I have to put my dog down

[Parsifal]

I need a shoulder and some advice.

Has anyone gone through the motions of having to put down a pet?

My wonderful little Jack Russel, my friend and companion for nine years, Claudie, has been diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma in her mouth.  It was taken out immediately, but the vet told me it is very serious, that the tumour will come back and that I will soon have to make an unpleasant decision.  Now, she has been a wonderful dog and I will not let her suffer, that much is clear.  The problem is me.  It is hard not to cry looking at her.  She is still running around, barking, playing and eating, and without knowing that she is seriously ill, you won't tell something is wrong.  But I know it is only for a short while still (a couple of months at most).

I have read up on how dogs are put down, and it is definitely not pretty, and I dread having to do it, and when that day comes, it will be dreadful for me.  Two friends have already offered to go with me.  If anyone has already gone through this, I'd appreciate your thoughts.  

[Dretlin]

I need a shoulder and some advice.

Has anyone gone through the motions of having to put down a pet?

My wonderful little Jack Russel, my friend and companion for nine years, Claudie, has been diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma in her mouth.  It was taken out immediately, but the vet told me it is very serious, that the tumour will come back and that I will soon have to make an unpleasant decision.  Now, she has been a wonderful dog and I will not let her suffer, that much is clear.  The problem is me.  It is hard not to cry looking at her.  She is still running around, barking, playing and eating, and without knowing that she is seriously ill, you won't tell something is wrong.  But I know it is only for a short while still (a couple of months at most).

I have read up on how dogs are put down, and it is definitely not pretty, and I dread having to do it, and when that day comes, it will be dreadful for me.  Two friends have already offered to go with me.  If anyone has already gone through this, I'd appreciate your thoughts.  

I am sorry to hear you pet is ill. I am only 22 years old, yet I have had 4 dogs and a cat. All of which were put down due to illness. My last cat was only 3 years old when she developed a tumour on the base of her spine. Clearly Poppy (as was the name we gave her) was a creature that was suffering greatly.

Anyway, if your dog is not suffering at the moment, then you their may not be much reason to look at your dog with such nervousness. Enjoy the time you have!

My advice is: if your animal is suffering, do the right thing and end that suffering. I have never brought an animal back from the vet to "say goodbye", that would be completely selfish of me.

[The Magic Pudding]

We have a Jack Russel cross.
She's getting old but she's still moves fast and often.
She's survived living in an area with snakes and ticks.
Sometimes I wish she was a little less vigilant in guarding the house.
I didn't think putting a dog down was distressful for the dog.
I don't have anything to brighten your mood, but some sadness isn't an entirely bad thing.

[pinkocommie]

I'm so sorry.  I was a veterinary assistant for a few years when I was younger and often assisted with putting animals down.  From my experience, the process is typically not painful or stressful for the animal.  The injection is made and the animal quickly lays it's head down and seems peacefully asleep.  It's fast and painless.  The only times when it's even remotely stressful is when either the owner is inconsolable - which can be easily handled with patience and empathy from your vet staff - or when the animal is so stressed by getting a shot that he/she puts up a struggle and is still physically capable of doing so.  This is rare and again, as long as you have a good vet, easy to manage.  The best thing you can do is try your best when the time comes to remember that you're doing the right thing by considering her quality of life over your attachment to her, and to try to stay calm for her sake.

Again, I am so very sorry.  I wish I could give you a big hug.

[joeactor]

Dretlin has a good perspective.

Enjoy your friend while you can.

I've not had to put down any animals yet, but had a cat that died a few years ago.
It was just about time to make the decision.  I certainly didn't want him to suffer.
He passed away at the vet while they were looking after him (he hadn't been eating for days).

My brother had a dog with a huge tumor.  Lived for years before he started to really suffer.

I know it's tough, but sadness when you lose a friend is normal.

Sorry for the pain you and Claudie are going through...

[philosoraptor]

When I was a kid, my mom was involved in cat rescue.  There was a point where we had 12 cats, a dog, fish and crabs, and mice.  It was a regular petting zoo.  Over the years, we've had to put several cats to sleep, as well as the family dog that we'd had since I was a baby.  As pinko already said, it's a painless process for the animal, so you don't need to worry about your pet suffering in that respect.  I'd also say to take dretlin's advice and enjoy the time you have with your pup.  When it gets to the point that your dog no longer has quality of life, that would be when you might want to consider putting her to sleep.  Sometimes, pets are like people.  Many people with terminal illnesses are told they've got a few months, and they go on to live years after that.  I wouldn't jump the gun on putting your dog to sleep until it gets to a point where she is visibly suffering.

[Will]

I'm so sorry.

[KDbeads]

I've had to go through this with everything from beloved pets to dangerous rescues.  It's hell on your emotions, I won't sugar coat it.  BUT it's not fair to let the animal suffer if at all possible.  I didn't hold Sam when they put her down, I've regretted that decision for a while.  I wasn't there for her.  But I was there for my last one, Topaz.  I held him for the vet when the first injection was given to calm him down, I continued to hold him through the final injection.  I was there, it helped me in the long run to know I had done everything I could for my old man.
As for the in between time you have now?  Don't dwell on it, it will make you miserable and Claudie will feed off that emotion.  Were you given a time frame?  I've always ignored those honestly.  Topaz was given 6 months before his body would shut down.  He gave us and the vet 22 months instead before the acute effects of his disease made the choice the only one we had.  He declined from a very large vicious, goofy, vivacious, loving cat to a caterwauling ball of fur in less than 4 days.  Kelvin was given 4 to 6 months in February 2009, we still aren't anywhere close to even having any issues as of 19 moths later.
Live for what you have now.  Let Claudie live for what she has now.  And when the time comes ask for the 2 part sedation/euthanasia.  It's a lot calmer and easier to deal with.

[SSY]

I think you should enjoy the time you have left with your pet, and then end it when they begin to suffer, it prevents suffering but still gives you both as much time together as possible. I have a positively ancient dog, so I know it's going to happen eventually. I think if I know in advance, my dog is going to get a steak before we head off to the vet.

I hope you get through it without too much distress.

[deekayfry]

Keep playing with her and showing your love.  Don't be sad or at least not show it, even if you don't show it dogs have an unproven sixth sense to detect how you really feel and act accordingly.

She won't understand why she is slowing down, but you can help her through it by just treating her as you always have and giving her an extra hand when she needs it.  Let her decide when she wants to play and when she wants to rest.

My thoughts for you and your little one.

[skwurll]

I'm sorry you have to have this happen to you. Really I am. I've never been in the situation where a pet of mine has been put down, so I cannot offer any advice on the matter except try to think positive. At least your dog will not be suffering.

[Tank]

I need a shoulder and some advice.

Has anyone gone through the motions of having to put down a pet?

My wonderful little Jack Russel, my friend and companion for nine years, Claudie, has been diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma in her mouth.  It was taken out immediately, but the vet told me it is very serious, that the tumour will come back and that I will soon have to make an unpleasant decision.  Now, she has been a wonderful dog and I will not let her suffer, that much is clear.  The problem is me.  It is hard not to cry looking at her.  She is still running around, barking, playing and eating, and without knowing that she is seriously ill, you won't tell something is wrong.  But I know it is only for a short while still (a couple of months at most).

I have read up on how dogs are put down, and it is definitely not pretty, and I dread having to do it, and when that day comes, it will be dreadful for me.  Two friends have already offered to go with me.  If anyone has already gone through this, I'd appreciate your thoughts.  

I have had three dogs pass away. Two from cancer and one in a road accident. You're going to ball your eyes out and feel more upset than you can imagine. Take what little comfort you can that you are doing the right thing. My first dog Melanie was ill on and off for a couple of years but finally collapsed from what appeared to be a ruptured spleen. The vet came out to the house and administered a lethal injection of aesthetic while she lay on the kitchen floor. Her eyes closed and she stopped breathing. Pain gone, fear gone and peaceful. I buried her in the back garden. Daisy was diagnosed with a tumour on the urethra on the Wednesday, never a day ill in her life, she had to be put down on the Saturday, she is buried next to Melanie. Rusty was run over on the 18th April this year in a accident, she was run over by an SUV in the local park. The guy in the SUV was devastated, he had is own dog in the back. Rusty's grave has just grassed over.

If you can get the vet to come out to your pet do so. Your pet won't have to go through the stress of a visit and more to the point you won't have to feel you are taking her to her death. Dogs don't need a lot to to be happy, just food, love and attention so as long as they are not in pain or distress so as long as she's happy then there is no need to do anything pre-emptive.

Whatever happens it's going to hurt and hurt a lot don't be afraid to let the emotion out. When I got home with Rusty I sat on the kitchen floor with her in my arms and balled my eyes out for a solid two hours before I could pull myself together. Be prepared to mourn for a few months. My wife and I are both crying as I type this. Just do the best for you furry friend and know that you do get over it in the end.

You have my heartfelt sympathies, do your best to save your tears for when she's gone but don't be afraid to let it all out when she's gone.

Regards
Chris

[Dretlin]

Dretlin has a good perspective.

Thank you! Though I do debate if this is something I would rather not have when it comes to pets. As I only learned it through their illnesses.

[Parsifal]

Well, I must say, thank you for your words.  The little doggie is running around and barking, and I'm giving her all the love I can.  If medicines don't help her, I'm sure love will.  Maybe there's some placebo effect there.

[Tank]

Well, I must say, thank you for your words.  The little doggie is running around and barking, and I'm giving her all the love I can.  If medicines don't help her, I'm sure love will.  Maybe there's some placebo effect there.

Oh bugger, now I'm blubing again!