When is it time? (Dog's struggles)

[coachgrd]

Maybe one of you fine folk have some experience in this department, this is my first go-round with a dying dog. I was told by the vet in mid November that ole' Bailey, our 12-year old golden retriever has a tumor in her snout that has blocked off much (he guessed 90%) of her breathing ability through her nose. (I would guess it is closer to 100% now.) This dog struggles all night long to sleep/breath. She now wants to go out 3-4 times/night The wife and I are getting little sleep because of her struggles. Quite frankly, her breathing (the dog's ) sounds like some of the loudest, continuous flatulation all night long.

Anyway, the Vet said there's little they can do for her at this time. He said that at some point we'll need to make a decision to put her down and he said that time would be when she's uncomfortable. She still greets us at the door wagging the tail. Still gets over-excited when visitors arrive but darn, listening to the poor dog breath is painful for us...I can only imagine what it's like for her. How will I know when it's time to say enough is enough...you've been a great family friend, but it's time to say goodbye?

 

[Jimmyp5]

So sorry to hear this. With our two great danes they were 13 and 14 really old for danes we knew it was time when the gray (the hypper one) went to the vet for a check up and we were told her kindeys are shutting down...we brought her home for a few days to say goodbyes and make arrangements, the day we took her to the vet, she coded on the table before any meds were even given, heart stopped. Our other one we knew it was time when she could not stand with out help and you could see the pain in her eyes. Frankly, if your dog is still standing, running and living life put up with the noise, you notice a change in her overnight when it is time. She will let you know when the time comes

Good luck, it is a sad time for everyone in the family.

 

[billbill1]

We went through the same thing with our toy poodle a couple of years ago, she had congestive heart problems and would cough because she couldn't breath well. We nursed her as long as we could and finally had to make the painful trip that ended her life. We haven't replace her, still not over her yet, is my guess. Don't allow her to suffer is the only thing I can share. Sorry to hear you and your family are going through this process, it's tough.

 

[MikePA]

Is the dog struggling to breath or just making a lot of noise by breathing through her mouth? If it's just the noise issue, have her sleep somewhere else. A dog breathing through their mouth is no different than a person doing it, i.e., snoring.

I don't understand the connection between the breathing problem and the need to go out 3 or 4 times a night. Does she 'go' when she goes out? Does she also have a digestive/urinary problem?

 

[randy41]

my guess is that she wants to go out during the night because she is restless from fighting to breath. we've always been able to tell when our dog has had it. they become listless and incapable of handling basic life necessities (walking, eating, controlling eliminations).

 

[dmccarty]

I think you will know when its time.

The last dog we had to put to sleep had to bouts with cancer. The second round was found during surgery and had spread all through her body. The vet asked if we wanted to put her to sleep on the table or sew her up and take her home. He figured she had a couple of months at best. We took her home and she made it a good six months. Towards the end it was very obvious that she was getting worse. When it was time to put her to sleep we knew.

After Chase died we where down to one dog from three. We know have two. My dog Kelly is 12 and not doing so well. She is having problem controlling her bowels from time to time. With the concrete floor its easy to clean up but she make a run to the door and leaves a trail....

She has been getting me up at about 2:00am every night since I got her. Now that we are in the country I take the dogs outside and we all do our business!

She also is having problem walking. The vet thinks she has a pinched nerve and she is own pain killers which seems to help but she is very wobbly on her feet. Not fun to watch since I can remember when Kelly used to play with and out run Whippets and jump off 10 foot tall cliffs as a puppy. Loved to watch her run. Kelly has to be with me like my shadow. She is a great and extraordinary dog. Not sure if one can get more than one dog like her in a lifetime.

You will know when it is time.

Later,
Dan

 

[bearhawk]

We have a 14 year old German Shepherd that gets up two or three times a night. She doesn't always do anything. I think restlessness is most of it.

But she doesn't always have control of her bowels. And she scares me daily as I walk past her, and I have to stop to see if she is still breathing.

She has a little trouble getting around, but she doesn't look like she is in pain.

I would think that would be the final call. Having her in pain would be the final straw.

A little trouble breathing would be reasonable, but a constant struggle just to breathe would be tough.

Tough call, I would play it day by day.

Jim

 

[tallyho8]

This is the most painful decision I have ever had to make in my life and I have made it several times with both dogs and horses.

I will not put an animal down simply because it is an inconvenience to me. When the animal shows signs of suffering and no longer enjoying life, then it is time for you to take the dreaded final step. If your animal has been well cared for and led a good life then there is no need for you to feel bad about having to help it reach the end of its life.

I find that it has always been easier for me if I have that animal's son, daughter, friend or replacement to go home to. It is awfully hard to go back to an empty home or barn......

 

[zzvyb6]

Keep this part of a Dog's Prayer in mind. They can't do the deed themselves:

...
And, beloved master, should the great Master
see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you. Rather,
hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest -
and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew,
my fate was ever safest in
your hands.

 

[silverking]

I have a similar breathing problem, at night, caused by allergies that are in this house and cant get rid of less I tear down and rebuild or move out (want to buy a nice home?) and it effects my sinuses so bad I cant breathe through my nose at all and I have to get up a few times to shake it off and try to take in a little water because it dries out my mouth so that may be whats happening there. As far as the time to do what needs to be done only you can say but it sounds like you have some good times left with that friend of yours so do what you have to do, it will be over all too soon anyways. I have had to put down......God I've lost count how many and it just plain sucks. Just thinking about it makes it hard for me to look at the healthy young ones I have now because I know they will go before me and I will have to make that choice again.

ZZVYB6, thats rather good, doesnt help but its good.