when Is it Time To Put A dog Down? Seriously?

M.D. Holloway · 08-22-2013, 06:55 AM

Our Rat Terror is now 16. She has some stiff joints but nothing crippling. She gets around decent. She is pretty much deaf and partially blind. She does act confused from time to time when she's not sleeping which she does 18 to 20 hours a day.

These are all expected with age but lately she has been peeing and pooping in the house. Not in any set location per se. I'm not really sure she knows where she is half the time. My Wife wants to put her down. I say she should spend her time out side time and bed time then put her in her little bed in the laundry room. Funny thing is, I'm the one that's always cleaning up after the dog (and wife but that's for another thread).

I don't think she is ready for the glue factory get. Our Chocolate Lab and Chaweenie pretty much ignore her - the Rat Terror not my wife (again, topic of anther thread).

I say she lives. Wife says she dies. Discuss amungst yourselves (in my best yetta accent) .

Crowbob · 08-22-2013, 06:59 AM

Were you she (the dog) would you be ready?

sammyg2 · 08-22-2013, 07:02 AM

When the quality of life deteriorates to the point where the dog becomes so miserable that it would be better off put down.
When it can no longer enjoy life.
it is not a convenience thing or an emotional decision on the part of the owner, the dog's needs should be the only factor IMO.

Rikao4 · 08-22-2013, 07:05 AM

remind your wife..
that she is no longer 100%..
and hasn't been for while..

Rika

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

This is not rocket science. When the dog gets you up during the night a lot for pooing, peeing etc and your quality of life is severely compromised, it could be the time. Our dog a black lab plus a neighbor's did the same thing in the last couple of years. Our dog had other mobility problems from growths above her legs. This is a tough time for you.

Your alternative - it sounds like Crowbob has some compassion. He could adopt your dog as a training wheels dog.....

HardDrive · 08-22-2013, 07:08 AM

Does the dog wag her tail? Does she enjoy being petted? If she is still enjoying the bits of life she has left, then perhaps let her go on a while. Be if she is clearly miserable, then put her to rest.

billybek · billybek's Garage

Ask a dog person outside the family over to watch her move about and see what they say.

A friend of a friend had a small terrier that was very old, blind and deaf. It made me cringe to look at her (the dog, not the friend...).

The loss of control of her bodily functions would be pretty much it for me but I understand where you are coming from. I still remember the moment I put down our family dog when I was 19 and the dog was 15. One of the hardest things I have ever done.

M.D. Holloway · 08-22-2013, 07:09 AM

I don't think she is ready to be put down.

timchar · timchar's Garage

I personally don't think she's quite ready. Is she still eating ok? I know its kind of a pain when they start going to bathroom in the house but it won't be for long. If possible, take her out as soon as she gets up. When they completely show signs that they have given up, typically when they won't even eat their favorite treat and the body starts shutting down, you know its time. Good luck. Tim

matt f · 08-22-2013, 07:20 AM

My guide is when they stop eating and/or lose control of their bowel and bladder.
Also, personality changes are a significant symptom.

Of course, the age of a pet must be considered.
The above changes in a young/mid aged pet are differentially diagnosed by DVM and appropriate treatment initiated to get pet back to health.

The best interest of your pet is tantamount, not your feelings.
I always "just knew" when it was time, yet in hindsight my buddies were telling me to let go.

When it is time, go with them and stay with them throughout the procedure.
Your pal deserves this.

I hope some of what I have experienced is of some assistance.
This is never an easy time and I wish you and your pup well.

Matt

sc_rufctr · 08-22-2013, 07:20 AM

Deep Pain... That's the worst. If she's not in constant pain then she lives IMO.

Your wife should count her blessings.

ossiblue · 08-22-2013, 07:24 AM

I understand your situation completely as I am in the same situation, except for the wife's opinion.

We have a springer spaniel who is not really that old (turned 11 in December) but has been dealt some devastating blows. He always had major allergy issues which he have coped with since he was a puppy. Then, two years ago, he suddenly lost his eyesight--in two weeks he was totally blind. We suspect it was SARDS. Within two months of that, he went completely deaf, and began to become a bit unstable in the hindquarters. Still, he loved his daily walks and his sense of smell is absolutely astounding. About a year later, he simply wouldn't go on his walks and it was confirmed he had arthritis in his hips.

The reason for the long story is so you and others know the background. He is now much like your terrier--sleeps all day, but here is the difference, and here's where my wife and I are on your ultimate question. We have modified our lives a bit to accommodate him. He is given Adequan injections for the arthritis and a very low dose of Tramadol for pain and he is comfortable. He knows his way around the house--we never move furniture or leave doors open--gets up and drinks his water and goes to the door when he needs to eliminate. He knows when strangers enter the house (the scent), he recognizes visitors he knows (he barks and wags his tail), and, most importantly, each day he comes over to me while I'm in bed, puts his chin on the bed and wags his tail. He loves to eat his two meal a day, and loves dog treats. Both my wife and I feel he still is enjoying life, though at a much more limited level than before.

All this being said, we also have decided that when he is unable to "take care of himself"--cannot make it to the door for elimination, or cannot get up and move at will, then the time has come. Yes, it's about the quality of life and, to an outsider, the description of the condition of our dog sounds like he has no quality. But we see he is content, not in pain, is aware of his surroundings, likes to be in our company, looks forward to his meals, and is still mobile. We both feel he will let us know when it is time.

I hope this perspective helps.

Rickysa · 08-22-2013, 07:32 AM

When they stop eating...show no interest in food.

per our vet and how we made the (awful-gutwrenching) decision

Don Ro · 08-22-2013, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

I don't think she is ready to be put down.

I would go with you on this. Not because I'm a wise dog person, but because you sound like you love her and have her best interest in your heart. Period.

Zeke · 08-22-2013, 07:35 AM

Whatever you decide, the day is closer than you think. So don't hurry it.

Rikao4 · 08-22-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

I don't think she is ready to be put down.

go with this..
because when it's time..
you will look for reason not to make the call..

Rika

Don Ro · 08-22-2013, 07:51 AM

A BTW...just heard on TV yesterday that a GA survey revealed that close to 40% of those asked would save their dog before saving a foreigner...close to 30% would do so instead of saving an American. The reporters were puzzled - I wasn't, because it's all about the phenom called Relationship.

KFC911 · 08-22-2013, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

I don't think she is ready to be put down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ro

I would go with you on this. Not because I'm a wise dog person, but because you sound like you love her and have her best interest in your heart. Period.

She will let you know Mike, and you WILL know when she's ready. Do not worry about that and don't let anyone sway you. I've put up with other people's "nonsense" when it obviously wasn't "time" before. Once for a couple of years, and then abruptly, out-of-the-blue, the time DID come, and I didn't hesistate to call a vet friend to come over. No one knows "my" dogs like I do, and you're no different imo. She'll let you know...just be prepared and best of luck.

KevinTodd · 08-22-2013, 08:23 AM

Such a tough subject.

My little female JRT is 18 1/2 years old and has cataracts, is partially deaf, and is certainly not the rabble-rousing type A she once was.

However, she eats like a horse, goes outside to pee, and when I pick her up and hold her she gives me the same "I love you" look and snuggles close to my chin just as she's always done.

She no longer climbs the stairs, no longer sleeps in the bed with us, no longer jumps on the couch. we take her downstairs to the yard to do her business when she needs to go. She does push out a nugget without seeming to know now and again--but no big deal.

The vet told me this past month that she was in miraculous shape for a dog her age. I felt like I already knew that but it felt good to hear her say it anyway.

As long as my little girl isn't in any pain and is still eating and in generally good heath then I will remain the steward of her existence.

On another note--my 13 y/o male JRT just had 15 teeth extracted and a week later he's like a 5 year-younger animal.

I feel like you'll know when it's time.

Crowbob · 09:01 AM

I've had two experiences with this. First was a beautiful, strong and intelligent Doberman, Max. Many years ago. Wonderful dog. Acquired for security for the wife and two little kids as we lived way out in the boonies. Did everything asked of him. Used to command him to sit next to me and I would throw a frisbee as hard and far as I could, give him the release and he'd catch it before it hit the ground and put it back in my hand. As often and as many times as my arm could hold out. Problem was he thought he was second in command. Wife could not control him in my absence. Broke loose from her hand and went after a visiting stranger-no injuries (no physical injuries anyway) thank God.

No matter what we tried I was alpha and he insisted he was beta. Period. One man dog. Put him down with a plot on the property which I still visit on occasion.

Second, recently, a beloved young cat (yes, a cat). Loved to swat Black-eyed Susans waving in the breeze for some reason. Disappeared suddenly for a couple days. Found her under the bed, matted, disoriented, spastic gait, and blind. Sabby would just stand in the room motionless facing the corner. Some kind of cranial vascular event the vet surmised.

I sobbed uncontrollably as she went to sleep. Black-eyed Susans are growing over her spot in the yard now. I'm sure Sabby's messing with Max as I type.