When to put dog down?

A co-worker gave me an older Eskimo Spitz a few months ago. He was going to have it put to sleep if no one would adopt him. I took him in. Unfortunately, I was not informed of the whole scope of the dogs issues. Immediately, I noticed his cataracts forming. It was quite clear he could not hear. I was also told that he had stopped eating much food. That is when I discovered the rotting teeth with breath to boot! He is a sweet heart and very timid. He was a mostly outdoor dog and had barking issues as well.
I cleaned him up. Took me 2 days to clean out his ears alone! I softened his food with water and attempted brushing. He's now eating regular dry foods. I discovered he had arthritis and have to carefully handle him. He's improved alot and acts like a new puppy. He lives inside the house and is sometimes playful. He does NOT interact with the other dogs and tends to be a loner.
His eyes are getting worse and is sleeping alot. He is collecting fleas and his thick fur makes it nearly impossible to keep out. It took awhile to get him used to a brush. He is never going to improve and is about 12 years old.
I've taken him to 3 vets to see if they would put him to sleep for me. They ALL refused! They said if he can still eat and walk he is okay. I am afraid his condition is getting progressively worse. His blindness is more pronounced and he is seemingly forgetful and confused. I love him but I don't want to see him suffer. I've given him a good life and better than he ever had prior.
When should I put him to sleep? When will he be considered "Suffering"? I can't watch him suffer and love his smile. It is terribly painful to know that there's nothing more I can do for him. I named him "Dirtnap" so I wouldn't get attached but that did NOT work!!!

I think there are a lot of blind dogs that do just fine. I wouldn't put him to sleep because of blindness. As far as the fleas get him some flea treatment.

and sort of surprised your other dogs haven't started to have problems.

You should ask the Vet for Capstar. After administration any flea that bites dies instantly during the first 24 hrs. Then administer Program which will sterilize any female flea that bites. Heart worm medications such as Sentenal have the Program incorporated.

Dogs with cataracts will usually try to stay close to their owner, as they are uncertain of their environment. Dogs can partially navigate with their whiskers, although cats seem to do better in that regard.

With the history of the rotting teeth the chances are this dog will probably die very suddenly from a heart attack (e.g. heart valve damage from bacterial infections caused by the gum disease).

As long as the dog seems content around you, and isn't suffering weight loss (e.g. anorexia), or in pain then let time take its course.

I agree.. if he is still eating and is not in pain, then there is no reason to put him to sleep. Fleas should not be a problem if he is given the correct flea treatment.
If you don't feel you can give him the care he needs, then I would look for a senior rescue near you to take him.
I hope all works out for you both, it sounds like he doesn't have much time left here on earth, maybe you could just make the rest of his life good for him!
I understand you didn't know what you were getting into when you took him in, and that is NOT your fault.

The person that gave him to you should be ashamed of themselves!!!:mad:

check with vet on if asprin can be given for the arthrites , as for the eyes I have had blind and deaf dogs , as others have said they tend to stay close . You also can not move furnture around on them and keeping the walk ways free of objects are important. Get rid of the fleas , see if he needs teeth pulled and keep brushing the remaining. You have a huge heart and shame on the guy giving him up. If you do feel its too much please do find a sr rescue. All these old guys want is to loved and comforted in their old age . Just like us.
Is there something going around my daughters hubby just had to put down the 17 year old golden of their landlord who left him for them to care for. After being with the man 17 years though 5 marriages he just leaves him for them to "deal with" . Just disgusting.

You have a big heart!

I agree that the first thing is to get rid of the fleas. Capstar will kill what's on him. Revolution once a month will keep them off, protect from heartworms and some other worms.

Cataracts CAN be removed successfully, if you can afford it. You would have to see a veterinary opthamologist. Otherwise, I'd let him 'map' your house and yard on his own. Maybe lead him to the water dish, door, etc. until he gets it down for himself. Walk heavy (not quite stamping your feet) so he can feel the vibrations. Put scents on doorways or a rug under the water dish. He will use his nose to find these things.

For the arthritis, add some glucosomine to his diet and be sure he isn't overweight.

He can live several more years. My dog is blind, has a thyroid problem, and is diabetic. He has been for over 4 years and at 13 is still getting up on the furniture and smelling out the dog park.

Mary

I reckon I am just a worried mother... I love him and don't want to see him suffer. He sleeps most of the time but likes to play. We even have a game we play together not with the other dogs. However, my other dogs are not interacting with him at all and he's not aggressive enough to get into the "Love bunch". He doesn't respond with their attempts to play. I feel for him but can't get to him.
I am having a terrible time getting him to respond. Whistling, stomping, clapping, and yelling has no effect on him. Although I KNOW he is NOT 100% deaf. The vet confirmed it was just nerve deafness that comes and goes. My boss thinks he has "Cranky old Dog hearing"... I have to send another dog out to get him to come into the house. I am in the process of training the other dogs to go get him.
I reckon he'll be around awhile though he gives me scares every now again when I can't wake him. My best Friend's 3 year old daughter just loves him. It is funny to hear her call him Dirtnap. His original name was Nicky but due to neighbor and health issues I gave him the name Dirtnap. Now, it's turned into "Smiley boy".
His previous owner was in a wheelchair. She moved in with her son and he could not keep the dog. This has caused Dirtnap several nervous behaviors. He was kept outside most of the time as well. However, the flea issue was caused by Benji the Boarder Collie I recently adopted. My dog Scooby is highly allergic to fleas! I feed them Brewer's yeast but Scooby is allergic to yeast. I keep the fleas off pretty well until one of them gets them again. The cycle starts again. It is just terribly difficult to see the fleas on Dirtnap till it is too late.
Thanks! for the advice and Dirtnap says "Bark-Bark".

Fleas are a problem, and they are difficult to get rid of completely - esp with multiple dogs. If one has fleas, I'm sure they ALL do. If you are limited to store-bought or over-the-counter remidies, it's ALOT of work to get rid of them completely and keep them away. Just getting them off the dog won't do it - they are in your carpets and furniture, even if the dogs aren't on the furniture. Preventive meds like Sentinal or Advantage probably work the best, and cover multiple pest hazards.

Can't remember the name, but there are quite a few monthly appications of flea treatment that can be found inexpensively in the pets stores, that work pretty well.

However, adding a bit of garlic to their food probably can't hurt the allergic one, and is somewhat of a natural flea deterent.

This may sound nuts but with my old deaf dog Bob I do a deep bark to him to get his attention. It seems a deep bark gets his attention. He is 12 also & is on Rhimadahl & tried the aspirin but it didn't work. He also sleeps a lot & does not interact that much with the other two dogs. You are a wonderful person to take in an old dog in the winter of his life. God Bless !!!