Should I Put My Dog Down?

[07Maria_Question]

My dog is 16 and can no longer walk with her back legs but she’s eating and drinking normally is it time we put her down or should we just help her get around?

[LadyCG]

Now is probably a good time to let her go. Her quality of life is diminishing.

I appreciate it's not easy to let go but you have to put your feelings aside and do what's right for her.

[seekeerz]

Very difficult to answer - she’s eating etc ok but how is she toileting ? And how is she in herself - glad to see you and happy to be with you or staying out of things, in her bed ? How long has she been like this and what does your vet say ?

[riptide]

Very difficult to answer but at the end of a dog’s life the last kind thing we can do for them is to put them to sleep when they no longer have a quality of life. If it was my dog and at that age then yes I would as they no longer have any quality if life. A vet will never advise you either way but I have always found that if I say to them, “ if it was your dog would you put it to sleep” I often get an answer. I think in your heart you know what to do, my sympathies to you we all love them so much.

[Ken4155]

A few years back, i was in the same position with my 15 year old dog. She was also not off her food and remained house-trained, but she was finding it harder and harder to climb onto the settee, even when i had removed the cushion, making it lower. Much to my eternal regret, i delayed the inevitable and only when she began to howl with pain whenever shifting resting positions, did i contact the vets. The vet explained to me that she was riddled with arthritis and that some of her internal organs were beginning to shut down and that putting her to sleep was the kindest option. She had apparently fallen victim to a little known condition that affects older female dogs who haven't earlier been spayed.

[dave50]

As an aside, strange how these caring sentiments don't apply to humans.

[Ken4155]

A human being has a voice and can make the decision themselves, Dave. My mother had opted for DNR and my brother and i had to abide by her wishes when she suffered a heart attack while in hospital. Then sit by her side and watch her die.

[MWG14]

What does your vet say? No doubt you've consulted him or her.

[burlyshirley]

I have had dogs in the past whose back legs went while everything else was ok. I let them live for as long as possible by holding them up as they toileted and helping them to lie down and get up again, but of course this couldn't go on forever and I knew when the time had come to let go, the dogs knew also. I hope I did my best by them, there are always regrets. Only you know how far your dog has gone and if her quality of life is now suffering. Only you can make the decision. Good luck x

[fender62]

i have been where you are, my old english, developed hip displasia
he was 13 if i remember correctly, he cold no longer lift his hind legs up he could no longer stand at all, i tried all the medicines available at the time, the cost did not matter, i just didnt want to lose him..
unable to toilet himself and the look in his eyes, i knew it was time
to let him go over the rainbow, heart wrenching... still makes me wellup even now.. just be with her at the vets and talk to her, its quick and painless...then i suggest you go have a stiff drink, and be with someone.

[burlyshirley]

The vet will come to your house to see to your dog if you desire. I did this with my last boy and I felt better about it than taking him to the vet's. It's still very hard though of course.

[fender62]

burlyshirley, yes thats very true.

[William51]

As she cannot walk her life is getting uncomfortable and 16 is a good age for her. I would let her go at the vets. In a month or two get another pet.