Thinking about putting my old dog to sleep

meandmyself

meandmyself

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He's 13 and a CKCS. We were at the vets today because he's itchy. To cut a long story short, it looks like his kidneys are starting to fail. He's still happy and plays (he was playing very gently with a pup in the waiting room!) eats well and doesn't seem to be in pain.

I do know that treating his kidney failure isn't an option- partly because we simply don't have the money right now but mostly because I can remember the horror of watching my Aunt dying of kidney failure. I know it's different between humans and animals but I can't do it. I just can't watch another 'person' I love go though that.

What do I do? I was thinking of giving him another few months then PTS before winter. He doesn't like the cold and slush.

Thanks for reading - you don't have to reply. I just needed to get it down basically.
 
What a horrible decision to have to make. I think you have answered your own question really (funny how writing it out can often do that...). You know your dog and how he is able to cope with things.

I totally understand your reasoning on the kidney failure - my mum's/my childhood cat was PTS at the end of last year as this happened to her and she went downhill very quickly. She could have been treated, but it would only have been a short-term 'fix'. She just was never going to be herself again and we felt that even if she could be made reasonably comfortable, her quality of life would not be what it once was.

Sending you virtual hugs, whatever course of action you take.
 
I feel that you're taking the most sensible, and humane approach to a problem which most of us face at some time, either with ageing relatives, or dogs. Putting our beloved animals through months of suffering, for the sake of a few more weeks of their company, and all the while, whilst we watch them deteriorate, is something that some can manage, but I'm not amongst them.

When the time's right, then you'll know. It'll be when the old chap is no longer enjoying his time. Don't beat yourself up, take pride in being responsible and caring.

Alec.
 
Thank you. Those replies made me cry a bit. How do I do it? How do I take him to the vets knowing I'm taking him there to die? Should I take his little buddy along? They've been together for 12 years.

Pic of the old man-
beach032.jpg
 
meandmyself said:
Thank you. Those replies made me cry a bit. How do I do it? How do I take him to the vets knowing I'm taking him there to die? Should I take his little buddy along? They've been together for 12 years.
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I am facing this with our GSP's, they are sisters and 13 years old. One has an obvious growth that I haven't taken her to the vet for as I will not be treating it.
I will be asking the vet to come to the house to do the deed when the times comes :(

I too get weepy when I think of it but I know I have and will do the best for them as long as they are still with me.
 
I had to have my dog PTS on Monday night. He was 13. Full of life still, a real happy chap. We knew he had nasal cancer - I had posted on here about it a couple of months back when he was diagnosed. Monday was no different to any other day. OH had taken him for his evening walk, had a pint at the pub, brought him home and he had had his dinner. One of the symptoms of the cancer was excessive sneezing - with lots of snot. After tea, he sneezed and had a nose bleed - worse than any of the previous ones. It stopped and OH went out to get a takeaway. He had only been gone 30 seconds when I heard another sneeze, so I went to where he was in the hallway to find blood everywhere, and pouring profusely out of his nostril. I phoned the vet at 8.45pm, we were at the vets by 9pm and by 9.05pm he had been PTS. The bleeding had stopped by then, but one more sneeze (and he sneezed violently constantly) and it would have started again and each time would have been worse than the last. It was dreadful and I'm in tears writing this, but you have to make the decision and just go to the vets. Don't even prebook it - just wait until that moment when you know enough it enough and make the call and just go. Not much help for you, I know, but you really will know when it's time. Off to find some more tissues now and blow my nose again! :(
 
My old dog (nearly 16) has been a bit off colour so vets ran some bloods early this week and she has the start of kidney problems. She was admitted and put on a drip for two days, given pain killers and antibiotics.

Got her home now and she seems herself again but not really interested in her food. We are taking each day as it comes now, letting her enjoy the garden and mouching around with the others. We know that day is getting nearer and as painful for us it is we will do the right thing by her when needed.

Life is so Cr5p at times.
 
Alec Swan said:
I feel that you're taking the most sensible, and humane approach to a problem which most of us face at some time, either with ageing relatives, or dogs. Putting our beloved animals through months of suffering, for the sake of a few more weeks of their company, and all the while, whilst we watch them deteriorate, is something that some can manage, but I'm not amongst them.

When the time's right, then you'll know. It'll be when the old chap is no longer enjoying his time. Don't beat yourself up, take pride in being responsible and caring.

Alec.
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Perfectly put Alec. OP I feel for you, it is so hard to make this decision but it is the final kindness we can give our pets. If your vet would come out you might find it easier than taking him in but either way if possible I would let his friend see him, it does seem to help them. He looks a lovely old man, and I hope you have a few good months left with him.
Hollyhocks, so sorry to hear about your lad, RIP Rex.
 
Follysmum said:
My old dog (nearly 16) has been a bit off colour .......

Life is so Cr5p at times.
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Will the last couple of months, or so, outweigh the pleasure of the last nearly 16 years? I do hope not.

H. Frank Wallace, in his book Happier Years, once wondered if the pleasure of owning them was worth the pain of the parting. That's how it must seem at the time, but then I think that we eventually come to terms with the loss, and remember the pleasure of their company.

I've a dog's burial ground here, and sometimes I wander up and have a sit and a think. If we can, then it's better to smile than to cry, I think.

Alec.
 
Just couldn't leave this thread without giving everyone a big hug.

Saying goodbye and letting friends go is the hardest thing we can ever do for them, but also is the greatest gift we can give - that of a peaceful, happy death, with the sound and touch of the person/people they love most in the world, there for them at the end. That is our gift and reward to them for all their loyalty through the years........... sadly we haven't yet been able to do it for our human friends/loved ones.
 
Will the last couple of months, or so, outweigh the pleasure of the last nearly 16 years? I do hope not.

Not at all, we are cherishing and enjoying everyday with her. We have had many happy years and memories. In a way its a little easier as at least we are prepared.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Just couldn't leave this thread without giving everyone a big hug.

Saying goodbye and letting friends go is the hardest thing we can ever do for them, but also is the greatest gift we can give - that of a peaceful, happy death, with the sound and touch of the person/people they love most in the world, there for them at the end. That is our gift and reward to them for all their loyalty through the years........... sadly we haven't yet been able to do it for our human friends/loved ones.
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How very right you are.
Owning and caring for a dog/dogs is a privilege some people take for granted, they should always be treated with
respect and compassion, when things get tough for them we should do the right thing regardless of how hard it is
for us.
I know the above is easy to say.
My thoughts and sympathy for anyone going through difficult times with their four legged friends.
 
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