Question by Rachelle: Need help deciding if it is time for my dog?
I need help deciding whether or not to put my 9 year old lab mix to sleep, because my family and I can’t agree on a situation, and would like some opinions. He’s a great dog, and a beloved family member. He has his up’s and downs, but lately things seem to be getting worse. First he has a lot of arthritis in his hips, and has trouble walking most days, and other day’s he’s walking around like nothing’s wrong, and on the days he is in pain and limping, he doesn’t walk too far, have to bring food, water to him. He acts perky when he sees a dog walk by, or he knows he’s going for a ride in the car. But other than that, he acts more depressed, and he doesn’t like going outside much to do his job, because he doesn’t like to walk too far or be outside very long, likes to sleep more than usual. He moans, because he’s in pain, give him aspirin, but that’s only temporary comfort. He acts senile more and more, forgets what were doing, or acts like he can’t hear me when I take him somewhere. He runs away from me when we’re on a walk, when he’s having a good day, like someone once said, maybe he’s running and trying to find that place to die? I would love to wait until he can’t walk anymore, but he’s around 90pds, and a pretty stubborn and testy dog, I couldn’t pick him up and carry him in the vet. Any, helpful opinions would be appreciated, that I could discuss with my family. I just don’t want to let him go because I see him having another bad day, but don’t want him to suffer either or be selfish.
Thank you.

Best answer:

Answer by Dunfilly
Oh, I feel for you! Being a dog owner is like having kids – they’re such a part of the family, and it’s so tough when the time does come… Also, not being about to talk to them seems to make it even worse, because you have no idea what they are feeling or thinking. I would suggest talking with your vet and getting his/her suggestion as well. Sit down with your family (I would include any kids if they are old enough, as the dog is their family as well) and decide if it’s for the best of the dog. If he/she is living a poor quality life right now, it may very well be in his best interest, but again, it’s something that the dog needs to tell you and your family. He’s lived a wonderful life, and only the ones close to him know best. Sending my very best to you and your dog!

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Question by Georgia: When is it time to put your dog to sleep?
I have a 16 1/2 year old Queensland mix (pound dog) and am torn up by not knowing when it’s right to put her down. She does have arthritis, and will hurt her knee, limp for days, have to go on prednisone, I’ll be terrified that “this is it.” Then she comes out of it and seems better for a while. She’s quite deaf but it doensn’t seem to bother her. She does have a little trouble laying down and getting up (and those are her two positions: standing or lying down).

She’s now peeing on the floor in little spots several times a day. She has good days and not so good days. But on the other hand, she still wags her “nub” when I come up to her, still begs for table scraps (when she was 14 I decided she could eat whatever the heck she wanted,) still drinks, still follows me and lays down next to wherever I’m sitting.

When not on the Prednisone, she’s on Rimadyl for arthritis pain. She’s on a hormone pill once a week for bladder continence, takes glucosamine every day, etc.

I know I don’t want her to suffer, and yet i don’t want to steal any of her lifetime away by putting her down if it’s not time. And she’s my girl; I had her before I got married, before kids. She’s been the most wonderful, loyal, amazing creature in my life.

Thanks in advance for any advice
Wow, thank you everyone for your kind responses. It’s only been an hour and I’ve gotten so many wonderful, supportive responses with great advice. Thank you so much.

Best answer:

Answer by snoppy
it is very hard i had to have my 9 yr staffie put down due to cancer and i had her before my kids and was one of my children its been over a year with out her and still think there could of been more to do when really knowing there wasnt

i think when you know they are suffering more then what she has say a year ok my be then it is time if her life is just not the same

may be talk to a vet she has lived a very long loving life but i know ya wouldnt want her to get worse and suffer more

ask the vet about the pain she in will it get better how quick will she go down hill and all that sort of thing and then make your mind up with the family

good luck

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Question by leo87: My dog seems to have a hard time moving his paws. Help?
Ok, so just last week I noticed my dog has been having a hard time moving his paws. An example is when he has to go upstairs, he sometimes hits his paws on the steps, or trips over small things like shoes, he seems not to be lifting them high enough like he used to. He also likes to sleep behind the door, since I know he’s there, I slowly open it, but 2 nights ago, I accidently hit him in the knee with the door because he’s still there slowly moving. (I dont just open, I slowly open the door to give him time to move) He’ll be 3 in February. I feed him EVO and Hollistic Select. Should I be worried about Arthritis? He’s Husky/Golden Retriever mix.

Best answer:

Answer by puppiesarentproducts.com
It sounds like maybe arthritis or a neurological problem. We are just internet people. We can just tell you what we think but a vet can tell you most defiantly.

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Question by ArmedSquirrel: My dog is having an awful time moving?
She is a small-medium sized female dog. She’s 14 years old. Lately she’s been having trouble moving due to what I suspect to be arthritis in her right hind leg and has trouble going up and down the stairs.

We went on vacation and left her at a grooming place. When we got her back, she’s been limping even more now. Could it be because she was in the kennel and just laying down more often and that aggravated the arthritis?

She also drinks a lot of water. What can I do to help her feel better? She doesn’t cry and seems to be in good spirits besides these things.
Her tail is also between her legs all the time, but I’m not sure if that’s due to the arthritis or not.

Best answer:

Answer by Bob
vet check

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Question by Chix: When is it time for a dog dependant on narcotics to manage pain?
Not looking for sympathy and yes, I’ve been talking to my vet frequently. And yes, its my decision.

What I’m struggling with is this is a new situation for me – one I have not dealt with before. I currently have a senior dog that is on both NSAIDs and narcotics to manage his pain from severe Spondylosis and arthritis. I have maxed out the NSAID doseage per day and am at about 70% of what I can give for narcotics.

He still wants to go for a daily walk – but its clearly becoming more painful for him. The vet has told me he MUST have a walk each day, or his muscles with atrophy and he will succumb even faster.

He’s not overweight, I home cook, he has an orthepedic bed…I’m saying I’ve done everything else I feel I can to make his life comfortable.

But, this is not something I have dealt with before and am hoping to hear from others that have dogs in a similar situation or have had.

When is a life lived on narcotics not worth living…or is it perfectly OK to have your dog doped on drugs to maintain.

Have you kept your dogs going until the dog cannot get up any more – or is that waiting too long?
Thanks for input! I agree, I feel waiting till he cannot get up seems too long. I feel a bit of relief in you telling me that.

He is in pain at night and does not want to be bothered by other dogs – he growls if they come near. (I supervise)

Rosalie: yes he is sliding faster now. He spine has fused at his pelvis – which the vet has told me is very painful (like Sciata in humans).

But he still wants to eat, and has his moments where he still wants to run around in the yard.
@Judy: Im sorry to hear and understand your sorrow.

Best answer:

Answer by 5gr8k9s
I also have a senior dog on arthritis meds. Like yours, mine still wants to eat, be with me and interact with my other dogs and have his walkies. Having been in this situation before, I let the dog tell me when he’s no longer interested. At that point you can’t ignore it or figure it’ll be better tomorrow. Please don’t let him get to the point where he can’t get up any more but don’t be hasty either. Love and enjoy him. My “kids” and I wish you both the best.

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Question by Joan Morris: How do I know when it’s time to euthanize my dog?
She’s a mixed breed terrier, 14 yrs. old, has arthritis, and she’s stopped eating the drinking water.

Best answer:

Answer by mangoid
if she’s stopped drinking her water, it might be time.
have your vet check her out beforehand though, as there may be some fixable complication.
you can never really tell with a dog that old.

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Question by tjrj23: when do you know it’s time to say goodbye to your dog?
i have a labrador retriever X who just turned 15.
The vet says he is not in any pain its just that he has pressure on his lungs and has arthritis which hampers his mobility.
But he is continually finding it harder to stand up and get down,
When do you know that it is time? I would hate to be selfish, I cannot bear the thought of saying goodbye.
Also how is the best way to handle the situation with kids? I have a 9 and 7 year olds. Has anyone else gone through this with kids?
Do you tell the vet is coming to put your dog down and let them say goodbye or do you wait until they are not there and put him down so they do not fret about it?
I don’t know how I am going to handle it.
If anyone has gone through this as well I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
My dog is on arthritis tablets which the vet said should ease the pain, you are probably right he might be feeling pain or discomfort at the least, which is something that really worries me. Sometimes I look into his eyes and try and will him to give me a sign but he unfortunately he can’t.

Best answer:

Answer by dwjohnsonkonduz
It is very very hard to say goodbye to an old friend no matter how you do it. Be honest with the kids and explain the situation to them. I have had to do this too many times and always say no more dogs. I always end up with a puppy that touches my heart and I am back in the game again. Spend time with your Lab and make sure that he is not in pain (physical or mental) and you will know when it is time. Good luck and remember your heart will heal after this.

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Question by Nis: How do you know when it is time to euthanize your dog?
I have a 12 year old newfy with arthritis.

Best answer:

Answer by BFT(Perfect Pugs)
When their quality of life is gone.
When they are in so much pain it’s hard for them to bear.
When they can no longer walk, or enjoy life.

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Question by frankie: Pets: How do you know when it is time to put your dog down?
Aside from the obvious, like pain-how do you know. My dog is 14, a little crippled from arthritis, hard of hearing and demented ( wakes me up in middle of night ), pees in the house. I now have piddle pads everywhere. She takes mild tranquilizers so I can sleep. She is skinny, but still eats (although not much ) and loves her walks. I just don’t want to wait until the last minute. She also has licking sores on her rear legs ( arthritic pain, maybe ). Ideas? Thanks. The vet was no help.

Best answer:

Answer by Dog Section Regular
Well, first of all, CRATE HER AT NIGHT so she doesn’t do all that stuff, and you don’t have to sedate her.

You just know. No one can tell you. You will know, you’ll feel it, and your dog will tell you, your dog will know, too.

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Question by John B: My older dog cries all the time. Is he in pain?
My older dog (13 year old dalmation) has been crying a lot…. LOT! All the time unless he is sleeping.

He had 5 seizures a couple weekends ago, and I took him to the vet. Now he is on anti seizure meds. Problem with that is that it makes his hind end really weak, and makes him not as mobile. He is also on Deramaxx for arthritis, and Puppy Prozac.

Is it “time”?

Best answer:

Answer by Brian
You shouldn’t let him suffer, it’s his time I’m afraid.

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