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How do you know when it’s the right time to put your pet down?

My dog is 13 and has heart disease. He’s been on medication for a while. He is losing his appetite and throwing up a lot of fluid. He is sometimes struggling with breathing. Last week he had two decent days but the rest were not good. I’m often laying with him in his dog bed rubbing his back which seems to help him sleep at night. Today the vet examined him and changed the doseage of his medication and told me he really doesn’t feel well. We will talk tomorrow/Wednesday about putting him down

He is my baby. I don’t want him to suffer. I need to make sure I’m doing the right thing
Yes, when it’s clear his quality of life has faded. My cat got to the point that she cried when I touched her. I had her cancer treated but it wasn’t helping. So I had to make that sad decision.
I’m so sorry that you’re facing this. 😞
tindrummer · M
@bijouxbroussard We had to do the exact same thing with our Smokey. 😥
ozgirl512 · 26-30, F
I think that time might be now... It's so hard... Been through it with several 4 legged friends and it never gets any easier
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
I have had to do this.. Its hard. And its right that you stay with his to see it through, just like he has always been there for you. Unlike you he has no idea of his own mortality, so be sure hes not ever alone.😷
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Piper · 61-69, F
There is no harder or more painful decision I've ever had to make, than the one you are facing. I'm sorry.
I know I have waited [b]too[/b] long, more than once, because of my [i]own[/i] feelings. It feels like such a betrayal, to end the life of a being who trusts you, that depends on you to be helping them.

My dog is 12, and has heart disease. Every time I can entice her to consume her crucial medications is a "hallelujah" moment of the day. I hope you will know and be sure, when it is the right time. If he is suffering more than than the times he is not? It is probably time.
Jenny1234 · 51-55, F
@Piper it really does feel like I’m betraying him.
Piper · 61-69, F
@Jenny1234 I understand. It has for me, somehow, every time. Even those times I know I waited too long, it's felt that way.
Today for several hours now, with own dog, has been an agony of indecision about whether or not to take her to her...our veterinarian. I suspect fluid has built up, due to her laboring heart. I'm about to call them
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Jenny1234 · 51-55, F
I’m so relieved I didn’t put him down! We’ve been given a second chance!

Update on my dog: four days on new meds and he’s almost back to his old self! He’s gone outside twice this morning to play in the snow. His appetite is back although he still doesn’t want his dog food so I have been cooking for him - fish, roasted chicken, ground beef, and more. He is back to following me all around the house.

I’m so relieved I didn’t put him down! We’ve been given a second chance!

I know this is all temporary and his health will fail again. It’s the disease. But at that point I will be better prepared
Senecaa · 70-79, M
@Jenny1234 @Jenny1234 that's good to hear you've been given a second chance hope it goes well ☺️
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SubstantialKick · 31-35, M
I'm sorry. This must be pretty tough to watch your dog suffer, and have to decide if it would be best to just let them go.
Lilymoon · F
You really should start thinking about it soon.
It's heartbreaking but he's suffering.
Jenny1234 · 51-55, F
Update on my dog: all of his med dosages have doubled and they’ve put him on medical marijuana. Hopefully we will see improvement. If not, the only thing left is to put him down.
ozgirl512 · 26-30, F
@Jenny1234 good luck...
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
@Jenny1234 Well I cant fault the effort you are putting in to keep him comfortable. Make every day count with him..😷
Adaydreambeliever · 56-60, F
@Jenny1234 It's hard and I do feel for you, it's a horrible decision to have to make.

I think for me, the decision is, if changing the medication will help him feel well, I'd let him life.. if not and if nothing can be done to relieve his suffering then that's when I would consider letting him go.

It sounds like it's worth seeing how he is on the new med regime
Peapod · 61-69, F
I think the time has come. Struggling to breathe cannot be fun and it sounds like he is showing you signs of being restless and uncomfortable.

I'm sorry. I completely understand how hard the decision is.
BigBulge · 41-45, M
Sorry to say that he's suffering.
I'm sure you don't want that for him.
I think you know what you have to do.
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WaryWitchWandering · 36-40, F
Now… it’s really hard to do, but it’s the right choice if the days are more bad than good for him

I am sorry, and have gone through this a couple times…. It sucks as you would be choosing for your pet rather than yourself. So hard saying goodbye, and I know what you mean by fear it may not be the “right thing”… I kept worrying I was “jumping the gun”, but deep down I knew it was time
SW-User
When they're suffering too much and there's no solution
reflectingmonkey · 51-55, M
I had to go through this decision so I totally understand. she was everything to me. I had decided that as long as she seems to enjoy life I was going to help her the best I can. she could hardly walk, she was a bit senile but she still had spunk. then one day I saw in her eyes that her joy and passion for life was gone and in that moment I called the vet and told them that I'm coming over and to open the back door for me as I didn't want to see any of the clients. I think when its not fun anymore its time to set them free. in a way, the question is, would putting him down rob him of good days to come or free him from a miserable existence. and for sure, there is no perfect split, I did wonder if I had done the right thing, its a heavy burden and easier for us if life just takes care of it and we don't but sometimes we have to step in an free them.
Docdon23 · M
I totally get this one...having had to put several pets down. Right now my kitty is 22 years old. She does not seem to be in pain, but she has slowed down and I know the end is near...we talk about it every day.
dancingtongue · 80-89, M
Given his age, his diagnosis, his breathing troubles, and the Vet's obvious encouragement -- I would say it is the right thing. Not easy to do and you really have to feel -- accept -- in your gut that it is the right thing to do. But in my experience, in every one of these difficult situations, the pet has looked up as if to say "thank you for alleviating my suffering". I realize that the sedatives they give them first has an effect, and that the look also could be interpreted as undying trust and faith in you. But I think it is more than that.
Senecaa · 70-79, M
I feel for you having to decide what to do n don't envy you having to go through what you are are n what your dogs going through at the moment. A sorry to hear that you are n your dog being so poorly. Am sure you'll know when you feel it's the right time n know it won't be easy. Sorry it's like this for you both my thoughts are with you both.❤️
curiosi · 61-69, F
I'm so sorry, the loss of a pet is incredibly painful. When the vet said "He really doesn't feel well" sounds like an urging. Ultimately the decision is up to you and what ever you decide your dog will understand.
Unfortunately, you're getting close to "that time" - time to be making this last day or two with him as memorable as you can for yourself...
Jenny1234 · 51-55, F
Thank you to everyone who is responding. I needed to hear all of this to make sure I would be doing the right thing.
Carla · 61-69, F
You are.
It will be one of the hardest things you will ever do. It is also one of the kindest and least selfish.
fun4us2b · M
You just finally accept that he's not able to get better...sorry to hear...
When they have less life to enjoy vs pain to endure, its time.
iamonfire696 · 41-45, F
I had to take my dog in august. He was 19. It’s really hard but it’s probably time to take him 😢.

 
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