No, you don’t murder your pet because they need medication and occasional vet visits as they age.

Anonymous wrote:I had a basset hound who got out and twisted and broke a leg, the leg had to be taken off and then she was a tri-pawed for several years. No problem.

But then at about 9 she was trying to chase another dog up and down stair and slipped and broke the other leg. I didn't see how the recovery process would go with no front legs in our house and our other dogs and I just had to let her go. I cried and didn't want to, but I did.

You are kind. You took on the grief so that your dog wouldn't have to suffer in fear, pain, and confusion. This is the most humane approach.

OP, I think I would. It is hard to really say what one would do without being in the position you describe in the current moment.

I think that OP's question is as much about a person's pet as it is about their personal relationship with money. And the money piece is always so complicated and varied from person-to-person. I have dogs and I SPOIL them to no end. They are part of our family and on some days, the absolute best part.

But as they age I find it extremely stressful to see their veterinary care increase with every year. I worry about what is to come as one of our dogs is about to turn 12 and is having more critical and expensive issues. We will absolutely do everything we can to give her a joyful and comfortable old aged life but will we spend thousands of dollars to prolong it? I am not so sure. One of my friends just spent over $6k to treat their dog and just the thought of that kind of money causes me great anxiety. I am one who worries about money so does that mean I should not have a dog? Maybe. But then there are so many dogs that need good homes ... it is all so personal and complicated.

Anonymous wrote:I had a basset hound who got out and twisted and broke a leg, the leg had to be taken off and then she was a tri-pawed for several years. No problem.

But then at about 9 she was trying to chase another dog up and down stair and slipped and broke the other leg. I didn't see how the recovery process would go with no front legs in our house and our other dogs and I just had to let her go. I cried and didn't want to, but I did.

You are cray

Sure.

Anonymous wrote:If the pet has a low quality of life because of those medical issues, then yes.

Generally no (my cat lived to 20, so 10+ could still have lots of life in it). But it also depends on the issue and on quality of life for the pet.

Anonymous wrote:Yep. A good last day and a gentle death is a reasonable end in those circumstances. Some people who apparently have more money than common sense will act like you need to bankrupt yourself dragging your pet(s) to years worth of expensive vet visits until they simply can't live anymore. From my perspective, that's cruelty. Most pets know when you're stressed and upset, especially pets you've had for a long time. The pet doesn't want to upset you, and your stress will have a negative impact on the pet's life. It's always better to let them go a little too soon vs. a little too late. Putting a pet down when they're starting to fall apart, but still themselves, is appropriate, especially when your finances aren't going to afford any major medical interventions anyway.

Trying to rehome a senior pet with health issues is also cruel. They're hard to place, and they'll wonder why they get kicked out of their family. Maybe you know a neighbor, friend, or family member who would want to take your pet, but most people don't. Better to take your pet out for whatever would constitute a really great day, and then have a vet come to your home and euthanize them. Keep it as low-stress as possible, and stay with your pet to the end.

This. There are a lot of people without common sense though

Anonymous wrote:I would make the decision purely based on the pets comfort, not money. You owe your pet that. 10 is not that old (depending on breed)

Ok so where's the money going to come from?

Anonymous wrote:Only if you would do the same for parents or your children or spouse. You'd do that, right?

Oh god you're one of those. Please mention this pets = people delusion early and often, so that we may mock and then avoid you!

The primary reason should not be money, unless you're really suffering and cannot afford basic necessities.

But if the pet is suffering, doesn't have a great quality of life, and little hope of their illness getting better, then yes, euthanasia is appropriate, at any age.

For ex: my 7 year old medium sized dog seems to have problems with his colon. We can afford his treatments; he's still behaving like a happy dog (eating, playing, socializing, etc) apart from the few days a month when his illness peaks and he's visibly uncomfortable. So even though we don't have clarity right now as to whether this is permanent or not, he's still youngish for his breed, and we are not planning on euthanasia just yet.

All about the animals quality of life. We put to sleep a dog that had severe arthritis and suddenly paralyzed back legs. He was in a lot of pain but threw up all painkillers. Otherwise we would have treated his pain.

Anonymous wrote:Only if you would do the same for parents or your children or spouse. You'd do that, right?

*nods grimly in your general direction*

It depends on the comfort of the pet. Sitting here right now with my 17 yo deaf, elderly cat with CKD (meds and special diet) on my lap. If she needed a surgery I’d put her down, though. As it is she’s happy, purring and making biscuits on my lap.

Anonymous wrote:If the pet has a low quality of life because of those medical issues, then yes.

+1 its about quality of life.

Dealing with this now as our dog is almost completely blind. I’m trying to determine if they can settle into a new blind life or will forever be confused and scared.

I would make the decision purely based on the pets comfort, not money. You owe your pet that. 10 is not that old (depending on breed)