Looking for advice on when is it time to put an old dog down? I have a 12 year old shorthair and it seems like in the past week he's aged 5 years. He was fine opening weekend and then again this past Wednesday. It seems like after Wednesday's hunt he's went down hill fast. It's his back hips and he's now taking a while to get up and he has that stiff and sore walk going on with a half raised tail like he doesn't feel well. Been out to check on him quite a few times today and it takes him a while to come out of his dog house when just last week he would be waiting at the gate. He's a kennel dog and his main job is to hunt, he's not much of a family pet. He's my first dog and I love him to death, but if he can't hunt, I'm not going to leave him sit in the kennel. I feel that's not fair to him. Looking for some advice on when others have made the decision. Thanks.
When is it time?
- Thread starter KansasGsp
- Start date
Well, I would guess he is just stiff and sore from the hunt. Especially if this was his first time out this year. But at 12 yrs old most dogs can't hunt but for a few hours anyway and some take a couple of days to recover. I would give him a baby asprin and let him rest. Give him a nice soft place to lay his old bones too.
The last dog I had to have put down couldn't get up well and he lost control of his bowel movements and I just couldn't have him in the house in that condition and couldn't bare to see him that way either.
Give him a couple of days. And remember he is an old man and he can't hunt like he could even a couple of years ago. You don't have to just leave him in the kennel even if you don't hunt him. Take him out for walks he would love it.
The last dog I had to have put down couldn't get up well and he lost control of his bowel movements and I just couldn't have him in the house in that condition and couldn't bare to see him that way either.
Give him a couple of days. And remember he is an old man and he can't hunt like he could even a couple of years ago. You don't have to just leave him in the kennel even if you don't hunt him. Take him out for walks he would love it.
The cold weather doesn't help either with stiffness and soreness. Your vet could likely prescribe something like Rimadyl to help with arthritis. If you want to try glucosamine and chondroitin from a healthfood store or the vet as well. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 500 mg/ day might also help. Rig a light bulb in his dog house to ward off the chill some could buy him some time too. Aspirin, preferably Bufferin at 10 to 25 mg. per Kg every 8 to 12 hours with food might get him back up, but watch for bloody stools and throwing up stop it immediately if that occurs. You really should see a vet is the best advice anyone can give you! They can do a lot for your dog. If you use aspirin reduce the dose as much as possible to lowest dose that helps. Other drugs are better though more expensive.
Pain relievers are like cutting the wire to your engine light...it will go out but you did not fix anything! the chondroitin and glucosamine are more to "fix the engine, so to speak. My criteria for euthanasia was if the dog is enduring life rather than enjoying it. The hard part is in inturpreting what you are seeing to know the difference. Good luck. Even a forty watt bulb will warm his house a little, but be careful to rig it safely and prevent fire danger. He'll thank you for it! Hope this helps you and him too.
Pain relievers are like cutting the wire to your engine light...it will go out but you did not fix anything! the chondroitin and glucosamine are more to "fix the engine, so to speak. My criteria for euthanasia was if the dog is enduring life rather than enjoying it. The hard part is in inturpreting what you are seeing to know the difference. Good luck. Even a forty watt bulb will warm his house a little, but be careful to rig it safely and prevent fire danger. He'll thank you for it! Hope this helps you and him too.
Bird Buster
Active member
Some good responses, definitely if he is that old I would limit the amount of time he hunts or you will wear him into the ground. At that age they just don't have the same stamina or joint recovery capability. Definitely agree he is probably sore from your hunt and will take time to recover. Using supplements or prescription meds are almost a necessity at that age.
pheasantaddict
New member
Well which is it? You love him to death or he's not much of a family pet.
BritChaser
Well-known member
Turn him into a house dog for his golden years in appreciation for his years of service in the field. He'll likely improve in the warmth and ease of a house.
koja48
New member
Easier for me because my partners have ALWAYS been house dogs/family members. As stated, Remadyl & aspirin helps, short hunts are in order, and considering all of the dedicated effort, devotion, wonderful memories & unconditional love a dog lavishes/provides on/for his/her master over the years, I don't mind at all the small inconvenience of contending with puppy and old dog issues . . . it's a very small price to pay. You'll know when it's "time," but that "time" should be based on the dog's suffering, NOT on the owner's inconvenience in dealing with issues. My intent is not to chastise, but rather to offer my opinion. I'm at the other end of the spectrum . . . with prevalent health issues borne of old age, I am unable to hunt with the enthusiasm & pursue the extended outings I once enjoyed; I'm sure my 8-month-old pup would love to stay out longer, but Life is what it is . . . Hank forgives me that transgression & revels in our time in the field & at home together. It is enough. Best wishes to both you & your pup.
Very nice post Sir.
To some people, dogs are tools to be thrown away when they are no longer of use and not a member of the family. Koja and others, I'm glad to see that isn't the case with you.
Nick
Active member
I second that. Had my 12 year old lab out over the weekend. She only lasted a half day both Sat and Sun but she had a great time and did a nice job. She made a nice flush on a rooster, pointed a couple of hens and made a nice retrieve. She can no longer jump up in the truck, but I gladly lifted her each time. The least I can do for all the memories she's provided over the years. She is now resting comfortably in the house and won't be moving a whole lot for a couple of days. As long as she's not suffering, she'll be a cherished part of the family.
You nailled it sir 100% agree! I love the song about Old dogs and children and watermelon wine being the only thing worth a solitary dime! I hate to see that "old" look creeping into their eyes, and I know it is creeping into mine as well. Only way anyone can pay back an old dog is to provide for their comforts when they are old, and when it is time to say goodby do it kindly, because they cannot help them selves. In the very first chapter of Genesis, God gives us dominion over the animals. It is both a privilege and a responsibility. We should not make them suffer so we can have them longer.
Both, like I said. You trying to say I can't love a hunting dog because he's not in the house? He's not a family pet, his #1 job is to hunt. That's why I feed him!
Thanks for the responses. V-John, your an idiot, I never said anything about "throwing him away because he's not of use". I stated that he's having a hard time getting around and acts like he doesn't feel well with how he's carrying his tail. Brittcaser, I would like to bring him indoors and let him lay around in the warm house, but that's not an option. I will talk to the vet and try some baby aspirin.
jeffstally
Member
There is no need for name calling, he is just stating his opinion.
My opinion is that my dogs will be around until their actions tell me that they are in too much pain to go on.
pheasantaddict
New member
Nobody said you can't love a hunting dog because he's not in the house. You said it by saying he's not a family pet therefore the contradiction in terms. For most bird dog owners their dog is their heart and soul, so when I see or hear about dogs that are left in their kennel all the time in a pile of shit or abused in other ways I'm going to call the jackhole out. What's the use of having a dog if he's not the family pet? That's just messed up and you're missing out. No dog is meant to be stuck in a kennel the majority of his life. Especially a GSP which I happen to have. To think you can own one and take him hunting once or twice a week for two months is sad.
carptom1
Well-known member
i grew up with hunting dogs that were left in their kennels year round. My dad used to say that you would make them soft if you brought them inside. My father loved his dogs very much, and treated them well, for kennel dogs. My dad has been dead for many years now. I treat my dogs differently than he did. As
i am writing this one is trying to crawl in my lap, and the other one just finished his food and is laying beside me farting. I think my daughter slips him too much crap. I treat my dog differently than I was taught, they are part of the family. I won't criticize this guy for his post, he was simply asking a simple question. I don't know his situation, or heart, so I will leave those opinions to myself. GSP nobody can tell you when it is time, you will know. I put my lab down this spring, because he was unable to be inside anymore, and I probably waited a little too long.
i am writing this one is trying to crawl in my lap, and the other one just finished his food and is laying beside me farting. I think my daughter slips him too much crap. I treat my dog differently than I was taught, they are part of the family. I won't criticize this guy for his post, he was simply asking a simple question. I don't know his situation, or heart, so I will leave those opinions to myself. GSP nobody can tell you when it is time, you will know. I put my lab down this spring, because he was unable to be inside anymore, and I probably waited a little too long.
Carp,
I appreciate the response. I, just like your father, treat my two dogs very well. They are in kennels because I have no other option and I make sure they are very well taken care of. I just want to make sure he's not in pain because it's not fair for me to hold onto him if he's uncomfortable.
My best GSP hunted til he was 15. The last couple of years it was only for a couple of hours then a dose of aspirin and a soft bed in the house for the rest of the day.
Hunting dogs give their all for us and love what they do. I now only hunt a few hours a day and then take a aspirin.
I hope they don't put me down yet!
Hunting dogs give their all for us and love what they do. I now only hunt a few hours a day and then take a aspirin.
I hope they don't put me down yet!
I'm an idiot? What a well thought out and clever response. I applaud you for your wit and wisdom. Let's start here. First of all, it's you're not your. If you are going to insult me, then let's go ahead and at least get it right. Like, "look at that guy over there (not their, or they're) putting his dog down for being a bit old." See how this works?
Second, I have quoted your original response. I have put in bold a portion of your quote to explain how I came to the analogy of "throwing him away like an old tool. "
Now. In reading the title of the thread, and the orginal post, you were looking for help in making a decision to put down your dog because as you put it "if he can't hunt, I'm not going to just leave him sit in a kennel" (in bold, once again, in your quote). I made the assumption (again, after reading the original post) that you are considering putting him down because he can't hunt.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Now, if you feel like he's not feeling well, then a trip to the vet may be in order.
Here is how I made the analogy to old tools being thrown away.
"If he can't hunt, I'm not going to just leave him sit in a kennel" = putting dog down because he can no longer hunt.
"Tools that are no longer useful, and no longer work = are thrown away in the trash."
So, given this, the dog can no longer hunt, thus, is being considered being put down, and thrown away like a tool that is no longer useful. "If he can't hunt, I'm not going to just leave him sit in a kennel". (Your words, not mine.)
I hope that I was able to simplify this into something that you can understand.
(Or at least understand how I came to the conclusion that I did... Along with several others that posted to this thread.)
I foster dogs in vizsla rescue. I've seen too many damn old dogs come into rescue because people don't want them anymore, or they don't hunt anymore. This is not fair, nor is it right.
My dogs, I made a deal with each and every one of them. If you try your best, and have fun, and enjoy what you do, then you and I are in it for the long haul and I'll be there at the end. They are parts of my little family, and they will be around until the time comes. But it won't be because they can't hunt hard anymore I can promise you that.
CloseRange
New member
Lots of good advice in this thread, on how to extend an old dog's hunting days. I'm now on my second bird dog and even though she's just a year old the question posed by KansasGsp is relevant to me. My dog will get old and frail, and when that happens what'll I do?
My late grandpa had a number of bird dogs in his life, all were kenneled outdoors and all were happy, fine dogs because Grandpa went hunting a LOT. Same thing with my late uncle; his dogs were kenneled outside.
But with my first bird dog I "broke with family tradition" you might say, because I wanted a house pet as well as a hunter. Same thing with my second dog; she's a house pet.
People who kennel their dog outdoors, maybe in the future their situations will change to where they can experiment with having their dog live inside the house. But indoors or out, there's no perfect situation either way.
I enjoy the many bonus moments of together time gained by my dog living indoors with me. And I do think a house pet/bird dog benefits from better quality rest, which should extend its "hunt-span" so long as it also gets regular exerise runs outdoors in the off-season.
My new dog sure sleeps good. (She ought to, as much space on my bed as she hogs every night.) But the night will come when she's not snuggling there anymore because I had her put down, and it's gonna be real hard to deal with that.
My late grandpa had a number of bird dogs in his life, all were kenneled outdoors and all were happy, fine dogs because Grandpa went hunting a LOT. Same thing with my late uncle; his dogs were kenneled outside.
But with my first bird dog I "broke with family tradition" you might say, because I wanted a house pet as well as a hunter. Same thing with my second dog; she's a house pet.
People who kennel their dog outdoors, maybe in the future their situations will change to where they can experiment with having their dog live inside the house. But indoors or out, there's no perfect situation either way.
I enjoy the many bonus moments of together time gained by my dog living indoors with me. And I do think a house pet/bird dog benefits from better quality rest, which should extend its "hunt-span" so long as it also gets regular exerise runs outdoors in the off-season.
My new dog sure sleeps good. (She ought to, as much space on my bed as she hogs every night.) But the night will come when she's not snuggling there anymore because I had her put down, and it's gonna be real hard to deal with that.