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Hard decision about euthanasia?
I have 2 miniature schnauzers I am very concerned about, ages 15 years and 12 years old. The 15 year old (Dixie) is going deaf and blind, losing weight and seems to be having some dementia, as she has started eating poop and pee. She is almost incontinent, but with frequent trips outside we can keep the accidents in the house to a minimum. The 12 year old (Dandy) has lost bowel control and randomly drops poop anywhere, I don't think she is cognizant of it. She is also having difficulty using her back legs due to arthritis. They pretty much don't have quality of life, but have life. I am torn on how long I should keep them going or should I set them free. I guess I am asking your opinions, what would you do with the same situations? I know the decision will have to be made eventually, but not sure if I'm ready to make that decision.
Yeah, tried doggie diapers. They don't stay on well. They are crated at night and when I'm at work. I'm not worried about the incontinence so much, just the quality of life. I don't mind cleaning up after them, they have been a part of my life for so long it's just part of having an elderly dog.
Thanks for your responses. I do think Dixie (15) is pretty much a happy dog. Dandy (12) I don't think is in as good of shape physically/mentally. I also have Dandy's sister (Cricket) and she is fine, no health problems. I guess Cricket got the better hand when the genes were passed out. Dixie is both Dandy and Cricket's mother. They also share our home with a 6 year old cat and 2 year old Rottweiler.
Dixie (15) had a stroke about 6 months ago. I thought that was the beginning of the end, but she recovered well and hasn't had another since. I think I'll just keep on doing what we are doing as long as they don't decline. If they do we will re-evaluate the situation at that time.
5 Answers
- Bonzie12Lv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Sounds exactly like what I went through with my 10 year old GSD last January. it was a hard decision but one I made because I knew my dog was not happy, I could see it in her eyes when she looked at me. She went through just what your dogs are going through now and I knew it was time to let her go. I think you know that too, but need some support. You are doing the right thing for both of your dogs and giving them the final loving gift you can give them. God Bless you and you will do the right thing.
- ?Lv 61 decade ago
You are the only person that could make that decision. It is not easy. If you do decide that putting your dog down is the best choice for your dog ask to see if the vet will come to your house to do it. Most vets will and I think it makes it much easier for the dog and also much better for the owner. I had a dog that was about 14 when she started to go blind, she was also loosing her hearing and did have many accidents in the house, but she was still a happy dog so we decided to wait and see(she ended up going naturally at age 17).
- 1 decade ago
If they have life in the fact that they still come to you, wag their tails, and look overall happy, then I think they still want to stick around. You don't seem to mind cleaning up after them. My only concern is Dixie's weight loss and eating of poop. You may want to see if there is a special diet you can put her on to make her last little bit of time on earth more pleasant.
- SocionLv 61 decade ago
Doggy diapers.
As difficult as the toilet problems are to manage, I wouldn't put my dog down just yet, not without reason to believe s/he is in chronic pain that can't be managed with medication. To a dog, being incontinent doesn't equate to suffering. Heck, there are plenty of humans who are incontinent and manage to live satisfying lives. And young dogs who are deaf and/or blind aren't put down for that.
I know how difficult it is to watch arthritis slow a dog down. Take it on a day-by-day basis. You will know when she is too debilitated to go on.
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- 1 decade ago
I myself have had to make that decision, and we, as loving pet owners make that choice out of love. Your pets will let you know when they are completely done with life. You'll know when the time is right, and can be with them as they journey to the rainbow bridge. Peace be with you.
