Time to Let Go | Cesar Millan

Written by Dr. Sherry Weaver

How do I know when my dog is in too much pain and should be put to sleep? My Corgi/Golden retriever mutt is 12 years old and has arthritis. He no longer goes up the stairs or on the couch, and gets up and down slowly. He still chases his ball, but for a few feet, instead of a few hundred feet. He still is excited to go for a walk, but can only make it up and back a block before he's practically hopping home. We have tried two medications. One didn't seem to help, and the other made him not eat and/or throw up - he seemed more unhappy, not less.

Nevertheless, when he's hanging out with us, he seems very content. He's been such a wonderful companion, I don't want to shorten his life unnecessarily nor do I want him to suffer.

Ellen Royer
Las Vegas, NV

Dear Ellen,

Quality of life is the biggest debate that most pet owners eventually face. The decision is based on how you feel in your heart. I have always believed that, as long as there are things that the dog enjoys, life is worth living. We all lose the ability to walk distance as we age, but there are other things in life that are enjoyable. There are many medications available to control arthritis pain in dogs, including Tramadol or Neurontin, which have almost no side effects and work very well. Also, if you have not tried any of the other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs), you might ask your vet for other alternatives.

Dr. Weaver

Read advice for coping with the loss of your canine companion.

About Dr. Sherry Weaver
Dr. Weaver graduated with honors from the University of Georgia's School of Veterinary Medicine. She founded a state-of-the-art animal hospital, teaches pet care to children, and donates time and resources to rescue organizations. For her full biography, click here.

Note: The opinions and views expressed in the Ask the Vet articles are the result of Dr. Sherry Weaver's formal education and over 14 years in clinical experiences. Your veterinarian is the best source of information for your pet’s specific needs.

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Sun, 08/29/2010 - 12:59pm — StephGL

Let go?

My Golden gave me 13 years of love. When she got old and started to slow down, it was the perfect time to thank her all her love and faithfulness by being patient. She didn't have the same energy, but was always happy to eat, to play, to bark. Sometimes sick for one reason or other, but taking care of her with love, cheer her up to be heal again. She was old, but happy until her very last day, when God call her back to Him.
Getting old is not a reason to let them go...is a reason to thank them all those years of love. <3

Sun, 05/02/2010 - 10:02am — hlybg2000

Arthritis

I woke up one morning to the grunting of our pit bull letting me know he needed to go out. As I watched him from the front door, I noticed he had a sort of 'hitch' as we call it, in his step. I kept my eye on him for a few days thinking maybe he had just slept wrong like I do sometimes. I decided to take him to our vet. Gator is a 75+lb dog and at the time he was about 5 yrs old. The vet said she felt certain that it was the first signs of arthrtis. He's very thick and has a wide shoulder.His front legs don't rotate in the joint like they should because he is so thick. She suggested that I start giving him Fish Oil and Glcosamine. As well as not letting him jump down from high places. He's approaching his 9th birthday this fall and he has an occasionaal mis step, but nothing like it was before. I feel that we caught it early and hopefully it will be a while before we have to search for other methods of treatment. He seams to be happy and free of pain. I'm sending this just as a tip. If you have a large dog, you might want to consult your vet as soon as you notice something wrong.

Thu, 01/28/2010 - 3:54pm — dbca112

putting down a dog

my dog has been very tolerant of pain for 3 years. off and on on mild pain medications. i would say its time to let them go when you cant stand to change their diaper any more. vets spend way to much of their client's money and dogs just like people can be very tolerant of things if they are allowed to care for themselves.