How do you decide to let your dog go?

[StarLight StarBright]

There are a lot of options out there for dogs with hip and mobility issues. I have found the most amazing product that has really helped my boy.

My 10 year old dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and even had back surgery for a herniated disc. A vet tech told me about this product called missing link PLUS. We started using it after he came out of the hospital and the doctors were amazed at how well he recovered and how fast. We didn't think the missing link was contributing to it so we just stopped giving it to him when the bag ran out. Within two days he could barely stand, his back legs would shake so bad and he would not take one step on tile or hardwood floors. We decided to put him back on the missing link and he has thrived ever since. It's a powder mix that you just add to their food. You can find it at petsmart or petco..there's also a regular missing link, but you need to make it sure it is the missing link PLUS, it has the glucosamine and chondritin in it. That stuff does miracles for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, etc. I would really give it a try and see if that helps him out. It's about 25 bucks for a bag that lasts us about a month and half. I try and tell people about it when I hear that their dog is having mobility problems because I am so grateful that that vet tech told me about it.It has really improved the quality of life for my boy. He now runs, jumps and is as happy as can be. Hope this helps!!


I just remembered another product called DGP which is also supposed to be really great for helping older dogs with mobility issues. It has shark cartilage and some other ingriedients in there that are really supposed to help. But we have had better luck with the missing link plus.

Thanks for this info! I'm gonna check into the Missing Link Plus!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The answer to your question, in general, is when the pain is more than the pleasure in life.

German Shepherds' average lifespan is around 12 yrs. Two of mine died young - at 7 and 8 yrs. Two others lived till 11 1/2, one till 13 1/2, and I have one who's 6.

The one who lived till 13 1/2 had issues like you're having now. His hips were fine, but he had arthritis of the spine which was causing nerve compression to his legs. I worked with my vet closely on pain management for the spinal arthritis. The vet said his rear end was "numb", not painful. Like your dog, mine was otherwise healthy and happy so I couldn't bring myself to put him to sleep for it. My vet's feeling was that as long as we didn't mind doing the physical work to take care of him, he'd support our decision, and he promised he'd let us know when he thought it was time.

For a long time we helped him around using a towel under his rear end. (They do sell devices for this now which have handles which make it a little easier.) We had a pet sitter for him one time who also happened to be a physical therapist. She mentioned she thought he was very strong in the front, and "had we ever thought about getting wheels for him"? We hadn't, but I looked into it and we wound up ordering him some wheels from a company called Eddies Wheels (be sure to look at the pics on the website). The cart came within a week, and the first time we put him in it, he was running again (and several neighbors were outside bawling with us!). It gave him some more time and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Just an FYI to let you know of another option. I would also favor trying accupuncture or accupressure as well, however the mobility issues are progressive/degenerative, and the lifespan issue is a real one, unfortunately.

Good luck. It is so difficult to see our friends aging and failing.

PS My GSDs are black and tan but I once had a special white GS friend.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

I asked a friend (who grew up raising dogs) the same question. Her response was simple -- he looks you in the eye and tells you, "I'm not having fun anymore."

I'm so sorry.

I agree, your dog will let you know. When he stops being happy and enjoying life, then it might be time. My own dog (cocker spaniel) had hip/back issues that sound similar to yours. They started when she was about 10. The vet gave us some ibuprofen (or other pain killer, a steroid, and some med I can’t remember) in mouth liquid form for when she was having a bad day. It really helped her.

In the end, she couldn’t do much. She couldn’t climb the stairs as easily as before, she was blind, deaf, and had doggy Alzheimer’s… but, she was happy. She still enjoyed playing and having her belly rubbed. She loved being with us. We could tell for several days that the end was getting near. She slowed way down and her appetite, while it didn’t disappear, decreased drastically. She wanted to be near us all the time, but didn’t want to walk anywhere. She needed more pain killers than normal etc. Basically, she lost something and was just ready to rest. Thankfully, we didn’t have to make the heart-breaking decision because she ended up dying on her own, in my dad’s arms. She lived happily and she died happy and peacefully (she just went to sleep). She was 16 when she died.

If she hadn’t died when she had, I think we would have taken her in.

 

[StarLight StarBright]

The answer to your question, in general, is when the pain is more than the pleasure in life.

German Shepherds' average lifespan is around 12 yrs. Two of mine died young - at 7 and 8 yrs. Two others lived till 11 1/2, one till 13 1/2, and I have one who's 6.

The one who lived till 13 1/2 had issues like you're having now. His hips were fine, but he had arthritis of the spine which was causing nerve compression to his legs. I worked with my vet closely on pain management for the spinal arthritis. The vet said his rear end was "numb", not painful. Like your dog, mine was otherwise healthy and happy so I couldn't bring myself to put him to sleep for it. My vet's feeling was that as long as we didn't mind doing the physical work to take care of him, he'd support our decision, and he promised he'd let us know when he thought it was time.

For a long time we helped him around using a towel under his rear end. (They do sell devices for this now which have handles which make it a little easier.) We had a pet sitter for him one time who also happened to be a physical therapist. She mentioned she thought he was very strong in the front, and "had we ever thought about getting wheels for him"? We hadn't, but I looked into it and we wound up ordering him some wheels from a company called Eddies Wheels (be sure to look at the pics on the website). The cart came within a week, and the first time we put him in it, he was running again (and several neighbors were outside bawling with us!). It gave him some more time and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Just an FYI to let you know of another option. I would also favor trying accupuncture or accupressure as well, however the mobility issues are progressive/degenerative, and the lifespan issue is a real one, unfortunately.

Good luck. It is so difficult to see our friends aging and failing.

PS My GSDs are black and tan but I once had a special white GS friend.

That picture is precious! I've seen little dogs with the wheels, but never a GSD! He looks so happy! I would love to post a pic of my boy, but I don't know how...help anyone?

 

[Zdog]

Your post will generate many more responses, because as pet owners, we've all been there. Our dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, fish, et al, are never around as long as we'd like. My wife and I put down our beloved Golden, Zoey, several months ago at the age of 14.

I cried like I haven't cried in decades, and just reading this string brings tears.

As a pet owner, and friend of your dog, you'll know in your gut when its time. I've often thought that we as humans should be able to choose euthanasia.

It's humane.
It's responsible.
It's never easy (nor should it be).

Good luck with whatever you decide.

And never never never look back with anything other than fond memories.

 

[StarLight StarBright]

Your post will generate many more responses, because as pet owners, we've all been there. Our dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, fish, et al, are never around as long as we'd like. My wife and I put down our beloved Golden, Zoey, several months ago at the age of 14.

I cried like I haven't cried in decades, and just reading this string brings tears.

As a pet owner, and friend of your dog, you'll know in your gut when its time. I've often thought that we as humans should be able to choose euthanasia.

It's humane.
It's responsible.
It's never easy (nor should it be).

Good luck with whatever you decide.

And never never never look back with anything other than fond memories.

Awwww! So sorry about your Golden, I had a Golden also when I was growing up, so I know how special they are. What you said about never looking back with anything other than fond memories, I know I will do that. He has had a great life, never known anything but love, I mean, I'm not gonna lie, he is spoiled, so I know when the day comes, I will know I was a good dog mommy....but that won't make me cry any less!

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

Our dog (17!) has had some problems...my mom just got wooden laminate floors and he's been sliding everywhere. I guess he jumped off her bed and tore his ACL...our vet recommended booties so his feet didn't slide. Sounded like an easy answer! He's doing much better. Maybe those will help your dog, too!

 

[Chelley00]

Ugh. I have to stare at our 10 year old boxer as I type this. Poor Duke is going through the same thing. He can't stand up without a huge effort, can't do the stairs (he falls all the way down them some morning, so now he's not allowed up there) he can't hold himself up when he's going "out", slides on our floors etc. It's like he has no muscle control in his back quarters anymore. Our problems is he doesn't act like he's in pain, but he's doing nothing but laying around all day. He's also losing weight.

I know it's almost time. He's due for his yearly check up and I'm dreading taking him in because I know what they are going to say. But then I keep saying since he's not in pain, it can't be time. It's going to devestate DH and especially DD. How do you prepare an 8 year old for something like that? Blech.

Just to update my post from last week, Tuesday we made the decision to let Duke go. I just noticed that whole day he laid around with his head on a pillow, and sighed repeatedly. Everytime I looked at him, he was staring at me, and I swear he was just trying to get me to understand he was done. I just noticed he was so skinny, and his tongue was pale.

Yesterday DH fed him a candy bar and his leftover treats and then took him to the vet, and stayed with him until it was over. It was the hardest thing, and everyone here is grieving in different ways (DS5 is so mad he barely speaks to me, DD8 just cries at the drop of a hat) Even the cat is lost and paces looking for her puppy.

I know it was the best decision because he just looked miserable, but it's not without regret, and questions and total sadness

 

[MosMom]

It does slowly get better. I took McGee through the drive-thru at McDonald's and got him a big fat double cheeseburger and fries on our way. We sat and enjoyed it and time together.

 

[Jennasis]

 

[cabanafrau]

I asked a friend (who grew up raising dogs) the same question. Her response was simple -- he looks you in the eye and tells you, "I'm not having fun anymore."

I'm so sorry.

It's been a few years for us, but what you said is both so true & so raw that it brought tears to my eyes.

 

[cabanafrau]

Just to update my post from last week, Tuesday we made the decision to let Duke go. I just noticed that whole day he laid around with his head on a pillow, and sighed repeatedly. Everytime I looked at him, he was staring at me, and I swear he was just trying to get me to understand he was done. I just noticed he was so skinny, and his tongue was pale.

Yesterday DH fed him a candy bar and his leftover treats and then took him to the vet, and stayed with him until it was over. It was the hardest thing, and everyone here is grieving in different ways (DS5 is so mad he barely speaks to me, DD8 just cries at the drop of a hat) Even the cat is lost and paces looking for her puppy.

I know it was the best decision because he just looked miserable, but it's not without regret, and questions and total sadness

So sorry. I truly feel your pain & such gratitude we didn't get that far. Our little prince left us before the vet could open that morning. The hole in our hearts is still here, but years down the road we still talk about him at least every two weeks -- with great joy at how privileged we were to know him and have him in our family.

Honor his memory by thinking of him often & remembering exactly what made him so special.

 

[mrsstats]

I am so sorry for your loss. Having been there, I know how hard it is to make the decision. But from your description there is no doubt that you did the right thing. Remember the good times. And perhaps when you are ready you can rescue another dog that needs a home.