When is it time to put my dog to sleep?

Question

I ask because, well, my Beagle, Jasper, is 15 years old, and currently he has no use of his back legs, I don't know if they hurt or what, but he can't use them, today he started refusing to eat, and wouldn't drink much water, I had to force him to take his arthritis medication. He has been like this before, when winter came last year, but that only lasted about three days, and it wasn't this bad, I've been having to take special care for him for almost two weeks now, and he has given up, if he falls over, he doesn't even try to get back up, he will just lay there and sigh deeply and stare at me. It's heartbreaking, I raised him from a puppy, he has always been my buddy, he helped me through the hardest times of my life, and I know that it's my responsibility do what's best for him, and I'm pretty sure it's time to put him to sleep, even if a vet could help him get better, I can't afford it. I guess I'm just asking for your guy's opinion on this, because I don't know what to do.

J M · Answer

It is time for him to go to heaven. He is suffering and there is no point in prolonging his pain.

Verulam 1 · Answer

Don't you think this is something you should discuss with any immediate family you have and especially with your vet. Your dog has given you the best years of his life for you to enjoy together - now is the time to repay all of that by seeing whether there IS anything your vet can offer to avoid having to make this hard decision just yet. Believe me, if there is, he will tell you and if not, ditto, or he should. But at the end of the day, making this decision is for you and you alone to make. It sounds as if he's doing what mine do - looking at you and asking you to help him whether it's to extend his life, free of pain, or help him over the final hurdle.

ps Yes he may pass naturally, but we have never done 'lingering' as it usually means unnecessary pain.

ps   Yes he may pass naturally, but we have never done 'lingering' as it usually means unnecessary pain.

? · Answer

If the dog can`t walk or even stand and just lies there and is 15 years old, then I think you should do the right thing and let him go.
The vet can come to your house and put your dog to sleep in it`s own bed without the trauma  of going to the vets surgery.
Imagine how frustrating and bewildered the dog is feeling about not being able to move about, and if he is not eating then he is probably giving up and just needs to be at peace.

? · Answer

I think this is a question you should talk over with your vet and family. It's a personal decision that no one can make for you. I'm so sorry :(

Tarkarri · Answer

At this point your dog needs to see your vet.
Ask your vet what they would do if it were their dog.
Ask what treatment is available, at what cost and what quality of life it would bring.
It is possible there is a cheap and easy solution with no side effects and you would hate yourself if you found out later.
BUT I strongly suspe t this is not the case and it is time to lovingly say goodbye.

? · Answer

Let him live until it's obvious to you that he's in great pain that can't be stopped.  That's the time.  If that point never is reached, don't try to force him to take medicine or anything else, just go with the way he is.  He may pass naturally of old age.

bluebonnetgranny · Answer

I googled your question & got a lot of sites that may help you.

If the dog is suffering & can't move & won't eat, hardly drinks,  I would consult with my Vet.  But some where deep inside I knew.  & I would schedule for euthanasia.  You know your dog,  you just some how know it is time.

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When is it time to put my dog to sleep?

7 Answers