When is the right time to euthanise my crippled dog?

Question

I have a 13 y/o pit bull. She is my best friend. She has been unable to stand up on her own for the last year, although vet said most likely she is becoming slowly paralyzed. Lucy (her name) has no problems eating or going to bathroom, she just needs carried everywhere and then stood up. She can take it from there. One problem is she is incontinent (pee's herself) at nite. I got doggy diapers just in case (she hasn't done it for a week or so, and they seem to be working great. She did have 1 daytime accident while I was at work and diaper caught it. She will bark constantly when I am at home and go to another room without her. She doesn't cry but very rarely she becomes docile and seems in pain. I also have a harness I use with her because she can use her front paws I just support the back. When is it the right time to put her to sleep. How will I know? I don't want to do it out of convenience sake, but I also don't want her to de completely dependent on me for survival. Any advice?

Answer 1

It's so hard to make decisions like this.  It would be so much easier if it were made for us but sometimes these things happen.  Most times vets say that when their quality of life has gone down and they don't seem to be happy anymore.  Sometimes they will quit eating, sometimes they quit playing.  I think you will probably know when it's time.  Just look at her and ask yourself if she would want to be like this.  I'm very sorry.

Answer 2

I just got through doing this with my dog last year. it is very hard to watch and it does get very physical for you and the dog as it gets worse. I found myself getting upset with my dog which was not fair and I still live with that guilt from time to time. I waited to long. My dog ended up throwing a clot and dying a painful death at home. Well, I got him to vet just before he died and they gave him shot to put him to sleep but he was almost there himself. I would have to say do it when you think the time is right. or when she gives you a sign that it is right. Dont keep her around just for you. They will fight and fight to please you. They dont want to leave you anymore than you want them to. it is very hard to make the call. I believe if you know your dog you will know when it is time. I wish I had done something sooner but I guess things were meant to happen the way they did. the back harness is a good thing and so is a towel to support the hind end and legs. Diapers are also good but watch for urine scald as my dog got that very bad. There are different pain meds they can try along with steroids to cut down on inflammation. Good luck and remember whatever choice you make is the right one for you and your dog. Just be comfortable with it. I know you dont want to do it for convenicenc sake but believe me it does get harder and frustrating at times and dont make the mistake I did and get mad at the dog. I was just so tired and overwhelmed with it all and I took out on him. I would sometimes yell and he knew he was a burden and I will always regret that. Leave yourself nothing to regret because it is a hard thing to live with. Could have, would have, should have. Make a decision and stick with it and remember you will see her again. Good luck.  

Answer 3

I agree with Vicki J. Go to a vet you trust and ask him for his advice. I thought I needed to have mine put to sleep and he was able to give her pain medicine and we were able to keep he for another 1 1/2 years. When I had to put her down it was the hardest thing I had to do, but it was for the best. I wish you the best of luck and if you do put Lucy to sleep you have my deepest sympathy.

Answer 4

So sorry to hear about your pet. Sounds like you are doing your best to help her. Have you considered a doggie wheelchair? It is a big investment for an older dog, but check this out:  http://www.eddieswheels.com/

Only you will know when it is the right time. Just remember, you have and continue to give her the best life possible. What else could a dog want??!!  

Answer 5

If she is alone when you are at work, she may become very distressed if she cannot move or support herself.. Although you don't want to loose her, you cannot do anything more to help her. Our pets always depend on us for survival and they  always will.  She must now depend on you to end her misery, its hellish and everyone who loves dogs knows what this is like. You are asking the question so it is obvious that you think that it is time for her to go. When you definitely decide to take her to the vets, just phone the vet and go. The thought of living with having to do what you must and waiting, will be too much to cope with.

Take care.  

Answer 6

Sadly- I think it is time.  My dog went paralyzed one day- as she had horrible hip dysplasia for almost all of her 3 years.  She was a neo mastiff, on the smaller side.  I could tell by her eyes that she could not understand why she couldn't stand anymore-  pain meds increased time and time again.  I finally realized I was keeping her alive for me-not her best interest.It tore my guts out-I was a complete and total mess for 3 months.  Still today (2 and 1/2 yrs.) I have my days.  Let her keep some dignity and let her go to where she is not in pain or suffering.  good luck

Answer 7

Have your vet take a look at her and get his opinion. I have had to do this more than once. When she has no quality of life is the time to euthanize her. Take the adbvice of your vet and ask him what he would do if it were his own dog.

Answer 8

When the dogs quality of life is not what it use to be is the best way to describe how you know the time is right.  Unfortunately, it sounds like your dogs quality of life is anything like it use to be.  The one sentence that said she seems to be in pain, should be an indication that it may be time to end her suffering.  It is such a hard decision to make (I had to do this in January), but you need to look at the dog life.  The accidents and not being able to get around on her own are all signs that she is in need of your help.  God bless you and your dog - you will do the right thing.

Answer 9

The only thing I would add is that dogs often have an incredibly high pain threshold, so you may not even know how much pain your dog is in.  So you may think her quality of life is good, but it may not be.

Ask you vet.  He/she is in the best position to tell you.  13 years is a good long life for a dog. You've had many happy years with her.  

The toughest decision ever is to decide when to let your beloved pet go.   And while it seems awful to consider your own quality of life, that is sometimes a consideration as well.  

Best wishes

Answer 10

i just had to put my 10 year old boxer to sleep he could not use his back legs he had a brain tumor, i think if he cant walk on his own and cant play or wets himself it might be time its not fare for a dog to suffer he might not be crying out in pain but hes in pain in the sense he has no life its really up to you but out of kindness i think its time im very sorry i know exactly how hard a decision this will be on you good luck and god bless

Answer 11

the right time is when she has more bad days than good days and when her pain is interfereing with her ability to have a full life.  I know it must be a terrible thing to see her go through but you have to ultimately think of her.

She's had a good, long, happy life with you.  Look into her eyes, sometimes they are able to tell you when it is time to let them go.

Answer 12

Is there any chance she could use one of those doggie wheelchairs that allows her to use her front legs while the wheelchair supports her back half?  

As long as she's not sitting in her urine, and it sounds like she isn't because you're doing a stellar job taking care of her, she won't get skin burns.  

Are the lameness in her back legs and occasional incontinence her only problems?  As far as humanely euthanizing your girl, I will suggest that when her bad days outnumber her good, you will know that it is time.