Putting to sleep (death)

[Misssy2]

I can't bring myself to put my dog to sleep.  I don't know if it is even time.  He has NEVER been to a vet....He bleeds occassionally...from  his rear...he is 17 years old...he is panting heavily...starting to have trouble getting up...but he is still eating normally (drinking more heavily)...coughing and sneezing alot...He seems perky enough...goes up and down the stairs..  Generally, I know that he is SICK...he bleeds from his rear, pants, drinks too much and has arthriitis...but because he still eats...and seems generally happy....I don't think it is time.  Do DOGS EVER pass on their OWN?  I don't want to bring him and be responsible for causing his death...I am not GOD.  I pray that God takes him soon and it isn't happening.  He doesn't smell nice either and baths dont help.  I don't know what to do.

[nanasluv]

I'm very sorry to hear about what you are going through. I have had to make that hard decision of putting my dogs to sleep too many times and it  is always very hard to do. I loved my dogs like they were my kids  so when I lost one it was like I lost a family member.You are truely Blessed to still have your dog at 17 years old.  He does not sound like he needs to be put to sleep though in my opinion but ofcourse you want to get a vet's opinion first. If he is eating , walking and  drinking water those are all very good signs. Although, I wold definitly take him to a vet to determine what is causing some of his symptoms like the bleeding from the ears etc. I pray that God guide you with your baby and that all turns out good . Take care and God Bless you:)

[Misssy2]

The problem is...I have not brought him to a vet for 17 years because i can not afford the fees.  Its a long story as to how I ended up with "Bear".  He has never been uncomfortable and if he has...I have self-medicated using the internet and friends.  We are proud that he is still alive as he is VERY OLD.  I STILL can not afford what it would cost for the tests...to determine how to make him comfortable and THEN the money to MAKE him comfortable.  I know that I am going to have to take him to put him to sleep if he shows anymore signs of distress.  I have been coming to terms with, the next time he is bleeding for 6 days all over the house...I will have to take him.  Why did I come here?  I guess to get the "blessing" that it was ok to have him put to sleep....but, it doesn't even matter because even if I got that "blessing"....I probably wouldn't have the heart to do it.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Dogs do die on their own.  Many of your dog's problems sound as if they could be treated without having to put him to sleep.

I advise you to take him to a compassionate vet who can help guide you in quality of life issues.  A responsible vet can test him and help him be more comfortable with the right medications.  This will allow him to have as full a life as is possible in the time he has left.  

You need not worry about putting him to sleep.  God will take that decision out of your hands, but by assuring him the veterinary care that will make his life more comfortable you need not feel guilt.