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.

[divegirl]

Oh hun, only you can answer this but I would have to agree with what others have said.
As long as he is eating, drinking and going to the toilet well then give him a chance. Speak to your vet regarding the reoccurring infections and just keep giving him your love.

Lisa x

[lankeela]

Better a day too soon than a moment too late.

[beckersjay]

It's such a difficult decision. All I would say is be guided by whether your pet is still content - eating and enjoying affection. Pets can often accept illness and disability much better than humans can if they have a happy home and feel loved. They will tell you when it is time to go - and you need to listen with your heart not your head.

[winterback]

I think the most important for you is to make sure what would you do if you have the same situation like the dog, he couldn't talk to you,but if you think there is no hope for he,put him down and it will reduce his pain.

[crisgal]

Thanks everyone. My daughter read the thread and it had helped her. Off to the vets today for a chat. I think we'll give him a bit longer xxx

[naomi24]

Only you can decide. I have three dogs, two (twins) are nearly 15, one blind and deaf, the other almost blind - and he suffers skin and ear problems too - but fundamentally he's not in pain and still appears to be happy - so until such time that I feel he's not, I'll continue to enjoy the pleasure of his company.

[ladybirder]

winterback put him down and it will reduce his pain

Yep, that should work;-)

[anneasquith]

if he is pain free, ,,id be inclined to wait a wee while........... good luck

[crisgal]

just an update for anyone interested.
louie had a good exam by the vet and he's ok for a while yet - thank goodness.She confirmed that he can only see shadows. He has more antibiotics for yet another ear infection and has many other ailments, but she doesn't think he's in pain.
He does have a kind of alzheimers too though, and i know he gets confused at times - often wandering around crying. It is upsetting when he does it. But it's not all the time and he's still eating and enjoys his walks.
So he's going to be around for a while longer. Thanks to everyone for your kind comments xx

[ladybirder]

Very pleased to hear it and thanks for updating us. My 19-year-old cat wanders round doing the same but as soon as I fuss her she stops so just give him a bit of loving. X

[jomifl]

Glad to hear that crisgal, I had german shepherd who eventally died of a heart attack in his sleep. He was such a loyal friend that I don't think I could ever have made the decision to have him killed, certainly not while he had a hearty appetite.

[naomi24]

I should have said that one of mine has always been in the remedial class and now, as well as being blind, is also incontinent - but some of us are always a bit dotty (no offence Dot), and we're all going to grow old. I love her, she loves me - and she's pain free and content - it's as simple as that. :o)

[lankeela]

It is the last act of love you can do for them and I can never understand people saying they wouldn't do it. We have a responsibility to them after all the love they have given us. What right have we got to allow them to suffer.

[dianahoohar]

I nearly posted the same question. We have a 14 year old cocker spaniel. She has cushings and kidney failure. I know we have to make 'the decision' very soon. But it's very, very hard. I know we have to let her go, but how do you choose 'the day'? :(

[lankeela]

When you are keeping them alive for your benefit and not theirs is when its 'the day'. Its selfish when you know you should let them go but can't face it. As I said above, better a day too soon than a moment too late.

[paddywak]

How do you choose the day? Diana, I don't really know but you do. I've been in this sad position several times and something has just sort of clicked, the way they look and act or in the case of my last two GSD's they lost the use of their back legs. I've just known it was time to let them go before they start to suffer.

[gordie1]

I am so sorry to hear about this. 3 years ago I had to make the decision to put my cat to sleep as she had heart failure she was gasping for breath and it was horrible to watch the vet was very supportive and I sobbed my heart out so much I couldnt drive home because she was 12 and I was very attached to her but I know I did the right thing as it was horrible to see her suffer. So I hope that you and your dog find peace.

[lankeela]

Ask a person with kidney failure what it feels like. How would you feel if she collapsed in agony during the night and you could have prevented it?

[nungate]

Last summer I had to decide the same thing about one of our cats, he was 19 years old and we could see him failing every day. On his last day I just knew it was time, can't explain how I knew I just did, I'm sure that you will also know when the time is right. We had the vet come to our house to do the "deed" as we didn't want him to feel any distress, but to be around familiar things and the people who loved him, it was the right thing for us to do for him. A few weeks afterwards I found this poem, I wished I'd been able to read it before I had to make that awful decision. I shall post it here for you, see if it helps you.

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this last battle cannot be won
You will be sad, I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love for me must stand the test
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer so
The time has come, please let me go
Take me where my need they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you do for me
Although my tail my last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved
Please do not grieve, it must be you
Who has this painful thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let your heart hold back it's tears

I hope you find it helpful, I cannot remember where I found it but I've posted it here for others who found it helped.

[dianahoohar]

Thanks, Nungate. That's beautiful. x