How to tell Owner Dog Needs to be put down ??...

[Lil Bastrd]

This is totally serious.

So here's the situation. A family member who I don't see that often has a dog that is 17 years old. She is at that point where arthritis has set in bad, and the dog is literally skin and bones. Dementia has taken hold. The owner is living by herself mainly as her husband passed away quite a few years ago. She is a crazy dog person like myself and has always had dogs. The problem is that she doesn't know when to make the decision to take the dog in to see the vet to be put to sleep. Part of this is because she doesn't want to let her go, the other is she doesn't want to put her to sleep if the dog is still enjoying life.
The last time I saw the dog about a month ago I could tell that the time was getting close. I think the owner is hoping that her companion will go in her sleep peacefully. Unfortunately I think the arthritis is causing more pain then the dog should have to live with.

So, any suggestions on how to bring this up with her . I am willing to go with her, or to take the dog in for her, whichever she chooses.
Please any suggestions/ideas are greatly appreciated.

On another note I do have a dog set up for her, as I think that she won't want to be dog-less.

[yamahar6]

When my dog had to be put down the vet told me that he was not showing his pain in front of me and that he is really in a lot of pain, Just talk to your family member, sit them down ask them if they really wanna see there dog in pain? it changes a lot of peoples choices. I remember i wasn't willing to let my dog be put down until the vet spoke to me and told me about how much pain my dog really was in. Also that if the SPCA came over and saw my dog in pain the way he was, that i could be charged

As far as getting another dog, do you think its a good idea to get another one right away? i know someone people think its stupid but a pet does grow on you, it becomes family to you. Your family friend might need some time to take it all in, don't you think? I don't know,I'm just telling you how i felt when i was in that situation.

[racerman88]

when you know your pet is in pain, it's best to not let them suffer

[Lil Bastrd]

Originally Posted by racerman88

when you know your pet is in pain, it's best to not let them suffer

Thanks for the info, I have to figure out a diplomatic way of letting her know that the dog is at that point. As we aren't that close, it would be out of place to just say that.