My Cody is he suffering? Should I put him down?

@lelin1123 (15594)
Puerto Rico
March 21, 2013 7:47pm CST
My husband is saying we should put him down and I need to stop being selfish. As many of you know I have a shih tzu named Cody. He will be fifteen in June. He has had some health issues for the past three years since moving to Puerto Rico. He suffered a couple of seizures soon after arriving here. Last month he had a bloating problem where he almost died. Now for the past year he has been peeing everywhere and even in his bed. He is blind and deaf and having trouble with his hind legs in getting up to walk. In October of last year he became infected with ticks due to horses in the neighborhood. So I'm constantly checking him for ticks even to this day. I love my Cody so much but my husband feels that Cody is not happy. It's not the quality of life he should be having he believes. He doesn't run around, he doesn't play like he use to. That is all due to his age of course. He is not making noise as if he was suffering. Some friends say when he stops eating then its time for him to be put down. Others say wait till its his time to go period. Should I put him down? Do you think he is suffering? What should I do? Thanks!
4 people like this
11 responses
@allknowing (153544)
• India
22 Mar 13
You should have done that a long time ago. Reading through I notice your pet has been suffering for a while now. When there is no cure and we know the pet is suffering we need to be selfless and relieve them of their suffering. I have done that to a couple of our pets. Bhagira had a wound under his tail and each time he exerted it would bleed. It went on for several months. The vet said that he probably had cancer as no amount of cleaning and applying medication would set him right. He was normal otherwise but we took that decision.
3 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
"Put him down along time ago" based on what though, because he is blind and deaf? He has no wounds, he is still eating in fact he comes looking for his food. He was in pain with the bloating and he let us know by making noise. We rushed him to the vet and he was there for two days. They fixed the problem. I know if he was in pain, couldn't walk anymore or wasn't eating I would have to put him down.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
22 Mar 13
Sorry. Just because your dog is eating is no indication that your pet is happy. All what you have told us is enough for me to believe that your dog is suffering. They cannot speak nor do their eyes show when they are suffering. We have had several pets and we know when it is time for them to go. We adore our pets and in fact we suffer for days when we ease them of their suffering.
2 people like this
@ShyBear88 (59342)
• Sterling, Virginia
22 Mar 13
Just because he isn't making sound like he is in pain doesn't mean he isn't in pain. Think of this as if he was human and you were the peeling every were, couldn't see couldn't hear. Couldn't run and play with those you loved. Wouldn't you be heart broken and hurting on the inside from the day to day pain of not being about to just enjoy life and be there. If he wasn't both blinded and deaf then he could use his other 3 seances and all he working on is smell and taste. I wouldn't make my dog suffer just to be with them longer. Almost 3 years ago my parents had to put down my dog. She might not have looked unhappy but she was and we all knew it. She way dying slowly in a not so fun way. She had cancer and the tumor in her brain was turning it to mush. She was alway bleeding from her nose, coughing up blood sneezing it out as well. She couldn't see well just lauded around the house clinging to life. She was dying and she didn't want to go but it was time for her to go. My parents say with her the whole time while she was passing away she never felt any pain. The doctors gave her a nice little grave and took her paw print for us. I was pregnant and couldn't make this choice but I understood and I'm glade with picked this way for her to pass away vs her slow lying dying in pain.
3 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
If he was sick or bleeding from the nose or not eating of course I would put down. I don't want him to suffer at all. I don't know for sure that he is suffering. He was at the vet not to long ago the doctor took x-rays and said other then the bloating problem he was healthy for his age. The bloating problem is gone for now. The doctor only mention that he was not sure of his quality of life due to being blind and deaf.
1 person likes this
@ShyBear88 (59342)
• Sterling, Virginia
23 Mar 13
I would put my dog down still. Being both deaf and blind is not a life at all. Not a good quality for a dogs ever and there spirits.
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
22 Mar 13
If Cody can't see, can't hear, and can't control his physical functions it is past time to let him go. I know how hard it is, I've had to help 3 of my beloved dogs cross into heaven. It hurts like hell but but not as much as seeing them suffer. We have extended life so much for both animals and humans that we are all here much longer than we should be, and we are usually miserable the last few years. Only the animals can't express their misery, they just endure and try to please us. Please, let Cody go. He'll be waiting for you when it's your time to cross over, it's only a temporary separation. But please don't make him suffer anymore just because you can't bear to let him go. Go with him, hold him, tell him you love him and let him escape his pain and misery. Yeah, it hurts but at least you know your loved one is at peace.
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
OMG I have to ask you if you lets say were born blind and deaf then you got to be 70 years of age and became incontinent would you want to be put down if that was allowed for humans?
2 people like this
@artemeis (4189)
• China
22 Mar 13
Speaking from experience, I feel that Cody is not whimpering or showing signs that he is suffering because he is still trying to please his master and mistress. He may be struggling a little but I think he is fighting every bit to make you happy. So, please be happy with him, praise him, play with him and let him have his favorite things. The fact that he is struggling is that he can sense that all of you are worried and debating aloud that he sense that he is somewhat responsible. So, he is trying every ounce of his strength to make all of you happy, stop debating whether to put him down or not and you will know what I mean. Just treat him as usual and I believe it is time you all should make him happy. I have 2 dogs who passed away naturally and both of them were never put down. I always know that something is amiss and would make them as comfortable and happy. Both of them actually passed away peacefully in the morning but not without visiting each of the family members before they retire into their crate. So, please stop stressing yourselves and be happy like before. He is not sick but stressed by all your concerns which he sense is his doing. Let him know that all of you are happy with him and that he can do whatever he likes before he departs.
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
22 Mar 13
I think that you should get him checked out by a Vet and then take a decision. he may actually be in pain but not whimpering. Regretfully, this is a possibility. It is awful when the time comes to let go of our beloved pets as it hurts so very much I do hope that he will be okay for a time yet but be prepared that yiu may be advised to have him put to sleep. So sorry
3 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
He was at the vet last month due to a bloating problem. Through x-ray he was ok except for the bloating. Lungs were clear heart was ok no cancer or tumors. He just mopes around eats, poops and sleeps. I know he will die one day but I'm not sure I can put him down unless of course I see or hear pain from him.
1 person likes this
@nyssa102 (747)
• United States
22 Mar 13
I don't think you should listen to your husband. Just because we 'think' someone or something is unhappy, does not mean they are. I think, that you should take the best possible care of your little Cody, and when his time comes, he should be with you, and it should be natural. Cody loves you, so honor that, honor his spirit and hug and cuddle him for the rest of his days. Dogs are wonderful, and to them, a hug and cuddle mean the world. Honor his spirit while it is with you, and hold him. My best for you.
3 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
Thank you so much that is what I really want to do. Let him go when he is ready to go. Of course if he was in pain that I could see I would put him down because I couldn't let him suffer. However, he is living a life of a old dog and when his time has come to leave this earth it will come. I will continue to take good care of him and be there for him till the end.
1 person likes this
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
22 Mar 13
My heart sincerely, goes out to you! A decision, so very hard..there is no amount of suggestions or talk, here, that will make it easier for you...and when you make that decision, one way or the other...the question always remains...WHAT IF? Yes, he is aged, and yes, he does have diminished eyesight and hearing..but it seems there is a special Guardian Angel, that improves his other senses..like smell..to aid him! How can we say his quality of life is diminished..I, too, don't run and play like I did many years ago, that doesn't mean my quality of life is less. Sadly, he is incontinent...that happens to us, to! Something he cannot control..nor may not even be aware of. There are disposables available for our little friends in fur coats...just like there are Depends for humans, whom are incontinent. I do not remember, a time in my life, when I was without a dog, and sadly they have all predeceased me...and I remember each and every one, like they were laying beside me, today! Some have passed naturally, and a couple, I asked for Vet assistance...but that was after a complete consultation regarding their issues and whether going forward, there was hope that they were/would be pain free! And my first indication that they were suffering, was a mournful cry, of which I investigated immediatley (Vet intervention)! I, for one, cannot suggest what you should do...but I do know, I had some form of divine intervention (or it seemed)telling me ..seriously, that the time was nigh! My heart, truly...does go out to you!
• Canada
22 Mar 13
I truly know, I am not helping...but if there is any solace for you...I am facing that with my dear old cat...right now. He will be 19, on May 29th...has suffered two strokes, and he has times/days, where all and sundry seem O.K., then his behaviour becomes strange (out of character for any cat)! The days that I see him take off running like a bullet, I am thankful for...but the times that he is almost totally cathartic....I second guess everything! Yes, I concur..when all signs and symptoms indicate suffering, our calling is to intervene, despite our own emotional trauma. I sincerely wish you, all the strength needed at a time like this!
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
That is what I'm waiting for a sign that its time. The sign has not come to me as of yet. If the vet couldn't take care of his bloating problem I was ready to put him down because I knew he was suffering.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
22 Mar 13
Only you can chose. Remember as a dog ages he doesn't know what will happen in the future, but you must consider his quality of life and make a good choice for him. Blessings, it very hard.
1 person likes this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
23 Mar 13
I know and I feel when the right time comes I will know. However, my husband think the time is now.Its the hardest thing to do when you have a pet for so many years. He is like the son I never had. He use to be so protective of me. Following me around the house. Playing hide and seek with me and now he only sleeps, eats and P&P.
@kprofgames (3089)
• United States
22 Mar 13
It is never easy to consider putting a loved pet down as an option, but it is a reality when you know they are suffering. No one can make this decision for you and that alone carries a heavy weight on your heart. Was considering the same with my German Shepard. Bad back, arthritis in her back legs. She was suffering. Took her in for a check up to the vet and honestly asked him what could be done. He gave all the pleasant suggestions of special dog food and vitamins but with her age (14 years) he said it's time to consider putting her down. She passed away while was trying to make up my mind. She didn't complain, just moved slow but that smile was gong out of her eyes. We had it easier because before had to make that choice she passed on. I hope you find peace with your decision.
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
Thank you and I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel when its his time he will go on his own too. However, if he started crying or moaning in pain I would then know its time to put him down. It would be so hard but I know it would be the right thing to do for him.
1 person likes this
@Octav1 (1419)
• Romania
22 Mar 13
I don't know what to say. Does he still recognize you? Does he show signs of joy when you pet him? Do you ever see him wagging his tail? If so, it means he can still enjoy moments of his life. When we decided to put our dog to sleep, she didn't recognize us. She was indifferent at our words and pettings, she didn't want to eat anything. She was suffering for too long. I know it is a hard decision to take, but you have to take it alone. Nobody can tell you when it's the time. Good luck!
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
Thank you! Yes, he still senses us around and he still wags his tail at times not always. It is such a hard decision but I don't feel I'm being selfish I just believe in my gut that I will know when its time and that time hasn't come yet for me.
• United States
22 Mar 13
It's always sad to watch as a beloved pet gets old and it's always a difficult thing to say when the right time is to put them down. Only you will be able to know and he will let you know when he's ready. Have you taken him to the vet? I would just ask the vet if he's in any type of pain due to his health and age. If he's not in pain and he's still eating his food, then it may not be his time yet. I wish you the best, I know how hard it is to see your animals get old
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
22 Mar 13
He was at the vet last month due to bloating. He was in pain and was taken care of by the vet. He stayed two days in the hospital. He is find in that regard and is not from what I can see in pain. When the bloating started he was making noise that he was in pain and we rushed him to the hospital. That is what I believe that when its time in his way he will let me know.