I have a 14 yr old female(spade) daushound,who has been a wonderful pet all these yrs, now she is peeing and pooping in the house, wetting her blanket at night and her doggie bed. I am having a hard time with thinking about having to put her to sleep. Her eyes are glazed over, she can see some though, now her hearing is going, all of a sudden. She sleeps day and night. but she must be right beside me all day. When we go away, she cries and howls and sounds hoarse when we get back. How do I make the decision to have her put to sleep? I know its time. Sunset

It sounds bad, but 14 isn't that old for a Dachshund. Perhaps you should let the vet examine her first. Putting the dog to sleep is one of the hardest decisions a dog owner ever makes. Those of us that raise puppies for service dog schools are continually asked how we can give it up after a year. I have put an old dog to sleep, and trust me, it is much easier to send a dog off to the life it was bred for.

Please have a vet look her over to make sure she's in rough shape...

And if she is, here's how I think about it.

We often want to keep our beloved pets/family members around because we can't bear the thought of being without them.

On the other hand, having the ability to prevent suffering is something we are not able to do for each other, and is an act of love and selflessness - choosing to keep your friend from suffering no matter how sad the loss makes you.

My promise to all my furkids is

"Better one day too soon than one second too late"...

I would rather have a lot of grief on my own part than stand the thought that they might suffer unecessarily for even an instant.

-Beth

How noble! Just put the animal to sleep , when it is a inconvience for you... My pets go when THEY want to die.. I don't make the choice for them. You can get 'doggie diapers"! You probably can't wait until your parents are in hospital, so you can pull the plug to end Your inconvience... if you fall and break your leg... Can I shoot you??
Yet you have not problem doing that to my horse... doesn't seem right, does it?

How noble! Just put the animal to sleep , when it is a inconvience for you...My pets go when THEY want to die..I don't make the choice for them. You can get 'doggie diapers"! You probably can't wait until your parents are in hospital, so you can pull the plug to end Your inconvience.... if you fall and break your leg... Can I shoot you???
yet you have not problem doing that to my horse.... does'nt seem right, does it??

Dogcatcher
You made me cry again! That thread was from 3 years ago. Please check the date before you reply:(

I am closing this thread, although I do hope the OP never put their dog to sleep, it does sound like it was something that could have been managed.