Is it the right time?

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fallenangel123

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My GSD is nine now, and has suffered arthritis in his feet for the last few years, in fact his front feet have spread so they are totally flat now. Despite medication, both herbal and vet prescribed he barely walks anywhere now, and has been known to pee in the kitchen save going out. Apart from this he is generally in good health although he has lost a little weight recently which I am wondering if it is pain related?
The vet is saying we can increase his meds/try different things, but I am wondering if this is really fair on him. Is it time to call it a day? Not only is this a pants time of year to do this although it would distract the children a little, but I also have a baby due soon, is this clouding my judgement? I would really appreciate an outside opinion.
 
Hard as it is, but in your situation, I'm afraid I would do the practical thing and be fair to him too.
It can't have been much fun for him if his feet are hurting that much for so long and if he is now peeing in the kitchen to avoid walking, how are you going to manage the hygiene necessary for a new born with that to cope with as well? TBTH, even if you weren't expecting shortly, I would say exactly the same as it does sound like he has no quality of life at all, hasn't done for some time too probably but has soldiered on until he can't any more. I would let him go now with dignity; to do otherwise, IMV, is purely selfishness.
I'm sorry, I know how hard it is but it's the last thing we can do for them and they deserve the best after all the pleasure they've given us.
 
I completely agree with MFH above even though I know its such an awfully heart wrenching decision to make
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"Better a month too early than a day too late" is a fabulous and very true saying in my opinion.

I am sorry for you especially at this time of year.
 
GSDs can be incredibly stoic in the face of pain, but IMO you can see it in the eyes of your own dog when it is 'time to go'.

As a GSD owner, I bear in mind that they are a weight-bearing breed, and for me personally, once mobility starts to deteriorate, then I think it is more fair to let them go.
We can understand why we feel pain, dogs do not.

Peeing in the house is usually a sign of desperation and can be quite uncomfortable to a dog used to going outside.

Good luck and best wishes for whatever you decide to do, I know what a sad time this will be xxx
 
I have sadly lost a few GSDs due to CDRM, a condition where they lose use of their hind legs. Although they are not in pain imo they lose their dignity and quality of life once they cannot get about on their own and that is when I make the decision to pts. I know people who have kept dogs going a lot longer with same condition by lifting them everywhere but I could not do it. In the case of your lad it sounds to me if he is losing that dignity and quality of life so yes it is perhaps time to let him go. My heart goes out to you, it is a heart wrenching decision to make but it is the last kindness in my view.
 
I cant really add anything that has been already so well put other than to say its an awful decision to make but its such a true saying a day too early is better than a day too late..x x x
 
Thanks for all your comments, of course I knew all this already but sometimes it is easier to get a totally impartial view on it. We lost his brother earlier in the year after an accident so it has not been a very good year all round, but at least they'll be together again. I only hope our remaining boy can cope with being an only dog, but at least we'll all be here to help him adjust.
Tough week coming up I suppose, but thanks for your support!
 
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