when to put them down

[lml043]

We have a 15 yr old Chow/Keehound mix. She is 15 now and is loosing bladder control and is just not herself. She wimpers when laying and has a very hard time getting up and down and especially scared to go down stairs. When do you know if it is just time to put them down and out of missary?

[layne2000]

Let your pet go with dignity.
It's the last favour you can do for your friend.
If the dog is suffering, do the kind thing and let them go.
Its always hard, but knowing you have done the kindest thing for your pet helps. xx

[dperry10]

You will know when its time.  When they lose bladder control, is when I had to do it.  I just put down my 2nd dog this year, this past saturday.  the other was in Jan. and they were both 15 years old.
A doberman and a Shep.Lab mix.  Now I have the 12 year old doberman daughter left.  She is so sad.. and making me sadder.     You will know when they look at you with those big empty eyes, and they don't act like themselves anymore.  I am sorry you have to go thru it.    I am sorry I have to go thru it again...   But I love my dogs, and will have more..   And hopefully will live as long.

[lml043]

Thanks for the kind words. It is so hard to know. There are some days that I just know this is it - and then the next she is fine and running after the rabbits. The day will come when I will know and I will not hesitate putting her down when I know she is in pain and not enjoying life anymore. Thanks

[Jaybay]

Something I learned on "Emergency Vets" on Animal Planet on this issue really helps me with this issue.  Think of 3 things that your dog really loves in life.  It could be food, playing with a favorite toy, guarding the house, just being with the pack, whatever.  You know your dog.  When those 3 things are no longer possible to enjoy, then you have a pretty good idea that it's time to ease your pet out of suffering.  

Pain from joint trouble and arthritis is so hard to deal with as a guideline to euthanize.  The dog's personality is still there, but the pain is so bad they can't enjoy anything any longer.  A good friend and neighbor had to deal with this exact issue last year, and I have to say, the dog made it very clear when it was time.  She just couldn't do anything any more - not even stand - and just gave it all up.  She quit eating and drinking and it was honestly a blessing to end her pain and suffering.

Have you been treating her pain in the mean time?  She may have a few more weeks of some kind of enjoyment if the pain is treated.  After 15 years, I'd bet you know your dog inside and out, and when it's really Time, you will know just by looking in her eyes.  Ending suffering is the hardest thing about having animal companions.  It's so difficult to not second-guess our decisions.  I'm coming close to the same point myself with my 13+ year old.  :-(

[April2]

I think only you really will know in your heart when the best time is by looking at her. Is she mostly in pain and/or sleeping all the time? Is she not eating much anymore? Do you think she is enjoying life or has a quality life anymore? I know it's the hardest decision anyone can make. Fortunately, our pets seems to take death better than us humans. I wish you the best.