Losing a dog.

[HashRouge]

I do feel its often advised very quickly on this forum. Yes no one should let a animal suffer but if you know the animal well you will once w when its time.

I do agree to a certain extent, but I think that's because on the forum we can only go off what is written down, but we can't see the animal in front of us. It sounds like the OP's dog still has a good quality of life and is happy in herself, and that the OP knows she will need to make the decision when the time comes. Maybe some people on here think that now is the right time, but I think we have to trust that the OP knows her animal well and she doesn't sound like the sort of person who would make her animals suffer unnecessarily.

I have an arthritic horse in the field (26 yrs old) and I sometimes look at her and think, how do you know when they've had enough? But I suppose the fact that I see this bright, lively beautiful horse motoring around the field with a sparkle in her eye and just seeming so contented, tells me that she still has a good quality of life. But arthritis is tricky because you know it will never get better - there is no cure for old age, after all.

 

[Birker2020]

I do agree to a certain extent, but I think that's because on the forum we can only go off what is written down, but we can't see the animal in front of us. It sounds like the OP's dog still has a good quality of life and is happy in herself, and that the OP knows she will need to make the decision when the time comes. Maybe some people on here think that now is the right time, but I think we have to trust that the OP knows her animal well and she doesn't sound like the sort of person who would make her animals suffer unnecessarily.

I have an arthritic horse in the field (26 yrs old) and I sometimes look at her and think, how do you know when they've had enough? But I suppose the fact that I see this bright, lively beautiful horse motoring around the field with a sparkle in her eye and just seeming so contented, tells me that she still has a good quality of life. But arthritis is tricky because you know it will never get better - there is no cure for old age, after all.

All to often i see these posts on this forum about dogs and horses and my personal take on it is that i would'nt ask a bunch of strangers if they thought my dog/horse needed pts. In the end the decision lies with the owner who knows the animal best and the vet who knows its history. The owner knows when their animal is deteriorating as they see them everyday. I only have to glance at my horse to know if she is okay. There have been times when i have seen her and known immediately she is colicky for example whereas others would never have guessed. Because i know my animals inside out i know i am best advised to make a decision. And only me. If your dog is active , eating and wanting to go for walks then it still has a good quality of life. If its pain wasnt managed to the extent it was it wouldn't be doing these things. OP i think you will know when your dog is ready to go and you don"t need a bunch of strangers, which in essence we all are to tell you. Xx

 

[GSD Woman]

First, I am sorry that you are facing this. One bit of advice a friend was given years ago about a dog that was terminally ill was to keep track of the good days and the bad. When the bad outnumber the good it is time.

 

[Moobli]

So sorry you are having to think about this decision as it really is the hardest part of sharing our lives with these amazing creatures. As an owner, and clearly devoted to your dogs, you are best placed to decide when is the right time. For me, if your dog still has quality of life and enjoys walks, food, play etc then it may not yet be time, if the pain relief she is receiving is sufficient to ensure she isn't suffering.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

All to often i see these posts on this forum about dogs and horses and my personal take on it is that i would'nt ask a bunch of strangers if they thought my dog/horse needed pts. In the end the decision lies with the owner who knows the animal best and the vet who knows its history. The owner knows when their animal is deteriorating as they see them everyday. I only have to glance at my horse to know if she is okay. There have been times when i have seen her and known immediately she is colicky for example whereas others would never have guessed. Because i know my animals inside out i know i am best advised to make a decision. And only me. If your dog is active , eating and wanting to go for walks then it still has a good quality of life. If its pain wasnt managed to the extent it was it wouldn't be doing these things. OP i think you will know when your dog is ready to go and you don"t need a bunch of strangers, which in essence we all are to tell you. Xx

This!!!!

I always think that f the owner is seriously considering pts, then it probably is time. I also think, if you ask a question on a forum, you should be prepared for all/any answers.