Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

My pet Boxer, Apollo, is almost 14 years old. She has been the most wonderful pet and I love her so much that there are just no words.

She has been aging lately, having problems with her hips, falling here and there....it just breaks my heart but she has seemed happy to live and we've been keeping her comfortable.

The last couple of weeks, she started having problems with her teeth and trouble eating. My mom brought her to the vet this morning for a cleaning and upon examination, the vet advised her that Apollo has a carcinoma in her mouth that is bleeding. He feels that we can give her some anti-inflammatory meds and keep her comfortable for a while longer...but that we should definitely consider euthanasia. My mom and brother feel that we should put her to sleep now before she is suffering - I am HEART BROKEN.

How do we know if we are making the right decision to put her down? I keep envisioning bringing her to the vet tonight and her looking at me with those big, beautiful eyes all trusting and not knowing that i'm about to end her life......

Does anyone have any advice, anything please? Are we doing the right thing? I love her so so so much.......

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

I think the biggest consideration would be how much pain she is in.. did the vet say?\

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Posted by dita

I think the biggest consideration would be how much pain she is in.. did the vet say?\

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

She can't chew because of the tumor in her mouth, it's bleeding and causing her pain. He says that they can give her some anti-inflammatory meds and see if the swelling goes down but her lymph nodes are inflamed too, so he just can't tell what will happen. I am torn....do we prolong her life which will be painful for maybe the chance that she will feel "ok" for a little while and then .......?

or do we put her to sleep now while she hasn't suffered much and give her the blessing to go in happiness and dignity, the way she lived her life.

How is this fair? I'm so sad..........

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

First, I am so, SO sorry you are going through this. I know how hard it is to lose a pet that you love so much.

I, personally, would rather put my beloved pet down a day too soon rather than a minute too late. I would rather let my pet go sooner than wait until he is suffering... but of course the right time is never an easy decision to make. I'm sure you and your family will make the right decision, with input from your vet.

Just remember than a humane end is the last great gift you give your pet. So, as much as it hurts to make the decision to let a pet go, when that time comes you should know that you are doing the right thing for that pet.

Again, I am heartbroken for you.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

I have no advice but just wanted to send some

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

I think when you feel its time.. I know its a stupid answer but you will know when. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I'm wishing you and Apollo the best.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

It's such a difficult decision to make, heart breaking doesn't even begin to describe it. I think you need to follow your heart and gut.

My dog had tumors in his mouth that would bleed for various reasons, mainly because they'd catch on his teeth and open.

We waited to put him down and in retrospect it was not the right choice. By the time he had his last episode (for lack of a better word) we found him in his bed covered in blood. They bleed a lot as there are many blood vessels...It was a horrific sight, one I will NEVER forget.

All I can say is consider what is honestly best for your pet. It may be difficult now but just know it will only get harder the longer you wait.

I'm so sorry you're going through this...

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

I'm so sorry that you're facing this difficult decision. We had to put down our pomeranian right before our wedding in May because her brain was deteriorating and affecting her impulses like swallowing and breathing. It's a hard choice, but you wouldn't want your dog to suffer any longer than necessary. Again, I'm so very sorry.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Posted by dita

I think the biggest consideration would be how much pain she is in..



ITA and I'm heartbroken for you that you have to make this decision

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Thank you all so much for your responses. It means so much to me that you all took the time so answer.

We put Apollo to sleep last night. I am so raw and heartbroken at the moment.

Thank you again.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Posted by AnaMaree77

Thank you all so much for your responses. It means so much to me that you all took the time so answer.

We put Apollo to sleep last night. I am so raw and heartbroken at the moment.

Thank you again.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Posted by AnaMaree77

Thank you all so much for your responses. It means so much to me that you all took the time so answer.

We put Apollo to sleep last night. I am so raw and heartbroken at the moment.

Thank you again.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

So sorry to for your loss...but now she is not in pain and the worst is over.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Posted by AngnShaun

Posted by dita

I think the biggest consideration would be how much pain she is in.. did the vet say?\

ITA... if shes in pain then i think letting her go on your terms would be the best option...

im so sorry

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

So sorry! Hugs!

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

I'm sorry for your loss. You made the right decision.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Posted by AnaMaree77

Thank you all so much for your responses. It means so much to me that you all took the time so answer.

We put Apollo to sleep last night. I am so raw and heartbroken at the moment.

Thank you again.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....

Posted by AnaMaree77

Thank you all so much for your responses. It means so much to me that you all took the time so answer.

We put Apollo to sleep last night. I am so raw and heartbroken at the moment.

Thank you again.

Re: Question regarding Euthanizing a pet.....