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When do you put your dog to sleep?

hunterws
Maybe yall can help me a bit here.

I have an elderly dog, Buck (13) and we've been the best of buddies all these years, up until last fall / this winter.

The issue is hot spots on his feet. We go round and round, he want's to lick at them, and I don't want him to. I scold him, put him on the spot and tell him not to do it.

(I've tried all the products possible to stop this problem, the lamp shade over his head, the procollar, this cream, that ointment etc etc etc, nothing works, he gets around the restraints, and the topicals just don't do a damn thing)

Anyway.
Early this winter / last fall ... I was brushing the snow off the car, and while I was doing that, wanted him to go potty in the mean time.
He stood there defiant, he wanted to jump in the car without going potty. I pointed to the potty area, and told him to go potty, he just stood there like he was clueless. So, I crouched down and pointed to the area again, and he bit my hand! He clamped on and would not let go. I told him 'let go,,,, let go' and he clamped harder! After that incident, I lifted him off the ground by his neck and almost choked him out. After I settled down, I thought I'd give him another chance.

Tonight, minutes ago ... he was licking his foot, I flipped the top light on and didn't even need to say anything, and he started growling at me, bearing his teeth. I did not want to show I feared him, so sat on the couch next to him (he was on the floor), and was going to place my hand on his neck and lay him down. As I went to grab his neck he bit me, hard. He chomped my left pinky and it bled really bad, dripping bad. I soaked it, put some antibacterial ointment on it, bandaid.

I proceeded to put him in his kennel, and that is where he is going to stay tonight, until I get your feedback, and talk to dad in the morning. I'm still shaking ... just pi**ed.

I almost took out a .22 I keep with hollow points in, but the mess stopped me. This is a whole new level of pi**ed I've never known in me before.

I think it's time for him to go, I'm done really, and the love is lost in my opinion. After the last bite, I thought, wellllll, I'll give him another chance .... and I think he blew it tonight.

I have photos of him posted in a contest, so you can see him when he was about 6, and just last spring (water fountain).
http://pictureperfectpet.wetv.com/profile.aspx/hunterws/?sort=alpha&r=1&pos=110

If it was anyone else, I think I know the advise I'd give, but it's tough when it's your own dog.

Thanks in advance[B)]
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Comments

40 comments

Date Votes
  • spurgemastur
    Sounds like dementia to me. Which means you're going to continue to have conflicts with him. Which means his happy days are over.

    I'd say it's time. You mentioned a .22. Done right, I suppose that's as quick and humane as anything but I couldn't do it to my pet. I'd get the vet to give the one-two sedative-supersedative treatment. Yep, that'll cost you about $40 more than the .22.

    Edit: just looked at your link. He's a cutie!
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  • nord
    There comes a time for every season. Old age is hard. Hard for humans and hard for dogs.

    Please remember that Buck likely didn't bite you. He bit at the pain and frustration. Your hand was only convenient.

    When the time comes to put Buck down, do it in love and understanding, not hate. You have the capacity to understand. Buck doesn't. Don't close the door on an old friend. That would be cruel beyond words.
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  • cbxjeff
    Take him to a vet. He has more than foot problems. He is either in pain (has to be really bad for a dog to be affected like this) or he is simply losing it from age. Doc will probably tell you it's time. Spending the $ for the doc will give you comfort about the decission.

    If it was just the foot problem I could help. I had a Bull Mastiff that had alergey problems for years and I resolved that. You have additional things going on.

    Tough situation - I've been there a few times. Don't let him suffer.
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  • swearengine
    Sounds to me like he has turned into an old man, which he is. Also sounds like maybe he is in pain. It is hard to put down an old friend. I will not give advice as to what you should do, only you can decide that. I will say that if you decide Buck should be put down, you should not let emotions dictate what you do, such as anger. Obviously Buck has been your friend and if you decide to put him down, you owe it to him to do it yourself. I believe that is better than using the veterinarian. I have been in your situation and it is never easy. Whatever you decide, I wish you well.
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  • slinger
    I've had to euthanize several loved four footed friends. I didn't want to, but when they were well past their prime and were living because I was too selfish to endure the pain of ending their lives, that's when.
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  • FrancF
    quote:Originally posted by nord
    There comes a time for every season. Old age is hard. Hard for humans and hard for dogs.

    Please remember that Buck likely didn't bite you. He bit at the pain and frustration. Your hand was only convenient.



    +1

    I would get a vets opinion. Most dogs that I have had hide there pain in order to please.



    edit spelling
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  • daveald
    Lots of dogs go into DEMENTIA when they get older I have never known one to get over it. he's not doing it to hurt you he just doen't know better anymore. It sounds like you may have a little rage issue your-self there, cool down and and take the dog in.
    Iv'e put a whole bunch of dogs down with the 22 put it in there ear and they feal no pain.
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  • Pamiam
    This is so sad! Poor guy. He's obviously not happy at all. Maybe all of the pain and irritation from his health problems have just become overwhelming.

    My neighbors have a rottweiler, sweetheart of a dog, who's been with the family for 12 years. She hasn't been eating and her hind legs went weak. They took her to the vet today. She has cancer. They're putting her down on Saturday. Everyone is really broken up about it. What a hard thing to do.

    This is a very sad pet day indeed. [:(]
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  • Permanently deleted user
    Take the dog to the vet..


    quote:Anyway.
    Early this winter / last fall ... I was brushing the snow off the car, and while I was doing that, wanted him to go potty in the mean time.
    He stood there defiant, he wanted to jump in the car without going potty. I pointed to the potty area, and told him to go potty, he just stood there like he was clueless. So, I crouched down and pointed to the area again, and he bit my hand! He clamped on and would not let go. I told him 'let go,,,, let go' and he clamped harder! After that incident, I lifted him off the ground by his neck and almost choked him out. After I settled down, I thought I'd give him another chance.


    As someone else said,...you have your own temper problems to deal with....this shouldnt be your decision at all, you are too angry to make a legit decision...Let a vet do it..
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  • FrancF
    quote:Originally posted by BlackRoses
    Take the dog to the vet..


    quote:Anyway.
    Early this winter / last fall ... I was brushing the snow off the car, and while I was doing that, wanted him to go potty in the mean time.
    He stood there defiant, he wanted to jump in the car without going potty. I pointed to the potty area, and told him to go potty, he just stood there like he was clueless. So, I crouched down and pointed to the area again, and he bit my hand! He clamped on and would not let go. I told him 'let go,,,, let go' and he clamped harder! After that incident, I lifted him off the ground by his neck and almost choked him out. After I settled down, I thought I'd give him another chance.


    As someone else said,...you have your own temper problems to deal with....this shouldnt be your decision at all, you are too angry to make a legit decision...Let a vet do it..


    +100
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  • JustC
    something is wrong mentaly,...take the dog to the vet,..I would venture that the shot is yhe best action for both of you. I hate it,...but the best thing you can do is to be there holding your dog when they pass. Sometimes, the shot is the answer,..not for you,...but for the dog.
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  • hunterws
    Thank you for all the input so far!

    I don't know if I have a rage issue ... I think if a dog bit you, you may find a new side of yourself.

    I will let a vet do it the humane way, a .22 may be as humane, but I wouldn't be able to do it I think.

    I was kinda thinkin' that it was his mind that was going, and the replies here have confirmed my thoughts.

    I think I have kept him around for maybe selfish reasons a bit ... we haven't played ball in a long time, and I think you are right, he is suffering and that is not fair. [:(]

    Again, I appreciate you guys and your input, greatly.

    Just spoke with mom, and she mentioned creamation so we didn't have to wait until spring for burial ... but I don't like the idea for some reason. I like the thought of a definate grave site, like my childhood dog.

    Will keep you updated as this progresses.

    Thank you!
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  • bobski
    when he cant walk,
    when he cant see,
    when he wont eat,
    when he's in pain,
    then its time, not until.
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  • hunterws
    quote:Originally posted by bobski
    when he cant walk,
    when he cant see,
    when he wont eat,
    when he's in pain,
    then its time, not until.


    Funny you mention that.
    I always thought, as long as he can walk, eat and #2, he's ok, good to go. Well, he can do those three things, albeit labored ... but there's more to it than that.

    Thanks again everyone
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  • Permanently deleted user
    I have been on the receiving end of a dog bite more than once, and I didnt get angry, I didnt want to "choke him out" either...

    I work with dogs and cats every day, and for a dog to bite there is usually something causing it...
    As almost everyone stated, get the vet to check him out...he may just need a bit of medication to give you a few more good years together...
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  • Dakota308
    this reminds me of "Of Mice and Men" i guess future generations will not get this b/c it is on the banned list[V] sorry to get off topic

    for those who have not read this you should
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  • dolfan
    I agree with BR and the rest of the posters.

    Control your anger towards Buck...he's been a good dog all his life...he deserves some compassion on your part. Understand that either mentally he is not the same OR he is in serious pain.

    Let the vet decide.

    Best of luck to you. I've been through this and it's a very difficult situation. That's part of being a responsible pet owner.
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  • D1
    I have put down 3 of my buddies. All three I think I waited too long. I didn't want to doit and they suffered because of it. I just didn't want to let go.
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  • Zebra
    We had to put down one of our little poodles about 3 weeks ago, it was hard. I agree with alot of you and say give the old guy the benefit of the doubt and take him to the vet. They can do wonders with drugs these days to make him more comfortable in his last faithful years of service.
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  • Jgreen
    My dad is a vet, and I spent many years of my life in the clinic. Everyone is right here, but to add just one other thing, the dog is now dangerous. Biting you is one thing, but someone else, particularly a child, is not worth it. My dad used to say that there is no "one bite" rule. Your dog has two.
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  • hunterws
    Jgreen, that's the way I was brough up too ... one bite = done.

    BlackRoses, and those that think I should have not acted ... just blown it off ... I think that's wrong. Wouldn't that tell the dog 'it's ok to do that'?

    I did have some deep emotions when it happened, I felt stupid I let it happen a second time.

    I love the pup ... it's not like I couldn't wait to go off on him ,,, at all. He reacted, and so did I. I do not take being bit lightly.

    I just soaked my finger again .. maybe if I post photos you'll understand the severity of it. This was no nip.
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  • hunterws
    There also seems to be a misconception that I've never taken him to the vet. The vet knows me on a first name basis.

    Buck is on all sorts of meds, and they're kept current.

    I have done everything the vet has told me is best ... walked out of the clinic one day and it cost me over $250 ... cost is not a factor.

    One poster mentioned that by keeping him alive, we're both suffering, and by keeping him around for myself is wrong. I think that is pretty accurate.
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  • kyplumber
    the love is not lost...

    OLD N GRUMPY coupled with your misunderstanding of his feelings and pain. He is old 13 is old for a dog, maybe he does suffer from dementia but that doesnt mean he doesnt love you. He is just old and tired and maybe licking his feet is the best thing in the world for him and he cant understand why you want to stop him.


    If dogs could talk! He is old though, and if you feel he is suffering then maybe he should be put down.

    Soak a glove in hot sauce, then dip it in cayenne pepper when you see him doing something you dont want put the glove on and approach him wearing the glove... when he snaps that glove in his mouth he will NEVER FORGET biting that hand is bad!

    I find it hard to believe that you can lose all the love for your dog because of a couple of foul ups, do you think he doesnt love you anymore? Do you throw out years of a pure love and trust because hes old and probably losing his mind?

    I better print this and save it for my son cause someday I will be old too "hopefully"
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  • D1
    Maybe just rub his pads with vaseline and powdered alum. He'll either stop licking his feet or walk around grinning all the time.
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  • fishkiller41
    quote:Originally posted by slinger
    I've had to euthanize several loved four footed friends. I didn't want to, but when they were well past their prime and were living because I was too selfish to endure the pain of ending their lives, that's when.

    Although not an easy situation, i have to agree with Slinger.Ol'Buck's been a good pal. I believe it may be time to take him for one last hunt..Sorry..
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  • owen219
    I just can not put my dogs down. I just can't.
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  • pitbud5
    I went through this with my first pit I ever had. He was no were near as old as your friend.

    With bud it was kind of the same thing. Was a good dog, no problems ever, listened well, and he was my best friend. He went everywhere with me. I lived with my Dad and brother at the time he was 5 weeks to 6 years old. He loved to chill on the bed and watch whatever was going on outside. Then one day I got a call from the old man and he was flipping out........he told me how he walked into the room to grab a dirty glass off my night stand and Bud rushed him, laying into his hand and caused penetration into his hand.

    At this time I am thinking "know way" this dude would never do that. I thought my dad did something to instigate him maybe.

    When I got home Dad was in pain with two deep holes in the top part of his hand. Bud was laying on the bed as normal and acted normal when I walked into the bedroom. I noticed he showed no sign of any remorse for what had happened less than an hour ago. I then put on his leash and took him out of the bedroom and into his dog cage.

    We blow it off right, until a year later. Bud is know six, I wake up around 2:30 in the morning to pee. When I go to get back into bed, Bud growls, I tell him be quit, I reach to pull the covers over and wam! He bites me! The owner, master, the hand that feeds him. Needless to say he was put on lock down until my head was clear. The next morning I let him outside to do his duty. He returned in the house acting normal.................the day went by like any other day.

    Two months go by and all is well, even though Bud bit me, his master, I passed it off as he was tired, and not fully aware of what was going on. Then a neighbor was walking their dog down the sidewalk, passing our house Bud rushed from the bedroom, headed for the front door, the door was open, the screen door was closed, Bud proceeded through the screen and went straight for the dog the owner was walking, while attacking the other dog the owner falls, hurting their hip. After the fight was broke of the medics were called. The owner went to the hospital and the owners spouse picked up there dog.

    This incident concluded that Bud had issues and could not be trusted. He was 98 pounds at his biggest, he ran and walked a lot of state park trails, and ran along the bike for many miles, he could easily make it over the back yard fence as we would out the hard way. Being his third strike, how strong he was, and knowing the consequences and the opinions people have on pits I payed the 800 dollar medical bill and decided it was best to take Bud to the vet and do what was needed to be done before anyone else got hurt.

    It was a sad day needless to say. He was my friend, went everywhere with me, had many other pit friends that he got along with and played at the park with. He was good with people as I would throw big parties and even take him to many. He was very social and well behaved until he broke 5 years old then it seemed like he could just snap at the weirdest times.

    I have other 5 other dogs know and the oldest is a female, 6 years old.

    The vet is the best way.........though I was mad enough to pull the trigger and just bury him in the woods, Dad payed to have the vet put him down. I'm glad I agreed.

    Dogs will be dogs
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  • jpwolf
    quote:I would venture that the shot is yhe best action for both of you. I hate it,...but the best thing you can do is to be there holding your dog when they pass. Sometimes, the shot is the answer,..not for you,...but for the dog.

    JustC has it. See what the vet says, but it seems a foregone conclusion. I had to do it to my buddy 2 years ago. Still haven't gotten another. I stiall ask, why can't they just die in their sleep? Makes you feel like your killing them, instead of them dying. I know it was for the best, and in fact was probably a year overdue. Kept him going on meds for a year, but it wasn't much of a life for him, not anything close to before. BTW, I don't think you have a rage issue, ignore the psychobabble from the wannabe pshychologists. Take him to the vet, see what he says, send him peacefully on his way.
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  • Permanently deleted user
    quote:BlackRoses, and those that think I should have not acted ... just blown it off ... I think that's wrong. Wouldn't that tell the dog 'it's ok to do that'?



    I did not say you should have blown it off, nor did I in any way suggest you have never taken the dog to the vet....Dogs bite for a reason and a dog you have had for 13 years doesnt bite its master without a valid reason on his part....

    Valid for him maybe but not for you...

    WHen I suggested taking him to the vet, it was for the reason that dogs dont bite without a reason...He could be in pain, he may be going blind and not able to see what is going on, or his sense of smell....Has he been slapped for licking his paws?..if so, that is a reason for him to bite (in his eyes it is)...He might have arthritis and not want to be touched, or an infection....Let the vet check him out and then let the vet put him down if needed..
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  • jwb267
    as i sit here and read this my eyes tend to tear up.i have been in the position where i had to put my own dog down. believe me when i say that there were a lot of people out there that deserve to die more than my dog did. it's not always easy doing what's right
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