My parents want to put down our dog. Are their reasons behind this decision ethical?
ByOur dog is 14 years old, and the average lifespan of a Black Labrador is 10-12 years. Within the past year, she has lost most of her sight and hearing. She has arthritis in her legs and although we have pills, sometimes they aren’t strong enough and she can not stand up or walk up the stairs (since it started snowing, my parents have had to carry our dog up and down the porch stairs when she goes to the bathroom). The vet said the pills diminish any pain she feels in her legs which may sometimes make them numb. I love our dog, we’ve had her since I was 6 years old. We don’t play with her much anymore, considering my sister and I are older and the dog can’t really run or see well. My parents have been discussing putting her down, but I was wondering is that humane because she isn’t really in any pain? Are her other symptoms reason enough? I love her, and as much as I would like her to stay with us for as long as she can, is it more reasonable to put her to sleep or have her live out the rest of her life blind, deaf, and barely being able to walk? Please help!
*She has been on meds for about two years now, we keep refilling the prescriptions.
*Thanks for all of your sympathy and help
29 Comments
March 13th, 2010 at 12:45 am
Choosing to put an animal to sleep is always a hard decision. If your dog is really struggling to walk, then combined with her being deaf and blind, I would say she does not have a very good quality of life. I think it would be reasonable to euthanase under these circumstances, rather than waiting until her pain is uncontrollable.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:35 am
hm working at a vet i’ve seen this soo many times. but if the medications aren’t working properly as your dog can’t walk properly adn can’t see or hear it sounds like it’s time. You want your dog to be happy and to remember the dog for who it was. happy and healthy.
Hard decision but you must do whats best for a dog.
March 13th, 2010 at 2:01 am
As hard as it is to put an animal down, put yourself in your dog’s shoes.
Would you like to lay on the floor all day because your legs don’t work?
March 13th, 2010 at 2:07 am
That’s a decision for your family and the vet. You need to weigh all the factors
March 13th, 2010 at 2:56 am
Honestly… When I put my dog down I was distroyed for years… But I know it was better of to put her down while I loved her istead of me putting her down out of hate ( she pee and pood in the house for last 2 years wake me up every half hour to go out or just simply did her bussiness on my bed ! ) When You at least expect it she will look in your eyes with love and will let you know she suffers and it’s time to let go. It’s the hardest thing in the world and I can’t imagine saying goodbye to my dog again… but it is part of life… Good luck and hang in there,
March 13th, 2010 at 3:10 am
That is always a hard decision to make. With out seeing your dog it’s hard to say but when it starts to get were they can’t walk it may be time. Though they may not be in physical pain when it gets to the point that they can’t get themselves in and out of the house it may be time. Listen to your dog since they usually have a way of telling those closest to them what they want.
March 13th, 2010 at 4:00 am
well, I’d think about the dog herself. Is she happy blind, deaf, and nearly crippled? Put yourself nearly paralyzed, numb at the legs, unable to see or hear. You can make you decision from there. By the way, I’m very, very sorry about the stuff your dog’s going through. she lived a great, long life, if you decide to put her down or not.
March 13th, 2010 at 4:36 am
it depends on the quality of life the dog has..if shes not showing any kind of pain some people wont put them down..
personally if my dog cant get around, has alot of medical issues i would do whats right for my companion..
(my dog had cancer, her quality of life was greatly diminished and i made the decision in Oct to go ahead and let her go..i couldnt think of me anymore..i had to think of her…)
just talk to your parents and ask them..whats better..having the dog around all medicated, not being able to walk, or letting her go to end the suffering (medications do help dull the pain but it doesnt get rid of it…
good luck..
remember its not the quantity of life that matters..its the quality of life..
March 13th, 2010 at 4:51 am
I would put her down. I know you love her to death, but she is probably very miserable. It would be better if you just put her to sleep so she doesn’t have to suffer. I’m sorry.
March 13th, 2010 at 5:47 am
It sounds to me like her “quality of life” is greatly diminished. I bet she is in pain, but she just doesn’t let you know. Dogs are silly like that. I think it is humane to help our canine companions cross the rainbow bridge when it is their time to go.
It is hard, and I wish you and her the best of luck.
March 13th, 2010 at 6:27 am
She is in pain though. She’s just taking medicine to help control it. It’s a tough decision and what you really have to look at is the quality of her life. Maybe you should join the discussion your parents are having and share your opinion as well. For the record, I don’t think your parents are being unethical at all. I would probably be asking myself the same questions in that situation.
March 13th, 2010 at 7:00 am
I understand what you are going through. I recently had to make the decision to have my dog of 15years put to sleep. But at first I could not make the choice, I took her to the vet got every type of pain meds I could. This was really for me not the best decision for her. She could not walk or go to the toilet on her own for the last week of her life I carried her everywhere. My mum made me see how wrong I was to do this to her. She had a long and loving life with me and I was just being selfish. My vet came out to the house to put her to sleep. She was surrounded by all of my family and my other dogs where by her side. So really do you want her to suffer. We really don’t know what goes on in their heads so she really could be in pain.
March 13th, 2010 at 7:38 am
this is always a hard thing to think of . lots of things need considered such as the pet’s and owner’s quality of life, the ability to give the pet long term care, and the pain that that et is in. it is reasonable to say that the dog is likely in pain, though you did not say what meds the dog is taking, i assume rimadyl or metacam or dermaxx. These meds are nsaids….anti inflammatory that reduce the swelling and pain related to arthritis but they do not restore any past function
March 13th, 2010 at 8:17 am
If you can’t see and can’t hear, and your loved one is living a miserable life because of the fact that you are still alive. Do you want to live? or do you want to do yourself and everyone around you a huge favorite?
On top of that dogs want to please their owner, and by living like this they’re not and they know it.
We all love our dogs, and right now you have to do the best for your dog, which is to stop his suffering.
March 13th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Her quality of life is drastically deteriorated. I am assuming she is on Carprofen/Rimadyl, which while they do help with the pain, they destroy the internal organs with prolonged use. It’s always hard to choose euthanasia, but you are just trying to prolong the inevitable while she is miserable.
March 13th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Sometimes it’s the dogs quality of life that you have to take into consideration when making this difficult decision.If the quality isn’t good then it’s usually time, you put you dogs down with love and concern, wanting what’s best for your dog, friend. It’s hard but when the time is right it’s the best thing for your dog. I’m sorry you will have to go through this. Try to think of the good times you had with your dog and what a good life your family gave her.
March 13th, 2010 at 9:24 am
well you would have to think about this long and hard. if she is feeling no pain and is happy then dont put her down but if u can tell she is in pain and is bothered that she cant see, walk, or hear good then i would put her down. if she is enjoying life then let her live it out. remember though, if you do put her down she will feel no pain and she wont be suffering.
p.s….heres a tip. since ur dog is getting old and her time is short then spend as much time with her as u can. dont make the mistake i did with my dog and regret not spending time with her right before she goes. i had the same situation with my dog and i never spent time with him and one day he ran away and i never saw him again so dont make the same mistake. i miss and <3 u joey :[
March 13th, 2010 at 9:31 am
i’m going through the same thing right now. our dog that we have had since i was about 4 is deaf, going blind, and her back legs don’t have the strength to carry her. and i know how u feel not wanting to do it. but it’s probably whats best for her. we are about to go to the vet to have it done. even without the pain. she is probably still miserable. i know i would be. but its still u to you and your parents and sister.
hope this helps. and i really am sorry.
March 13th, 2010 at 9:54 am
sounds as if i would put her down. what kind of life does she have. waiting for someone to take her in and out. no sight, hearing. no play time, sounds depressing to me.
March 13th, 2010 at 10:21 am
I know it is hard to put an animal down, but sometimes you just have to do what is best for the dog. I had to put a cat down, and it comes down to the quality of the dogs life. If it can’t run around and play and is blind and arthritis in her legs. Is it really worth it to the dog to be suffering. You may not think she’s suffering because she isn’t in pain. Well in her mind she is probably suffering due to the fact that she can’t get up and down the stairs herself, she can’t see, her legs probably do hurt, you just don’t realize it. My mom’s dog had the same problem. She was very old, and Then after awhile we ended up carrying her up and down the stairs, and then she just collapsed and wouldn’t get up. I think you would rather have put her down to remember her in a better state, knowing she’s not suffering anymore, than letting it get so bad that you will feel so bad for not helping her out sooner and knowing she is suffering terribly.. But again, it is your families choice and only yours. Good luck.
March 13th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Although it seems like a tough decision, your parents reasons are ethical. Your dog is probably frightened and in pain, because she can’t see and by the sounds of it her legs aren’t working very well. The kindest thing you can do is make her comfortable and discuss it with your vet. I’m sure you dont like seeing her that way, and it would be kinder for her to pass away with her family in a vet’s office then from painful complications while shes alone.
March 13th, 2010 at 11:09 am
YEAH IF I WERE YOU I WOULD PUT HER TO SLEEP WE HAD TO DO THE SAME THING SHE WAS 15 1/2
BUT I KNOW THAT I DID THE RIGHT THING
AT LEAST SHES NOT SUFFERING NOW
March 13th, 2010 at 11:52 am
I would only have a dog put down if it is in constant pain and not enjoying life. As long as it is happy and wags its tail, life is worth living.
Silly question: if your mother gets arthritis and loses her sight, does she want to be put down?
I don’t believe in taking the life of anyone/anything unless it is necessary. However, I would ask the opinion of the vet, who can see more objectively and has a good idea of whether your dog is suffering.
March 13th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
I think your parents are right for wanting her put to sleep even though it is really upsetting as you have had her so long she is part of your family and your parents wouldn’t go into this light heartedly.It is not fair to keep her this way as she has no quality life she can’t even go the toilet when she wants.I think it’s better she goes this way i think she would want that.I feel for you as this happened to me i had my dog from 6 to 16 so good luck and sorry for you situation.
March 13th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
My rule has always been not to keep a beloved pet alive for me. If she isn’t happy and is in pain, perhaps its time to let her go?
It really sounds as if her quality of life isn’t great, so perhaps, as hard as it is, it may be time.
The love of my life, Treen was in this situation last year. It was 1am’ and I’d decided it was time to let him go. I prayed that God ease his suffering and told Yeren how much I loved him and what a great not he had been. I was sitting on the ground with him holding him while my husband was getting the car, and he let go in my arms. I thank God that I didn’t have to make that drive to the ER to put him down, but I would have.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
she’s had a long, good life, let her go now. it’s for the best.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Just because a vet says they have no pain dose not mean that are not feeling pain. As a person who takes pain meds they do not take all the pain away. She as lost her site and other things will go wrong. It is just old age. I had the same decision to make, I had my little gut put to sleep. I just could not watch him suffer the way he was.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
I believe it’s more the quality of life that depends on wether to ut a dog down here are some poems that may help
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND
You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.
That strength is why I’ve followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years…
My partner ’til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You’re giving, means to me, It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I’ll stay.
I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll run,
…a young dog once again
May I Go Now?
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I ‘ve lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go
I really do.
It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I’ll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you’ll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that’s why it’s hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
March 13th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Dogs are masters at hiding pain, and you probably don’t realize all the pain your dog is in. I am so sorry your family is going through this.
May I Go Now?
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I’ve lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn’t want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go
I really do.
It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I’ll not be far,
I promise that, and hope you’ll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
that’s why it’s hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you’ll let me go today
Susan A. Jackson
PUT ME TO REST
Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
It’s better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.
I’m happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
I’ve been so ill, so it’s not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.
Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.
Don’t be sad, I’ll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you’ll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.
Thank you for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now is the time to say goodbye
Put me to rest.