Is it time that we consider putting my moms dog to sleep?

[Anonymous]

My mom has a 12 year old pit bull. He's had arthritis in his front paws for a while. We give him medication everyday, but he continues to limp. Mostly up the stairs. He has arthritis in his spine too. The vet told us to hot compress his spine multiple times a day. That was two months ago, but a few days ago, he started whining, growling, and yelping. Sometimes barking too. I'm pretty positive it's his arthritis. I took him for a 10 minute walk today, and when we came back, he was limping up the stairs, then his back legs gave out, and he fell down the stairs. I sort of have to lift him up the stairs and pick him up onto the bed. I've been thinking that the time to put him to sleep is approaching. I haven't flat out said it to my mom, but I know she's thinking it. Neither of us want him to suffer.

[purplepoppy]

Yes sadly it is. Another option would be a short course of steroids, they'll give him a short burst of life which can help you say goodbye with those last walks in the park, but afterwards they go downhill very fast. End of the day only you can judge if his quality of life has deteriated to that point.

[bobalife]

Reading this post made me really sad… 🥺 I’m so sorry about your dog, I can only imagine how hard that is to watch your dog in pain and knowing your dog is not doing well… I’m no expert, but I’d recommend to consult with a professional what is the best next steps and treatment for your dog.

[exitseven]

My cat was suffering with arthritis and I think his eyesight was bad. He was 20 years old and every night I used to hope he would go to sleep and not wake up. Finally I had him put to sleep. It was hard to do and was really sad but he was suffering. Feed him his favorite meal and then get it done.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[Chazmatazz269]

Most animals are more aware of their mortality than we give them credit for. When your dog decides to be done, he’ll stop eating and drinking and going for those walks. Just keep doing your best to mitigate his pain and he’ll let you know when it’s time to say goodbye.

[MrExperienced]

I would not let my dogs suffer and be in horrible pain. Definitely talk to the vet and the other big thing is make sure you are there with the dog when you are needed most. They look for their owners as they lived their whole lives for you so the least you can do is be there to send them off.

[handsomelad70]

Just don't get South Dakota Gov. and wacky cowgirl Kristi Noem to do it !!!

[FunkyMonkee]

I guess that's about 84 in dog years. Most of our dogs lasted at least 16 years. Damn! That's, what, 105? 108? The deciding factor was if they couldn't do stairs anymore or if they'd go out for a shit and their hind legs would give out and they'd fall into their own shit.

[LadyKitty]

I'd say talk to the vet about it and if they think that might be best. If its quality of life is bad due to the health condition then I'd say yes but I'd consult first.

[DarkLegacy]

Sadly yes it is. After all he is in pain and it is a progressive illness and you don't want him to suffer

[Anonymous]

I wish we could've had my mom put down when she started falling over. Time to send Rover to doggy heaven.

[Cheerguy]

Yes please