should i have my dog put down?

[crisgal]

he's 14, deaf, practically blind and suffers from very very itchy skin, with one ear infection after another.

[Traci66]

It's a hard decision to make, speak to your vet, he will advise, best wishes to you.

[wardlaw]

Yes. Give him a big last hug and let the vet send him to a better place.

[chaptazbru]

If he has no quality of life, then it would possibly be the kindest thing and it doesn't sound like he has. Poor old chap.

[2sp_]

I think you need to look at the quality of life that your dog has.

When the time comes, it is the final act of love.

xx

[China Doll]

If he's suffering then yes I guess so. It depends on his quality of life and only you can really judge that.

[craft1948]

I would be advised by your vet...................I still get upset from having my last dog put to sleep, because with hindsight I realised I should have done it sooner. I kept her alive for me which was very selfish.

[jules77]

Only you can answer that question......

[Nibble]

I think this is a vvvvv hard decision for you to make, but speaking for myself, I'd take a choice that His level of happiness is now seriously eroded, as his quality of life is not what either you or he wishes for... I feel that the best thing you can do for both of you is to give him a sensitive & caring farewell. Sorry for you both :((

[crisgal]

they just treat his infections, and then he's back again a couple of weeks later. the vet asks me if he's depressed, but he has such a wonderful nature, and is so grateful for any attention given, that it's hard to say whether he is or not.
I am trying to explain all this to my kids, but my 11 year old daughter said she'll never forgive me and just can't see it as the best decision. i don't know how to help her.

[2sp_]

I was 11 or 12 when my parents had to make the same decision about our lab. We'd had him since I was 18months old, so I loved him dearly.

At the time I couldn't understand how they could do it. But, in time I realised that it was the best thing for him, and I'm sure your daughter will too. Is it worth her having a chat with the vet?

We've got a 15 year old spaniel, she's mostly deaf and blind, but still potters about. Fantastic nose on her so she sniffs her way round the house and garden. I know that we will have to make a decision some day, probably sooner rather than later. We are lucky in that the vet says that apart from the eyes and ears, she's as fit as she was 5 years ago.

Good luck. xx

[chrissa1]

All dog owners/lovers know that there will come a time when the decision has to be made. Is he still able to get out and enjoy his walks, or are these being very restricted because of his eyes and ears?

It can't be much fun for him to be constantly scratching and itching. I would explain this to your daughter and maybe take her to the vets with your dog and hear what he has to say.

At 14 years, his time is drawing to an end. Be kind to him and best wishes to you all.

[ladybirder]

Is your dog pleased to see you in the mornings? Does he wag his tail? Is he enjoying his meals? Does he still like a little walk with you? Does he appreciate a cuddle and a fuss? Is he in any pain? In other words does he have a decent quality of life despite his troubles. If so then it isn't time yet.

If you decide it is time, then show your daughter this thread crisgal. You can't keep a dog suffering to placate your daughter. When she grows up she will understand. Love to you all.

[woofgang]

I am sorry for your daughters feelings but this is one of those things that adults must decide on, not children. Sadly that means that you will have to bear the brunt of her sorrow as well as your own.

[B00]

if you do decide to have him PTS, wait till your daughter's at school, then tell her, on her return that he died in his sleep.

In this instance- your dog's more important than her feelings im afraid.

Good luck xx

[Kerosene]

In spite of what you've described, what's his quality of life like? 14 is almost 100 in human terms so I think he's entitled to have a few wee ailments, don't you?

But does he still have a healthy appetite? Can he still make it out for a leisurely walk? Does he greet you when you come home?
If the answer to these questions is "yes", then his symptoms appear to be nothing more than old age.

You know, most pets can 'tell you' when their time's up, and heartbreaking though it may be, the kindest thing then is to let them go, as gently as possible, by biting the bullet, taking them to the vet, and unless the latter gives you a very good reason otherwise, then have the 'dirty deed' done but stay with them while it happens and comfort and reassure them - it's the least they deserve after the years of love and loyal service.

The worst thing, though, is to try to keep them going just because you can't bring yourself to have them put to sleep - their quality of life is the paramount thing.

I wish you the best at this very painful time.

[paddywak]

As most posters have stressed it's all about the quality of life the old boy has. If he's not in pain and seems happy enough just let it go from day to day, but be prepared for the worst, most pet owners know without being told when its time and when the time comes don't hesitate. I lost Max my trusty GSD in March when he lost the use of his back legs. I knew the signs from my other GSD so I we went straight to the vets. I loved that dog and I still miss him but I don't regret letting him go.

[Kerosene]

Sorry crisgal,

I overlooked your comments about your 11 year old daughter. Others have already said more or less what I think, but just to reiterate and reinforce it, your little girl is clearly trying a wee bit of offspring blackmail.

But obviously, as a young child, she doesn't yet have the powers of judgement which most of us - hopefully - gain with age and experience of life.

She will realise that you would have done the most humane and kind thing, but she just can't understand that at the moment.

God knows I'm a mature man who bawls his eyes out when having one of ours put to sleep - done too many painful times - but time is the great healer and before too long you can look back with your memories, photos etc and reflect warmly on the loving devotion your pet gave you.

[tara20]

Having gone through this twice in he past five years, I can only say that you have to go with your gut feeling.
The time will come when you realise you're not doing him any favours by
hanging on, but as long as he has even a limited capacity to enjoy life, so be it.
Be guided by your vet, but the decision has to be yours alone.
When the time comes you won't ask, you'll know.

tara

[Jeza]

Although this may be the wrong thread to say this, I agree about quality of life. If your pet is suffering with no hope of recovery then do as you must. It's a pity we can't or won't do the same for people.

[jomifl]

If he enjoys his food or anything else then give him a reprieve.