Hobbling and pooping is not near a good enough reason in my opinion to put your family pet down. Have you tried to give him medicine for the pain? Are they saying its just arthritis from old age or what? Almost everyone (especially anyone or anything older) lives with pain. It's just part of life and not a reason to put the dog down unless it's extream and there is no help for it. what you've explained so far doesn't sound extream. I know you want to help the dog but I don't think putting him down is the way to do it...at least not yet. Dogs can get around pretty well on three legs. The pooping may have to do with depression also if he just lost his life long friend and is now haveing physical troubles. You should try to comfort him and be there for him as much as possible and then reassess if things get worse.
need some advice from dog lovers
- Thread starter fishguts
- Start date
Thanks Dmopar, you damn near had a man crying.. I just looked at my phone and see my black lab looking at me, i can't even think about putting her down..
Now for the OP question, i know the pooping around the house and hobbling is hard to see and pick up but i think you need to have more tests done to see what's up, could just be a need to switch foods or add some meds. I'm a Lab man and i know my girl would be by me til the end and i owe her that too.. Keep her going until putting her down is the only resort.. Just my 2 cents..
Now for the OP question, i know the pooping around the house and hobbling is hard to see and pick up but i think you need to have more tests done to see what's up, could just be a need to switch foods or add some meds. I'm a Lab man and i know my girl would be by me til the end and i owe her that too.. Keep her going until putting her down is the only resort.. Just my 2 cents..
I would have some tests done to determine exactly what is going on. 15 years old is really old for a lab so it may be time. This may be silly but I would ask your dog. Is he still happy? Does he still act the same as he use to? If you look in those brown eyes and still see that happy lab spirit then I don't think it's his time. Labs have a great attitude and are tough. I think he'll let you know when it's time just like your other lab did.
I've been there several times with my basset hounds over the years. Now is too early. If and when that has to happen, you'll know....trust me you'll know. But as for know, just give him/her everything they want. Biscuits, hugs....just make sure whatever you give him/her make sure it's alot of time together. I'll be prayin' for ya' - I know how hard this is for you.
Yeah,I gotta hand it to him,that was one of the most touching threads that I've come across on MFK.hbluehunter;4204256; said:
thomassteven57;4203976; said:
i guess i didnt explain far enough. he does have a diagnosis. when the vet seen him he said he had major artheritis in both legs and nerve damage that makes him walk crooked. it looks like his spine is curved but its due to nerve damage. he is also on meloxicam, 6 pills of tramadol, glucosamine or however its spelled fish oil and pepcid everyday. quite a bit of money. a couple of you people come across like i dont care about my dog and someone even used the word copping out. if you think that you can go screw yourself. im trying to determine quality of life as the vet had said and asked for advice and for the most part i got some good advice from the fellow mfk members but dont bother replying if you have something to say like the person i quoted. do you really even slightly think i would raise 2 labs for 13 and 15 yrs and cop out. you can shut the hell up with that kind of comment.
i think everyone is sorry that spoke with words that came across that you did not care.. i understand what your going through.. your just looking for help to a very hard decision.. i just did not know that you already have your dog on medicine for pain.. is this recent or a pain killer that you have been giving for awhile that is suddenly not working the way it used to.. i would say when you see your dog is in pain and there is nothing that can be done to relive the pain then it is far kinder to put them asleep then let them linger and hope for the best.. but when that time comes i doubt you will need to ask.. you will know... for No one after all these years, knows your dog better then you do.. not the vet, not anyone.. when the dog gives you the look..you will do what the dog asks..
hes been on the glucosamine for a couple years and the pain meds for about 9 months. he is afraid to put his left leg down due to pain or nerve the vet says probably combination of both. im going to go with the he will let me know way. when he quits eating and paying attention i guess that may be the time. thanks all
