Should I euthanize my dog?

You will know, when you feel her quality of life is no more. It will be a peaceful process. Just hold her as she falls asleep. Please do not feel guilty. You are doing what is best for your baby girl and don't want her to suffer. We never want to say good-bye to our beloved pets, but they put their trust in us to do the right thing. I lost my son Tobie to kidney disease last year on Valentines Day. He was my heart. He was 11 yrs. and 8 mos. old. He was diagnosed on Jan. 17, 2012. The vets prognosis was 1-3 mos. He lasted 27 days. He cried in my arms the night before and the next morning he fell down trying to pee. That when I knew it was time. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I did it for Tobie, and he is no longer in pain. I love and miss him so very much but I know I will see him again at a place called "Rainbow Bridge". As will you. I am so sorry for what you are going through. Just remember and cherish the memories that you shared together. They will never ever fade and will always keep you strong. My prayers are with you always.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown

If she's at the stage of falling over constantly and in pain that cannot be controlled and/or worried about it, and you just can't cope, then yes by all means euthanase.

See this list written by a vet:

When Considering Euthanasia ask yourself these questions:

1) Is the dog free of distress, pain or discomfort, and could the pain be controlled?

2) Can the dog walk and balance fairly well?

3) Can the dog eat and drink without vomiting?

4) Is the dog free of inoperable tumours which are painful?

5) Can the dog breathe without difficulty?

6) Can the dog urinate or defecate without difficulty or incontinence?

7) Does the dog have an owner who is able to cope physically and

mentally with any nursing that may be needed?

If treatment is not possible then answering 'No' to any of those questions means there is no blame in having the dog put to sleep.

Next, ask yourself if it was yourself in your dog’s situation, would you actually wish to continue living? Better a day too soon than a day of misery too late.

Then ask your vet if they think it is time to consider letting the dog go. If not then how long and what to watch out for in the quality of life equation.

On the other hand our Great Dane made it to nearly 12 with that condition and we put her to sleep when the quality of her life was judged to have fallen too far.

Hi. Sorry that you are having to make this decision but in my opinion that fact that you are asking for opinions from others is in a lot of cases just your brains way of telling you that you have made the decision and are just seeking validation from others for the choice you have made. That comment is not meant in a nasty way either. It is never an easy choice to have to have a loved animal put to sleep but in most cases it is for the best.

If I was you and in your situation I would be more inclined to do it now. I think you are right when you say it wouldn't be fair on the dog to make it travel like you are doing in her current state.

Its never an easy thing to do but at least when you do it you can do it knowing you have done it in your dogs best interest and that your dog has lived a great live and that you are committing the ultimate act of kindness by ending her suffering.

Hugs to you while you wrestle with this decision and HUGE HUGS for you and her when the time finally comes.

If your dog isn't a good traveler and you think that the added stress will make her feel worse then I would go ahead and let her go. You know your dog better then anyone and if you are concerned about the traveling being hard on her there must be a reason for it. Sometimes the best path is hard, go with your heart. If she seems fine let her stay with you as long as it is comfortable for both of you. I understand you don't want to see her suffer and if you are going to be moving then are you going to really have the time to watch her that closely? Weigh your pros and cons and find the path that will fit best for you and your dog. I wish you both well.

I had to have my 13 yr old collie put down... The hardest decision I had to make... But I didn't want him to suffer and be in pain.... He couldn't get up or down and had to picked up and carried in and out of the house... Breaking my heart to see him suffer .. The vet said we could try steroids but would just get worse over time.. such as doing his bushiness where he lay.... well he was already doing that..So with that and not wanting him to suffer or be in pain I made my decision.,,, I had him cremated and made a memory wall for him.. I got pics of him in every room... He gave me many years of love and companion ship..and is deeply missed.. I know I made the right choice and also know I will see him again!

It's your decision - you are the one that has to live with what ever decision you make.