Would I be wrong to consider euthanasia for our older dog?

10 replies

Dogdilemma01 · Yesterday 13:23

I feel that it is justified and time to let him go, but my Husband and children (16 and 19) don’t agree/ are making the decision more difficult. Hence I am posting here hoping to gauge opinion to help me. For context, all decisions of this type get left to me.
We have 4 dogs ages 11,10, 4 and 1. All have been, and are, loved and well cared for.
The older two both have myelopathy in their spines which over time has resulted in progressive weakness of their hind legs and reduced bowel control. Myelopathy is NOT painful.The 10 year old is affected the most and now has no awareness of needing to go, so can’t ‘ask’ to go out. He is let out frequently throughout each day as there’s pretty much always someone at home.
He has poo accidents on average 3-6 times a day and often the others either tred on the poo or in the case of the 1 year old, eat it. The 11 year old also struggles with her bowels but its more predictable and so easier to manage.
The 10 year olds mobility is really deteriorating now and whilst he can still walk, its difficult and he drags his feet to some degree. He lives for food ( its pretty much all he has ever been interested in alongside walks) but he cant be fed much now as due to poor mobility he piles on weight. He scavenges for food though ( we have lots of fruit trees and berries bushes) which probably makes his bowels worse.
I feel its time to let him go, both for his sake and my stress levels, but the family are piling on the guilt. Al I really so awful for considering this?

OP posts:

Lemonpossett · Yesterday 13:26

If you want an honest answer…. Yes you are ‘awful’ if he’s not in pain and still has quality of life…. Enjoying food…. Picking up his poos is the least you can do for him after giving you years of love.

Anon4778 · Yesterday 13:26

I agree with you in these circumstances it’s kinder to pts. I say this as a huge dog lover and emotional person who lost my own beloved dog not long ago. It’s the hardest thing in the world but this isn’t fair on anyone.

Can I ask if the other family members are cleaning up after his accidents?

Dearg · Yesterday 13:27

No, you are right to think of what is best for the dog as he is now. I would probably talk to my vet who can advise you more dispassionately and help you decide.

Your family sound like they are thinking selfishly. It’s a hard thing to do, but usually for the best.

Twiglets1 · Yesterday 13:28

I don't think you would be wrong to put the incontinent dog(s) to sleep.

Maybe I'm cold but I couldn't tolerate poo accidents 3-6 times a day.

I feel sorry for you that your family won't support you in this, especially your husband. I hope he is at least helping to clear up the poo accidents.

fancytoes · Yesterday 13:29

Of course you’re not being unreasonable. I’m a dog lover but stress levels for you are going to make you ill. Poor thing, it can’t be fun for him, either despite not being in pain….

Original poster

Dogdilemma01 · Yesterday 13:31

My Husband, and to some extent my older child will pick up poo but majority of the time it’s me here so I do it. The young dog will often start to eat it though if I don’t literally see him in the act, which then spreads the poo all over the kitchen floor. This means I have to mop/ sanitize the floor daily too. It’s not easy as I have chronic health issues myself and suffer a lot of fatigue which is another factor.

OP posts:

Twiglets1 · Yesterday 13:35

Dogdilemma01 · Yesterday 13:31

God that sounds incredibly stressful.

Doesn't your husband care about your health issues and stress levels? I think it's really unfair that they are leaving you to mainly deal with the problem and then not listening when you are clearly struggling.

Newuser75 · Yesterday 13:39

Of course you aren’t awful to think about putting him to sleep. He has a degenerative condition which is worsening and is incontinent.
for a previously housetrained dog going in the house can be incredibly stressful for them. And of course you have to consider yourself and the hygiene of your house. As a long time animal owner I wouldn’t say it was the wrong thing to do at all.

estrogone · Yesterday 13:42

Your dog will be distressed, not only at the poo situation but at your stress.

Our responsibility as pet owners is to make hard decisions in their best interests. No matter how painful.

You are doing the right thing considering all options. Perhaps talk to your vet about a quality of life check.

CremeDeMure · Yesterday 13:51

Lemonpossett · Yesterday 13:26

Hard disagree with this.

Even if not in pain, it is distressing for dogs to soil themselves and no longer be mobile. The dragging of toes will start causing sores and while the myelopathy itself may not be painful, it causes unequal muscle use and puts excess strain onto other parts of the body.

Using emotive language like this to guilt a dog owner into keeping a dog alive is unhelpful. Dog ownership should bring joy, not just hard work and stress.

Flip