Older Dogs And Euthanasia
How long do dogs usually live?
Again this all depends on the size of the dog. Small dogs live longer than large dogs, so a small dog might live as long as sixteen or seventeen years. However, a large dog such as a giant breed like the Great Danes, might be old at seven or eight years.
What are the most common geriatric issues for dogs?
As a dog ages, geriatric issues are going to happen just like with people. You get blindness, deafness, and you get incontinence, which I think is the worst of everything for us as humans. For example my own dog leaks; indeed it is called leaking. These are some geriatric issues that happen as a natural product of old age, and it's very sad, but it's a passage of life.
How can I keep my dog comfortable when he gets old?
When a dog begins to age you have to look after its health and wellbeing, and that means that you need to take notes and know that the dog is not going to be as mobile as before. If they become blind, you should not change the furniture. I think it is more important that you make sure that they are comfortable at all times, meaning that you don't change their environment. You should try to not rock their boat, because they're very set in their ways. And you should also try to keep things as much status-quo as you can.
How do I know when it is best to put my dog down?
It's a very difficult decision. I think it's the time when the dog starts to lose it's bowels, the dog is unhappy, it's disoriented, or it doesn't know where it is. I think certainly if you're having to help the dog move its bowels, you're taking the dog outside, and it doesn't eat, that's a good sign the dog is really ready to go. I really advise an at home death. What I mean by that is you have the veterinarian come to your home and they administer a pre-anaesthetic sedative to the dog, then they administer the euthanasia solution. I've done it myself here at my house many times and it's a very peaceful process. I really highly recommend that you try to do it at home if you can because that's the place where your dog is going to be most comfortable as opposed to going to the dreaded vet.
How will my vet put my dog down?
Ideally, you have a veterinarian who will come to the house and he will do an at-home euthanasia. You're going have a dog who is going to be put asleep with a pre-anaesthestic, so the dog's going to be put asleep before the lethal dose is administered. You can hold your dog; you can soothe your dog. Your dog is in an environment where you feel safe and calm, and that's the most important thing.
How can I prepare my kids and myself emotionally before putting our dog down?
There are counselling groups and support groups to help you cope with the loss of a pet or prepare you for the loss of a pet. Some people get another dog to cope with the loss of the other dog. When dealing with children, just tell them the truth about death and that it is part of life, and it is all a part of nature.
How long should I wait to get a new dog after my dog's death?
Everybody's feeling is different. Personally I get a new dog before my dog goes because I can't be without a dog. It's a very personal decision and everybody's different, but if you're a dog lover and a true dog needer, you get one as soon as you possibly can.
