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Original poster

I think I need to have my dog put to sleep?

54 replies

Milosmum19 · 19/11/2019 09:22

I know this is the wrong place , but please I need some advice and I’m expecting a call from the vet .

My 8 year old staffie has had seizures for the last 3 years . They have gradually become medication resistant and I was warned the combination of the two lots of pills he’s on now is pretty much his last hope And I needed to prepare myself . He’s suffered multiple health problems over the years, but he is the loyalist, loveliest , kindest, softest dog imaginable and I’ve spent thousands keeping him healthy (he’s classed as uninsurable) .
However the medication has only been controlling the seizures to fortnightly, each getting worse in strength and the time it takes him to come round and to return to himself.
This mornings started around 4 woken up by his screams I went downstairs to him. Usually my company calms him, he just needs me to sit and talk calmly , stroke him and he’s fine . I’ve noticed with previous fits he is becoming more aggressive, but as long as I was alone I was able to manage him and he would calm for me .
Not today , I genuinely found myself very very scared. His whole demeanour was that of a different dog, he was using his body to try and intimidate me , forcing me in to a corner and there was no recognition whatsoever . I had to grab a bag of treats and every time he came close throw one to the other side of the room . He tried to attack my crated other dog , and this went on till 7 am when he finally seemed himself and came towards me and laid at my feet.
I know people might say leave him in a room alone , we tried that when he first started having them and it made his distress worse and he ended up seriously hurting himself .

I know this is my responsibility and I couldn’t bear him hurting someone else , but the thought of putting him to sleep breaks my heart?
Can anyone give me some advice please

OP posts:
adaline · 19/11/2019 09:24

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this OP Thanks

I think the kindest option all round would be to have your lovely dog put to sleep. Remember there are much worse fates for a dog than a peaceful and humane passing.

Hugs to you x

MatildaTheCat · 19/11/2019 09:27

I would advise asking the vet to visit you at home with a view to making the hardest yet kindest decision.

Best wishes.

NoSauce · 19/11/2019 09:27

How awful for you. I agree with you OP. Sometimes we have to make the decision to let them go as devastating as it is. I think it’s time. So sorry Flowers

Original poster
Milosmum19 · 19/11/2019 09:29

Thank you for your kindness , I just feel so guilty like I am giving up on him. We rescued him as a pup , barely any fur from mange and the first year was a nightmare, but we got through it , and we have got through his numerous health problems since when the expense has caused many people to say is it worth it. I just feel like I’m giving up on him?

If you saw him now you wouldn’t think a few hours ago was possible, but what if I’m not here when the next one happens , what if he bites one of my family that’s all that keeps playing in my head.

OP posts:
adaline · 19/11/2019 09:31

You're not giving up.

You're doing the kindest thing for him.

Thanks
NoSauce · 19/11/2019 09:33

You’re absolutely not giving up on him. You’ve done everything possible for him, including giving him a wonderful life and rescuing him. It is the kindest thing to do OP. Terrible for you of course but I think you know deep down it’s the right thing.

You’ve tried your best.

DriftingLeaves · 19/11/2019 09:34

It would be a kindness to him.

MasakaBuzz · 19/11/2019 09:35

A close friend of mine had a lurcher from puppyhood. It had severe epilepsy. A young dog who should have been running around enjoying life, was dragging himself around spending most of his time confused.

At 5 she made the decision his quality of life was so poor, that it was time.

Desperately sad because he was a beautiful, good natured dog, but he deserved better from his life. The right decision.

hiredandsqueak · 19/11/2019 09:35

So sorry OP Flowers, he has been loved and lived a good life and now is the time to let him go because you love him.

Si1ver · 19/11/2019 09:36

This is the right decision for you and for him and I say this as someone currently lying on a bed with a staffy resting her head on my stomach.

Far better to let him go and stop his pain, and remember him as the kind, soft, loyal dog he was.

Winterdaysarehere · 19/11/2019 09:37

You would be saving him op.
From pain, and confusion and suffering.
The final kindness is making the decision...

MaxNormal · 19/11/2019 09:39

It's the right decision, think about how much your lovely dog would hate to hurt and scare you.

Original poster
Milosmum19 · 19/11/2019 09:40

That’s it, I know over the last year especially his quality of life has gone downhill . He used to love running free on walks, but it’s just not possible now because the epilepsy has made him unstable around other dogs , and he gets very distressed by little things and his energy levels have gone right down and he does seem to want nothing more than to be left in peace on the sofa .

Thank you all , I know what I have to do for his sake and I always promised myself I would do it for him , but I’m being selfish a little and imagining life without him.

OP posts:
RavenLG · 19/11/2019 10:09

Oh OP what an awful situation Flowers

I'd definitely call your vet and have a chat. If the medication isn't controlling the seizures anymore he could be in pain or it's at least making it stressful for him, and you and your other pets / family members are not safe then I think you know what is best to do.

Voiletgold · 19/11/2019 10:19

You are not giving up on him at all. It's not selfish imaging life without him, of course you will miss him he's part of the family. I think it's sounds like it's time to give him a peaceful passing x

joystir59 · 19/11/2019 10:22

Be kind to all of you and let him go over the Rainbow Bridge where his spirit can run pain free

Trixie121 · 19/11/2019 11:00

As a total animal lover and someone who has suffered seizures since the age of 9 this really broke my heart.
I do no that after having a seizure you can do things that are completely out of character such as aggression and don't even realise or remember, maybe it is the same for dogs?
I would go and talk to the vet and see if there is any other options to explore but if this is going to be his life in and out of seizures maybe it would be kinder to have him put to sleep but only you know this for sure from the frequency and intensity of the seizure.
Please don't feel like your giving up on him so may wouldn't have come this far. I wish you all the best and I hope you find a resolution x x

FernArable · 19/11/2019 11:59

Another one here to show you support during this hard time. It honestly sounds like the best thing for him would be to let him go. His aggression is most likely in reaction to severe pain and it sounds like he is quickly heading towards no quality of life.
Certainly get the vet to see him and talk it through with them but don’t feel guilty if the decision is to put him to sleep. You don’t want your last memories of him to be him hurting you, or worse hurting someone else.

OurChristmasMiracle · 19/11/2019 12:04

Oh OP how utterly heart breaking, but the medication is no longer working effectively, and he is suffering and so are you. The last thing you want is for him to attack you and that be the last memory you have. Much better to let him go to sleep now, knowing he was loved and cared for and remember the loving kind dog that you knew than to watch him suffer and change into a dog you no longer recognise.

ErrolTheDragon · 19/11/2019 12:15

So heartbreaking, but as everyone else has said, it does sound as though now is the time to give him peace.
It's probably in the bests interests of your other dog too, being attacked even if physically safe in a crate isn't something you want to risk happening again I'm sure.Thanks

Kittykat150 · 19/11/2019 12:26

😔 I feel your pain but, sadly his time has come. You've given him a amazing life, saved him, loved him and inreturn he's been a amazing dog, the best.
It's okay to feel selfish about letting him go but if he's becoming aggressive with his seizures he's only gonna get worse with them.
Just be with him till the end.
Much love sending your way xxx

Countrysidelover2 · 19/11/2019 13:10

Cbd oil? It's been tested on dogs with epilepsy / seizures. Not sure on others opinions but I'd try anything if it could help my dog x

TARSCOUT · 19/11/2019 13:12

It s never an easy decision to make but you have no choice,it would be cruel not to do it.

CaptainCabinets · 19/11/2019 13:17

I have a lump in my throat after reading that and looking at my snoozing boy so I can’t imagine how you must feel. Flowers

He must be so confused and frightened each time it happens so I think the time might’ve come to do him the biggest kindness you can and let him go. It’s an awful life for him and for you now. We’re all here for you ❤️

QuestionableMouse · 19/11/2019 14:01

Sounds like his quality of life is very poor. Couple that with his aggressive reaction and the kindest thing you can do is put him to sleep.

Better a day too soon than an hour too late.

On a practical note, if he bites you badly when you're home alone you could end up in a very bad situation where potentially the police are called to shoot him to save you. That would be massively traumatic for both of you. Let him go now without guilt. A peaceful passing is the greatest gift you can give a pet.