#1
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How do you know when it's time?
My dog hunter is 12.5 yrs old German Shorthair Pointer and seems to be physically going down hill fast. He is on pain meds for his knees as well as joint support. He is also on Pro Calm which is an antianxiety med for his intense fear of thunderstorms. He woke up this morning still shaking from the storm last night. Unfortunately, his body is giving out before his spirit which makes this all very difficult.
Just recently he seems to be awake all night panting and moving from one side of the bed to the other, sleeping on the floor. If my husband or I get up to use the bathroom, he scurries back to his bed like he thinks he is about to get the beating of a lifetime. This is a dog that has never and I mean never been hit. We have had him since he was 4 months old and have loved him completely. We are very confused as to where this fear is coming from and it scares me to think that he has dementia or something. When I talked to the vet, he suggested that I take him in for a neurological consult to see if there is something going on. Here is my problem... He's 12.5 yrs old. With all of the issues he having as an older dog, I hesitate to put him through the anxiety of another visit to a new vet and wonder if anything they have to say will actually improve the quality of life or just cost an arm & a leg to prolong it. I also can't have a big dog acting fearful in a house where we also have kids. About 5 weeks ago my son accidently startled him when he was sleeping and Hunter snapped at him which is why I brought him to the vet then. Any advice would be welcomed. On one hand, I feel like the writing is on the wall and I just can't read it. On the other hand, I worry that I would be acting hastily to do anything. I love him so much and I just want to do what is right for him. He has been such a great friend and that is how I want to remember him. |
#2
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I am so very sorry. There are no magic words that anyone can use to make this easier.
Panting and inability to get comfortable are definite signs of pain. Personally, if there was no way to get that under control, I would make the decision now. That is me. I know that it is difficult to put your heart aside in this matter. You need to try, and to make your decision based on what your head says. Just know this - releasing a dog from pain is the most selfless thing that an owner can do.
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Sandi |
#3
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Quote:
I am so sorry to hear about your dog . Last edited by Barkingdog; May 24th, 2012 at 08:21 PM. |
#4
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If he is still eating and drinking good, and seems to find enjoyment in being outside or going for rides or walks, I would ask my vet for different pain meds, and wait awhile. As far as the fear of thunderstorms, mine is the same. If she could sneak outside during a thunderstorm, she would keep running until she dropped, same thing with gun shot noise or fireworks.
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#5
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So sorry you are going through this. It's the hardest part of being a pet owner.
Imo, we have an excellent article on the topic of when it's time. Feel free to check it out here http://www.pets.ca/dogs/tips/euthana...e-pet-tip-228/ Good luck - wishing you strength in this difficult time.
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dog acting strange, end of life, neurology issues, old age |
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