal without their friend?
I'm at peace with the decision whenever it comes. This is my first go with making this decision. So I have a couple of questions.
When did you know it was time? As in, what physical signs made you decide to take your pup in?
I also have an australian shepherd. It's an understatement to say that the Dane is her comfort blanket. They've gotten out of the yard a dozen times over their life and every time, if you find one, you find both. How soon did you wait to get your surviving dog a companion? Is there any value in taking the Aussie in with the Dane to have her put down for closure of any sort? How was the surviving dog and how long did it take for them to get back to somewhat normal without their friend?
18
Posted on 6/10/20 at 7:45 am to WhiskeyThrottle
You just know when it is time.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 7:51 am to WhiskeyThrottle
That's a long life for such a large breed of dog. I've had to put down several dogs over the years, did a couple myself, but wouldn't advise that for most folks, and I'd not do it again.
For me, it was about their quality of life. If they couldn't get up without help, couldn't navigate the few steps to get off the porch without falling down them when trying to get into the yard. Unable to get up to urinate and peeing on their bedding, etc.
Really can't answer the second part of your post. I've never had that situation arise but one time and the dogs really didn't get along anyway-----so the surviving dog was OK with the other one gone and didn't miss a beat.
For me, it was about their quality of life. If they couldn't get up without help, couldn't navigate the few steps to get off the porch without falling down them when trying to get into the yard. Unable to get up to urinate and peeing on their bedding, etc.
Really can't answer the second part of your post. I've never had that situation arise but one time and the dogs really didn't get along anyway-----so the surviving dog was OK with the other one gone and didn't miss a beat.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 7:51 am to WhiskeyThrottle
Man these threads really suck!
Put my Rot down and had the vet come to house. He actually watched me dig his grave for the hour it took. It rained hard that afternoon at my house.
Good Luck
Put my Rot down and had the vet come to house. He actually watched me dig his grave for the hour it took. It rained hard that afternoon at my house.
Good Luck
Posted on 6/10/20 at 8:03 am to WhiskeyThrottle
+1 for these threads suck. But it is life.
Like it's been said, you'll know. The question I asked myself before I put down my old girl was this:
"Is this dog still alive for me and my purposes or is she really still enjoying life?" When that question came back that it was for me, I decided I needed to do what needed to be done, hard as it may be.
After I put her down...I realized heartworms isn't such a bad thing sometimes. I'd much rather a dog pass due to disease or natural causes than having to put one down. Now, having said that...I'm not saying I won't give HW meds as I do...but I'd much rather a dog die of natural causes than my decision.
Like it's been said, you'll know. The question I asked myself before I put down my old girl was this:
"Is this dog still alive for me and my purposes or is she really still enjoying life?" When that question came back that it was for me, I decided I needed to do what needed to be done, hard as it may be.
After I put her down...I realized heartworms isn't such a bad thing sometimes. I'd much rather a dog pass due to disease or natural causes than having to put one down. Now, having said that...I'm not saying I won't give HW meds as I do...but I'd much rather a dog die of natural causes than my decision.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 8:04 am to WhiskeyThrottle
Not that it’s 100%, but have you tried chondroiton (sp) or any other sort of supplements?
Posted on 6/10/20 at 8:06 am to wickowick
quote:
You just know when it is time.
This. I had a very wise friend tell me once, "Dogs have a remarkable way off letting us know when they're ready to move on."
Since you have two dogs, if you have to put the Dane down at the vet, take the other dog with you. We didn't do that once and I lost it balling when his buddy came out trying to figure out where her best friend was. He sniffed his old bed for what must have been 60 seconds or more. The deepest sniffs I ever same her take. Broke my heart.
This post was edited on 6/10/20 at 8:10 am
Posted on 6/10/20 at 8:20 am to WhiskeyThrottle
Sucks every time.
A 12 year dane is amazing.
A 12 year dane is amazing.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 8:21 am to WhiskeyThrottle
You will know when it's time . Stay in the room when they put him under . Brace for tears , put my 14 year old greyhound down 8 years ago . It was terrible .
Posted on 6/10/20 at 8:33 am to WhiskeyThrottle
I had a 14 year old golden retriever having hip problems just as you described. Vet gave him some anti-inflammatory med and told me to go get him some hip/joint supplements at tractor supply. That combo worked great until other issues started plaguing him.
I held on too long and probably for my own selfish reasons. Vet said he was not suffering pain wise but he was def going downhill his last few months. Its hard to make that decision especially when little kids are so attached. Came home from a dance recital one afternoon and he had passed while we were gone. To this day I still think maybe I should have gone put him down sooner. I hated to know he passed alone while we weren't beside him but the wife says he was holding on until we were away.
ETA: Vet was giving him rimadyl and glucosamine. Seemed to help when both were given
I held on too long and probably for my own selfish reasons. Vet said he was not suffering pain wise but he was def going downhill his last few months. Its hard to make that decision especially when little kids are so attached. Came home from a dance recital one afternoon and he had passed while we were gone. To this day I still think maybe I should have gone put him down sooner. I hated to know he passed alone while we weren't beside him but the wife says he was holding on until we were away.
ETA: Vet was giving him rimadyl and glucosamine. Seemed to help when both were given
This post was edited on 6/10/20 at 8:38 am
Posted on 6/10/20 at 9:09 am to slapahoe
We had to put ours of 15 years down last month. He was just quite lethargic and didn't really want to be around anyone. He used to be a very social dog. You can just tell and the fact that you think it may be the time means it probably is. It was the hardest decision I have had to make in my life up to this point. It sucks...Good Luck.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 9:29 am to WhiskeyThrottle
quote:
When did you know it was time? As in, what physical signs made you decide to take your pup in?
If you think she is in pain, get a vets opinion first, might be somewhat treatable.
quote:
How soon did you wait to get your surviving dog a companion?
We had one of two die and the other was miserable. We went and got 2 other dogs as companions, but he didn't take to them, and he died just 3 weeks after we got the 2. Now 10 years later, we lost one last year, but our other dog is not social, so we have not gotten another dog, and I'm a huge proponent of dogs having dog companionship.
It's about knowing your dog I think and what it's needs are. If they are social, then I think getting another dog soon after would be what I would do.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 10:26 am to gumbo2176
quote:
That's a long life for such a large breed of dog. I've had to put down several dogs over the years, did a couple myself, but wouldn't advise that for most folks, and I'd not do it again.
The dane was smaller than her parents. Guessing she was the runt of the group but still a huge dog. Given that she's on the smaller end of great danes, I guess that's why she's lived a little longer than her life expectancy.
The wife has been wanting to get another puppy for some time now. I've told her I don't want to get another puppy until the dane goes because I don't want a puppy knocking her down all the time. But I'd also like to get the Aussie acclimated to a puppy before she's alone for some period of time. Kinda a catch 22 at this point.
I think we're in for a tough road with the remaining dog for a bit. My neighbor has a puppy. Maybe 8 months old. I took the Aussie over to meet it. She did alright but kinda got growlie with the neighbors dog. She does alright around other dogs but sometimes she's a little crotchety old lady. She's about 10 years old so still some life left in her for awhile. Just trying to think through the logistics to make sure the Aussie has as smooth of a transition as possible.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 10:29 am to Lonnie Utah
quote:
Since you have two dogs, if you have to put the Dane down at the vet, take the other dog with you. We didn't do that once and I lost it balling when his buddy came out trying to figure out where her best friend was. He sniffed his old bed for what must have been 60 seconds or more. The deepest sniffs I ever same her take. Broke my heart.
Good lord that hurts to read. I know my little one will be looking for the big one non stop. I'm guessing dogs have a way of knowing what is going on in the room and know their friend won't be coming home?
Posted on 6/10/20 at 10:41 am to WhiskeyThrottle
Going through this now with a 14 year old Golden. Best friend a guy could ever have. He follows me everywhere I go throughout the house. If I go the restroom, I'll have to step over him when I get done. He's laying in the kitchen with me as I type. It gets annoying at times, but he's always there for me. My kids and wife love him more than they love me...lol
Posted on 6/10/20 at 10:53 am to gumbo2176
quote:
That's a long life for such a large breed of dog
Not if you spoil the shite out of them
My family is guilty of spoiling our dogs.Posted on 6/10/20 at 10:56 am to Wtodd
quote:
Not if you spoil the shite out of them
Spoiling them doesn't change their genetics.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 11:34 am to WhiskeyThrottle
Same thing with my 14 year old lab last year. I was in denial at how bad she got. Got her before wife and 3 kids. I never cry. I ugly cried in the parking lot for a while. It sucks.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 12:11 pm to slapahoe
quote:
ETA: Vet was giving him rimadyl and glucosamine. Seemed to help when both were given
Rimadyl is a good anti inflammatory. COX inhibitor like CELEBREX or VIOXX.
Posted on 6/10/20 at 12:12 pm to gumbo2176
quote:
Spoiling them doesn't change their genetics.
But it could lengthen their lives
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News