I think my dog is dying... to put down or to wait?

Question

My dog is 16 and a half years old. He has always been pretty healthy and robust. The last couple of days though, his behaviour has changed markedly - he is refusing food (even cheese and cooked chicken).. and he is "hiding" in strange parts of the yard (ie behind our shed.. where he never normally goes). Although he seems confused - doesn't seem to recognise us, he doesn't appear to be in any pain. I have made an appointment with the vet for later today (...in 3 hours time...) but I am stressed out - if offered by the vet (which I expect to happen) should I opt for euthenasia? ... or should I bring him home and let him go naturally? Both of my adult sons are currently away - they grew up with this dog since they were little kids - will be distraught if they come home and their beloved dog is gone.. Suggestions??

Answer 1

Go to the vet and see what they reccomend doing

Answer 2

poor dog.mine had 2 different types of worms.when he was doing that and i thought he was dieing too.take the poor thing to the vet.and if he needs to be put down put him down,don't keep him alive 4your or anothers might be few minutes satisfaction.that's just mean and cruel..oh!and learn to talk to your kids i'm sure they wouldn't want it to suffer!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Old dogs, like old people can suffer from a form dementia. From first hand experience, i know how heartbreaking dementia can be in a person, so I assume it would be a similar experience if you have to watch a dog go through it. He may not have dementia (I'm no vet), but it sounds like a similar thing.

I think you should wait if his isn't in any pain, at least until your boys get home and have a chance to say goodbye. Or call them and discuss with them your options.

You dont want him to suffer, but its hard to say goodbye. You will know whats right when the time comes.

Answer 4

I just recently lost both my old dogs that I grew up with. They didn’t show any signs of illness. They just peaceful died. Our male went into the cedar field below our house and just laid down and died. Our female just went into the back yard and laid down and that’s where we found her. That how I like them to go. Not suffering and dragging it out, just finding somewhere peaceful and going to sleep. Our other two dogs were killed by cars. Lucky stripped his collar and ran away. Our neighbor found him and told us. Nina got hit by a car right in front of of me. She died in my arms. I would just let him go naturally if he didn’t seem to be in pain. That just my opinion though and everyone has different feelings on this. I am truly sorry for what your going threw. I know all to well how it feels to lose something you love. There part of our family. I'd actually choose my dogs over most people in my family. They don't lie, cheat or steal. They've always got our back and don’t change there mind about everything. Most importantly they don’t judge us when we make mistakes. They’ve really got unconditional love. I hope the best for you and your dog and I hope everything goes well...now you got me crying thinking about how much I miss my dogs  : (

BIGGIE R.I.P. JULY 2008

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm10/...

FUDGIE R.I.P. FEBRUARY 2008

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm10/...

NINA R.I.P. NOVEMBER 17, 2006

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm10/...

LUCKY R.I.P. SEPTEMBER 2004

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm10/...

EDIT: Sorry to hear about him. At least he didnt have to suffer. R.I.P. SHORTY

Answer 5

First let me say, im so sorry for what you're going through. That must be terribly sad.

I would opt for euthanasia...I know it is such a hard thing to think about. But in the long run, you don't want you boy to suffer.

If the vet suggest he is indeed at the end of his life, maybe plan a day for for sons to come down, have a good day with him, spoil him and have your vet euthanize him at your home. His last memories will be good.

I hope all is ok though.

Answer 6

omg....

i think you should let him go naturally.  

i love my dog, and this just made me appreciate him more.

Answer 7

You never want to see our beloved best friends suffer, but sometimes its better to let them go.  There is def something going on with him, but is it something that you should put him to sleep over?   Talk to your vet, if it something that you can treat give him some more time, but if it's not it might be time to unfortunately  lay him to rest.  It will be hard on all your family, but if you keep him going then he may get really bad and you don't want that.  (I'm not saying he is suffering by what he is going through now)  Sometimes people keep their wonderful pets a round for to long only because they don't want to hurt so badly or simply let them go.  This is a hard decision to make, but make it for him, not you, your sons...but solely for him in his best interest.  Also if that time now or 6 months down the road it is possible that your vet will come to your home, so he can be laid to rest in peace, and a place that he feels safe.  I'm really sorry that your having to go through this.  Best wishes

Answer 8

I would say that if he isnt in any pain... then maybe you should let im go at home... but you dont want him to hang on and hang on and hang on... thats not good for anyone.  Its a tough decision but if the vet says he is in pain you should probably let him be put down... Im sorry for your impending loss, its got to be heartbreaking.

Answer 9

Oh, oh, oh.  How sad for you, and what a shame that your sons aren't there.  My sympathies to you all.  My dog, Wallie, my faithful shadow for 15 years died in my arms on the sofa that we had curled up on so many times before.  It wasn't pretty, there is an ugly reflex that looks like the animal is gagging, which is why the vets use a muscle relaxer as part of the shot, but by that time, she was already gone and out of pain.  I do not regret keeping her in her home, with her familiar scents and sights, the sound of my voice and the warmth of my lap.  This is what worked for me and my dog.

Answer 10

So very sorry that you and your dog are going through this. But at least he has a good and caring owner to take care of him. I say if he is not in pain, bring him home and let him live his last days in peace and quite. If the vet says he is suffering, then you will have to let him go. It will be very hard to do. Please choose to be with him when he is put to sleep, because I did not want to see my dog die and I chose not to go in and I have regretted it always. I should have been holding her in my arms and whispering in her ear how much I loved her instead of cowering in the waiting room like a baby. I can't believe I let her go without her mama being with her. Don't let this happen to you, please! Let your voice be the last thing he hears. I know he will be waiting at the rainbow bridge for you one day. My heartfelt sympathy. (I am wiping the tears as I write this)