Should we have our dog put to sleep?

We have a Boerboel named Nero, he's 8 years old and my father is seriously considering putting him to sleep. He's had some kind of skin condition since he was 4. We've taken him to the Vet and he gave us some stuff to put on. The problem is that this condition gets better and then becomes worse again, it doesn't heal completely, the dogs going through a bad patch now (it's the worse it's been in the 4 years) - he has sores all over his body and is in obvious pain. Should we ride it out and hope he gets better or put him to sleep?

Should we have our dog put to sleep?
This is one of the most difficult decisions pet owners have to make. Please take him to another vet for a second opinion. Have you ever tried giving your dog plain cooked meat with rice and veggies instead of some industrial dog food ? It could well be that his food has some ingredient in it that causes an allergy. Perhaps when his skin was better, you were feeding him a different brand ? There is such a lot of muck in animal feeds. Preservatives that would not be allowed for human consumption for starters, and when you read the word cellulose on the packaging, then you can be sure that this is just plain recycled newspaper ! I could go on and on. Have you ever wondered why pets must go for an annual vaccination, and we humans who live way longer than our house pets, need only one or two and a refresher after 10 years or so? How else can vets make their money? Just think what that concentration of vaccines must be doing to your pet.





Check this link, and google a few more under %26gt; dogs, skin condition, food allergy or similar wordings:





http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/Stor...





I know 8 years is sort of a good age for a Boerboel, but he could also live to 10 or 12 years. We had a rottweiler who got bitten in his face by a brak on the farm. He developed a bad skin problem on his face and around his ear.According to the vet it was a red mite. The vet gave us some soapy stuff to wash daily, and he got some sort of injections. We fought this thing for months, and it would recede slightly and then get worse. Till the time when it just got worse all the time, and his whole condition deteriorated so much that he could hardly walk after all. It must have attacked his whole system. In the end we had to admit defeat, and it was sooooo sad. He was such a magnificent specimen. The police used to "make a draai" through our property to admire him.





I wish you good luck with your dog. The end is always sad, whether one expects it or not.
Reply:Put him down if his in pain
Reply:If it looks like it herts put him to sleep.
Reply:If he is suffering the only humane thing is to put him down. Don't make him suffer any more.
Reply:If it's obvious he's in pain, then it might be best to end his misery. I know it's hard, but think about him in this situation. I would consult with the vet, too.





Sometimes, dogs will let you know when it's time to let them go.
Reply:This is such a hard situation. We had the same type of dilemma with a great dog we had; looking into her eyes, it was obvious she was in great pain %26amp; somehow it seemed she knew what we were thinking. I cried for days after we had her put down. You need to remember that, if you decide to put him down, no one can take away the memories you have of him
Reply:It is a very hard decision to make but he does not understand why he is suffering and in pain so maybe you should be cruel to be kind and end his pain
Reply:MB1810, my heart goes out to you and your family. I love animals especially dogs and this must be so hard for you all.


However, Cakes has made a good suggestion about getting a second opinion after which you can make a decision. Good luck, I know that you will make the right choice.
Reply:Yes put him away because it sounds like Mange and that is also dangerous to other animals. . . .it is a deteriorating skin decease. After he is disposed of you should disinfect everywhere he has been sleeping, dispose of any bedding etc. Mop the paved areas down with a mild solution of bleach or any other type of disinfectant. Do not put another dog or cat in the same area for several months.
Reply:This is a heart –wrenching situation. Here is my advice.


First search the Internet to find out whether there are other cases in the WORLD where the dogs were healed. Some Vets and for that matter Doctors, do not keep up to date in their field. It is vitally important for yourself and your pet that you have satisfied yourself with the knowledge that you have truly done everything possible.





Should you decide to go ahead…PLEASE make sure that you are there with him/her to supervise and make sure that the Vet does it properly. (And tell him/her that you have informed yourself on the procedure and insist that it is done properly) I have had an awful experience, which due to my lack of knowledge and complete trust in the Vet…led to the painful death of an old Lady. She was not a dog but nevertheless. I have a Vet as a friend and was horrified after questioning her and explaining what I saw. She confirmed that some charge the full fee…. but try to save money (to their greedy benefit) by leaving out the injection that is meant to deaden the pain.





Don't give up yet. First do some research of you own.


Good luck

creeping