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Original poster

May have to decide to put our dog down in next 48hrs :(

17 replies

essenceofSES · 07/01/2010 11:04

We have 2 cocker spaniels. The older one (8yrs) was taken ill over new year with pancreatitis and resulting kidney problems. She's just finished her second course of treatment and although there's a v slight improvement, she's still not v well at all.

I'm obviously finding this quite upsetting but she is DH's dog really as he had her from a puppy before I knew him. He's thinking that it may just be kindest to have her put to sleep

He may well be right but I find the thought v difficult. Has anyone else found putting an animal down difficult to come to terms with?

Sorry for offload but stuck at home with teething DS (7mo) because of the snow so not having a great day.

OP posts:
midori1999 · 07/01/2010 11:20

I'm so sorry to read this, I really feel for you. I have never had to have a dog put to sleep, but have had to make the sad decisiont ohave three horses put to sleep due to illness, although one of those the illness was sort of age related.

It's a very hard decisioon to make, but one you owe to the animal to make. Too many people keep animals alive for too long because they can't bear the thought of making that final decision. I see it as the very last thing we can do for them, and no matter how hard it is, if she really is suffering, it is the kindest thing to do.

My thoughts really are with you.

minimu · 07/01/2010 11:29

I do know exactly how you are feeling. We had to have our cat put down on Christmas Eve. Also have had to do the same for dogs in the past.

It is the hardest decision to make but it is one a kind caring owner has to make when the time is right. Do discuss things with your vet they will have had obviously more experience re the prognosis.

I always have found I have had a huge amount of emotions from guilt to ethical debates with myself and then I look at the suffering animal and know it is the right thing to do.

What I have found helpful is that if you have more than one dog you will find the other dogs tend to ignore the ill dog. It is as if they do not exist and I somehow find this comforting that they have accepted the inevitable.

Sorry if I am rambling but I feel for you and although a difficult thing to do and you will feel rubbish it is the kindest thing to do in my opinion.

In my experience people tend to leave it too late rather than too soon

Take care

Original poster
essenceofSES · 07/01/2010 11:48

Thanks for replying.

minimu - that's exactly the debate I'm having with myself.

It seems both of you recognise that fine line between leaving it too long but making sure they have a good enough chance.

DH is going to visit her and talk to the vet this evening.

OP posts:
SingleMum01 · 07/01/2010 11:50

Oh poor you and DH. I had to make the decision to put my Irish Wolfhound dog to sleep 2 years ago, he was a great age of 14.5. He had a stroke and lost the use of his back legs. I took advise of the vet (they really know best) and gave him 48 hours to see if he got better. I felt the decision was really made for me as he couldn't go to the toilet, i couldn't help him as he was too big. i remember it quite clearly - he was looking at me, almost pleading for me to let him go. My XH didn't want to have him put down (we chose the dog together, but he was always my dog) It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made but I know it was the right one. He had a good life.

I think as an owner you know your dog and how they feel and you have to let them go.

Bella32 · 07/01/2010 11:54

Am so sorry that you are in this situation. I've had many pets put to sleep over the years, and when I was a vet nurse I helped put animals to sleep.
I actually view it as a huge blessing that we are able to end a beloved pet's suffering in a very fast, painless way.
IME many people struggle with the decision and consequently many animals suffer too long. Vets are also understandably reluctant to push the decision from the owner : people need time to come to terms.
Putting a dog to sleep is so quick - as soon as the needle goes in the animal dies really - the most peaceful and untraumatic way to go.
Good luck with the decision. If you're not sure ask the vet what they'd do for their own animal Very sorry for you all.

P.s. Minimu - very sorry to hear about your cat x

Original poster
essenceofSES · 07/01/2010 12:59

Update: DH has phoned and is thinking of picking her up from the ve this evening. He reckons the vet can give us a tablet to give her so that she dies at home.
Bella - does that sound right?
Not sure I can handle that but then I did want to see her again...
I really need to defer to what DH wants to do as she is like his first baby and means so much to him.

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 07/01/2010 13:32

sorry to hear tham

putting a dearly belobed pet to sleep is always hard

what does the vet reconemd? more antib's or putting to sleep?

if you did use the tablet,then what would you do with the body - may be easier to have done at vets xxx

Bella32 · 07/01/2010 14:20

Essence - not afaik, certainly not in UK.

Vets will come to your house and put the dog to sleep there if you prefer, and take the body away if you wish.

HTH

Original poster
essenceofSES · 07/01/2010 15:22

Thanks (again!)

Spoke to DH again and he seems to think a friend of his used a tablet at home for their dog.
I told him I'd support him whatever he decided as she is predominantly his dog but just wanted him not to look back and not regret giving her another 48hrs. He said he feels he may not win as if he gives her another 48hrs, he may regret giving her another 48hrs suffering.

He's going to go and see her and talk to the vet at some point between 4 and 5pm. Wish I could go too but thick snow + teething 7mo + other dog left here alone, probably not best plan.

OP posts:
Original poster
essenceofSES · 07/01/2010 19:02

Thank you for all your support and kind words. Unfortunately when DH got to the vet, she'd started passing blood so the difficult decision was taken to end her pain. They gave her an injection whilst DH was there with her.

OP posts:
Bella32 · 07/01/2010 19:05

Aw - so sorry, essence, but unquestionably the right thing to do.

Go easy on yourselves x

Batteryhuman · 07/01/2010 19:08

So sorry about your dog. Right thing to do but so hard.

everlong · 07/01/2010 19:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

minimu · 07/01/2010 19:11

So so sorry that was the outcome but definately the right thing to do. Thinking of you

bedlambeast · 07/01/2010 19:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
essenceofSES · 08/01/2010 11:08

Thanks everyone.
Slowly coming to terms with the loss of Jessie. Our other dog could smell Jessie on DH last night and initially got all excited and then all sad so I think she knows.

In due course we'll get another dog to keep her company. Don't want to rush into it but might be an idea to have a new dog settled in before I go back to work from ML at end of Feb.

OP posts:
FabIsGoingToBeFabIn2010 · 08/01/2010 11:11

Oh love . That has made me cry.

I was in floods when my hamster had to be put to sleep, stupid idiot that I am, but a dog is so much more a family member. I am so sorry for you all.

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