Is it the right thing to put him down?

Question

My dog (a border collie) is 14 now and lately his back legs seems to be going and he's been falling over alot. I don't want to, but you think the kindest thing would to be to put him down?

Answer 1

MY GSD had that started with dragging his paws,,losing his balance eventually he lost all movement in his back legs,,,he had CDRM,,,no cure,,it is a degenerative disease,,but as it could be a number of things  i would get him to the Vet and get your vets opinion,,,

my dog was 12 and i got him a doggy cart see below,,,it gave him a new lease of life,,i had no regrets,,,,

http://www.dogmobile-online.com/

Answer 2

Get the vets advice cause thats whats best

you need to think if your dog is in pain or suffering

theres maybe some medication for his legs cause my dog had the same problem and on medication he lived another year before he died just before he was 15

good luck

Answer 3

Do for your dog what you would want someone to do for you if the roles were reversed.  

Answer 4

i think you should go to your vet and see what he thinks...if your dog isn't suffering i dont think it would be right to put him down...it doesn't sound like he is in pain..just that he is having diffuculty keeping his balance

Answer 5

talk to your vet and see what he advises if the dog is still eating and drinking and is eager to go out for walks that doesnt seem like a reason to put him to sleep if he is in pain or has cancer then yes do it if not then let him die in his own time  

Answer 6

Yes. I understand that it's hard to put him down because he seems fine other than he can't get up. But he probably isn't comfortable at all...putting him to sleep is the right thing to do. He had a long life.

Answer 7

I would be more concerned of pain.  If his back legs and hips are causing him pain, then it would be the kindest thing to do.  But don't let him suffer because you don't 'see' his pain.

I'm glad you asked.  

Answer 8

14 is a really good age for a dog, my gran had a dog that lived until he was 18!

Best thing to do is take him to the vet, he may just have a bit of Arthritis and that can be treated with tablets or injections.  I suppose if you think about it people and dogs are much the same as we get older all older people get a bit wobbly so it's just the same for dogs.

his may sound silly but when he falls try giving his legs a little massage and also make sure his bed as got a nice comfy thick duvet or something in it and obviously make sure his bed is large enough for him.  I hope it's nothing serious and hope he gets better.

Answer 9

No - get him some arthritis treatment from the vet, or give him cod liver oil and something for the pain

Answer 10

Ask your vet about it first. It might be just something that lasts a few days. If it continues, I'd put him down so he doesn't go through anymore pain. D: Sorry

Answer 11

put your dog on cod liver oil tablets or try the new tablets for dogs on the tv advert . and see what your vet says

Answer 12

if he is suffering have him put to sleep it would be the kindest thing to do for him i would have mine out to sleep if they were suffering  

Answer 13

Check with your vet and get his advice. It will be very painless to have your dog Euthanized. Don't have it done until you ask your vet first.

Answer 14

I think you should take it to the vets and see what they have to say, but you must prepare yourself for the worst, its going to be really hard but you must do whats best for the animal rather than your own feelings.

Answer 15

Not necessarily-what has the vet said? If it is something that could be  helped by physio or hydrotherapy, why not give that a try? It all depends on the diagnosis. There are a lot of alternative therapy practitioners around too these days.

Answer 16

Well of course go to the vet, but I had the same issue with a dog of almost the exact same age (about 13 years) and we saw some commercial on TV geared towards older animals with joint pain, called petpainspray.com.  It seemed like a long shot, but we got it for him and it really improved the quality of his life.  He'd been in so much pain that he'd almost stopped eating and once we started giving him the pain reducer, he picked up weight and started acting more like his cheerful old self.

The pet pain spray (you put it in your animal's water dish, safe for other animals to drink) is NOT a medication, though.  It's just for pain relief.  So see your vet and explore medicinal routes to helping your pet's pain as well.  

By the way, i swear to god I don't work for petpainspray or anything.  It's just the only product I know of from personal experience that could help.

Answer 17

You can't ask other people. It's your dog and your choice. but remember the dog won't resent you for it afterwards and he won't be in any pain afterwards. Also he isn't going to get better is he?

Hard choice, but only you know what is right. Sorry it's happening to you.

Answer 18

Your vet may give him Rhimadyl. WHich is very good for dogs with joint and leg problems.

Ask your vets advice, but you'll know yourself when the time is right. You know you own dog and will know what his quality of life is. He'll let you know when he's had enough and he's ready to go.

Answer 19

Its Sad, Yes, But In My Opinion, Were Not Allowed To Be Put Down, But Why Are Animals? I Dont Know If You Should Get Medical Help For Your Dog, Or What.. Some people Just Dont Want To Invest In There Dog, Because Well, Its A Animal, With No Speaking Methods, No Benefits, Im Only A Kid, But You Know... Really If I Get A Dog When Im Older And It Gets Sick im Probably Going To Get It Help, My Mom Otherwise Thinks If Its Sick And Hurting Put It Down, She Dosent Want To Get The Money To Try And Help It, Very VERY Sorry. Hope Whatever You Do Turns Out For The Best.

Answer 20

if he doesnt seem to be in any pain then i would leave him if he is then yes it would be the right thing to do

Answer 21

there are ways you can help him besides putting him down. there are slings to help him walk, you can even make one just with a pillow case or towel, wrap that under and hold the top to give him support. orthopedic beds help too. so do daily glucosamine supplements, i have heard miracle stories with glucosamine.

senior dogs need routine vet care visits. please ask your vet about glucousamine!!!

Answer 22

Of course you don't want to, but at some point you have to weigh your feelings against the dog's quality of life.  If he is being really affected by it or it is painful or he is depressed then the time is coming soon. Dog's are so amazing that they can keep a good attitude about life right up to the miserable end.  You will know when enough is enough for your suffering pet.  It still won't be easy for you but you'll have to do it out of love anyway.  

Answer 23

Take him to the vet first. If it's something that makes him really ill and not loving life, the kind thing would be putting him to sleep.

Some things they can fix easily though.

Answer 24

Not yet I wouldn't.  His back legs only 'seem to be going' so they haven't gone yet!    If he was mine I would do all I could to relieve pain and as long as he is eating ok and seems happy I wouldn't do anything to end his life at this stage.  I would make the most of him and give him lots of cuddles.    

Answer 25

go to his vet and ask my dogs legs shook all the time and i had to put him down, but you altimtly decide do what you think is right

Answer 26

That's a hard decision . Most of us have been there and I'm sorry for your pain.

Usually a good guideline to use is quality over quantity. Take her to the vets and see if its a simple fix like meds for arthritis before you make any decisions.

Good luck to you and your doggy friend

Answer 27

14 years is a really good age for a dog. You really must love the dog to take such good care of him.

I would ask myself if the dog is suffering before making the decision to put him down. It's a tough one. If the dog is not in pain I would really wait.

Answer 28

Your situation is horrible. I had a dog like that, and she seemed happy but she actually wasn't/ We waited to long to put her down and then she kinda suffered. My suggestion to you is to put him down. I know its hard but its the best thing for the dog.

Good luck

Answer 29

do you think he is in pain?

if you think he is, then i would say to put him down...

i'm sorry :[[[[

it's always sad for me when ever any dog dies...

Answer 30

talk to your vet and get an opinion, sometimes some medication for pain or something can help, sometimes not

it is so hard to make these decisions, i had to do the same thing not too long ago

Answer 31

Ask the vet see what he says he might give you meds and you won't have to put him down, i had a border collie mix once but I didn't put her down because she got meds.