Deciding when to put your dog down.

[fitz19d]

Was wondering how everyone has dealt with deciding when the time is the time with their dogs. My childhood dog it was apparent when he no longer could stand and was in so much pain and there was a lot of suffering leading up to it.


Things with charlies condition havnt been good. (German Shepherd, Perianal fistulas with recurring lesions and infection) He spent a few months doing pretty good with a new diet. Occasional nights whining a bit as he strained. But as of the last week things have reached a head. His sudden incontinence is on the rise, when he goes out to try and go, it's gone from just a quiet howling or whine when it was at it's worst before, to now it's a barking shriek that pretty much I'm guessing is waking the neighbors. Also losing appetite somewhat and losing weight. Wants to lounge around more.

The vet can go extreme with surgery including removing his tail though the CU vets didnt think surgery was a good option these days anymore. Pretty much the infection can be treated, and stuff given to encourage the lesions to heal. But his overall issue is going to be a constant recurring chronic thing as well as other complications. There are some expensive immunosuppresives that help but wont cure or completely prevent flare ups, just keep the inbetween flare ups more tolerable. Between the pain he's in, ongoing high expense (vs a one off 2k surgery), and extra care in the form of twice a day applications to his bum which is difficult when he's defensive of the area. I can't help but wonder if the better thing for him is to put him down? Or do I wait until his condition gets all the more worse and he's on his deathbed anyways like my parents did with my first dog. If it comes to it, has anyone had the courage to do it themselves vs paying a vet.

We are going to try gf's vet to see if they say anything different than CU, her idea since I believe in what CU said and matches with my own net research.

[SouthPaw]

If you were in his shoes, what would you want for yourself?

It sucks have to make that choice but from what you described it sounds like it is time. You always wonder if it is too soon. I will say that every dog we have put down after the initial emotions have passed; our family always agree it was time. Even with surgery it sounds like he will still be in pain and just prolonging what he has. It's all part of being a responsible pet owner. Good luck with your choice.

[Lurch]

I have had to put down a few dogs and it is never easy and you always wonder if it's too soon. If he is in that much pain and is at the end of his life expectancy put him down. The best dog I ever had waited till we went on vacation to decided it was time. Poor dog sitter had to deal with watching the mobile vet come over and put her down. I could never bring myself to put down a family pet.

This took me a while to write as my emotions for my past dogs have come back.

[fitz19d]

I wish surgery was a simple option that would fix things. I wouldnt mind dropping 3k on that.

Natural life expectancy? He's only 3. And that's why it's such a hard choice, he's also the best dog I've ever personally known. He alerts us to people hanging out out front, but every visitor he's instantly at ease. Goes to his chair when told, etc. Just a bit of a carpet muncher.

[Great-Kazoo]

I wish surgery was a simple option that would fix things. I wouldnt mind dropping 3k on that.

Natural life expectancy? He's only 3. And that's why it's such a hard choice, he's also the best dog I've ever personally known. He alerts us to people hanging out out front, but every visitor he's instantly at ease. Goes to his chair when told, etc. Just a bit of a carpet muncher.

Quality of life over quality of emotions. Not to sound harsh, however $3K can feed another pet AND provide a 40lb. bag or 2 for your local pet rescue. If the consensus regarding surgey is on par, do what's right for your friend. There's a person who comes to your house and puts them down. I know Jer has used them. When i worked at VTH i saw lots of positive reports from people who used them too.

[BPTactical]

Yup, quality of life.
When the animal is in pain, can't see, can't walk etc.

[smchop]

We decided it was time after we realized it was us not wanting to let our girl go and not letting her condition dictate what needed to be done. Ask yourself if its you that doesn't want to let her go, then its probably time to let her go. I know some what I consider some real tough, emotional and physically, guys that decided to put there dogs down themselves. They said they would rather kill a random person than put down their own pet ever again. My advice, let a professional do it, and stay with them till the end.

[fitz19d]

Part of my dillema is, aside from the emotional. (Which I think I can step away from, I know a 25k vet bill wouldnt be doable and I wouldnt grab the dog before a baby in a burning building kind of thing, but some random person in my yard hurting him and I would probably do enough to them to land myself in some trouble.) I just dont know that the quality of life border has been crossed. I'd say outside of when he randomly tries to shit, he's in great health. Doesnt act distressed, but on other hand with the weight loss and what not, does lead me to believe it's not exactly a long term situation to get by on.

I'll see what other vet says saturday, but wanted my sounding board here. Glad it's pretty much one sided and that I'm thinking along the right lines. I was fearing a bunch of you must sell your house to save the dog comments.

[Monky]

Do what's right for the dog.. not what's right for you.

Lots of us have been in your shoes.

[BPTactical]

Do what's right for the dog.. not what's right for you.

Lots of us have been in your shoes.

Well said, all too often we lose sight of what is best for our furry friends.