Our German Shepherd is 8 yo and being treated with Carprovet and Apoquel. He can still walk, and trot, but sometimes when I look at him , I don't know what to do or when to do it. I love this dog. Any advice is appreciated.
When do you know -- Pet Dog End of Life?
- Thread starter Jr solocam
- Start date
Albany Mountain
Silver $$ Contributor
You know when you value any pain he is going though MORE than the pain incurred by you when he has passed. No easy by all means and when I read stuff like this I go over and hug mine.
Rwfish
Silver $$ Contributor
A dog lives just to love its people. Sometimes they will try to live as long as they can no matter how hard it is for them just to be there with you. It’s the tough part to decide when that is no longer fair to them and you have to put your feelings aside and know it’s time to say goodbye. There will never be a good time for you to decide to let go but it’s even harder for them to not be able to provide you with their love.. Positive thoughts to you…
Ranger188
Silver $$ Contributor
This isn't about you, it's about him...
People always think, I will miss him or her, so I want them around as long as possible.
Not thinking what is best for them. Animals don't show pain or agony like humans.
That's a sign of weakness in an animal and will cover it up until they die painfully.
If they can eat, see, hear and bowl movements and walking isn't too labored, then ok, he has some more
time on this earth. It's when they have trouble getting up and walking it might be time
to help them out.
Look at my Avatar, love that dog.
People always think, I will miss him or her, so I want them around as long as possible.
Not thinking what is best for them. Animals don't show pain or agony like humans.
That's a sign of weakness in an animal and will cover it up until they die painfully.
If they can eat, see, hear and bowl movements and walking isn't too labored, then ok, he has some more
time on this earth. It's when they have trouble getting up and walking it might be time
to help them out.
Look at my Avatar, love that dog.
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DaveTooley
Gold $$ Contributor
One day he'll let you know. The decision will be, while painful, a much easier call.
I’ve had a lot of dogs in my life. I loved them all and they loved me. ( I did wonder at times about a Jack Russell terrier I had. I did love her, but she was totally crazy and fearless).
To my point I had a vet once say to me “Most people wait too long.” That goes to a post made that said ‘It’s not about you’
A hard statement, but most likely true.
To my point I had a vet once say to me “Most people wait too long.” That goes to a post made that said ‘It’s not about you’
A hard statement, but most likely true.
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Infrequent Shooter
Gold $$ Contributor
I had a Boxer I 'inherited' from my GF daughter. Great old feller. He started going down hill quickly. We waited a few days too long. There are services that will come to your home. I prefer that route to taking them to GD Vet. A little planning will be a great service to your pooch. Good luck.
Xerothermic
Silver $$ Contributor
When it doesn't know the difference between indoor carpet and grass. Time to go, IMO.
As Infrequent Shooter suggested an in home visit is the best if you really love your dog. At a vets office they sense the other animals stress and are not comfortable as they would be at home in his own bed. Call and speak to the vet that you would use and they will offer the best advice and walk you thru the process. This will greatly enable you to know when to make your decision and even more so you will know that you made the right decision at the right time and not second guess yourself that you let your friend down.
My girlfriend is a vet and has helped me with two of these.
They don't get any easier but I know I did the right thing at the right time.
My girlfriend is a vet and has helped me with two of these.
They don't get any easier but I know I did the right thing at the right time.
ogre1911
Gold $$ Contributor
Like Ranger, see my avatar. He's 10 yrs old on 12/23. Better than ANY human I know.
The wife and I started making his food a few months ago just to get his weight down a bit. He has his energy back and doesn't struggle to get up at all.
You'll know when. As said above they'll hide it. You have to be aware
The wife and I started making his food a few months ago just to get his weight down a bit. He has his energy back and doesn't struggle to get up at all.
You'll know when. As said above they'll hide it. You have to be aware
TimS
Silver $$ Contributor
I’ve had to put down my Lab at 12 years, and a mixed breed at 17 years. You will know. I could see it in their faces.
My 10 yo Labradoodle suffered a spinal cord injury early last year. No pain and she is in perfect spirits. She just walks funny especially on slick surfaces. We will keep her going as long as she wants. We don’t medicate or vaccinate her and make all of her food.
My 10 yo Labradoodle suffered a spinal cord injury early last year. No pain and she is in perfect spirits. She just walks funny especially on slick surfaces. We will keep her going as long as she wants. We don’t medicate or vaccinate her and make all of her food.
dusterdave173
Silver $$ Contributor
My friend is retired vet. She says after a long career that most every owner waits too long and that is just not fair to the animal .
She points out that We have to act in the pets best interest not our own to cut down on needless suffering
Life long dog owner here
That decision is the hardest one for sure but We have to be the adult and remember that part of the responsibility of being a pet owner is facing that day with only the pet in mind
She points out that We have to act in the pets best interest not our own to cut down on needless suffering
Life long dog owner here
That decision is the hardest one for sure but We have to be the adult and remember that part of the responsibility of being a pet owner is facing that day with only the pet in mind
Tangent
Silver $$ Contributor
I'd say, are they eating and can they wag their tail? Mine is eight now, he's not quite as quick or as strong on his back legs as he was, but just as clever as always when it comes to feeding time. He's having some Nutraquin+ now and I'm surprised how effective it is for his joints.
SSL
Gold $$ Contributor
Discuss it with your vet if you have a good one. As others have said, too many times stretching it out is for the owner and not in the dog's best interest.
And above all - do not leave your dog to pass without you. They are always there for us - it's the least we can do for them.
And above all - do not leave your dog to pass without you. They are always there for us - it's the least we can do for them.
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