Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Paralyzed dog: Can he still be happy or is it time to say goodbye?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I just found out my dog has a dislocated disc and is paralyzed from the waist down and is in a lot of I have to empty to empty myself by pressing on the bladder he will drink when when I come by he he ate a little bit this morning for the first in about 3 days.. That vet under his skin to help with dehydration because he was a little dehydrated.. does he have a chance to still be happy or am I making him suffer by wanting him to around and not putting him to sleep. Please tell me what u would do

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Rebecca, DVM

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 3rd, 2018

Thank you for using PetCoach. I am so sorry for you and your pup and the decisions you are having to make. One of the best people to help you with this decision is his veterinarian as they have seen and evaluated him. Some dogs with back/disc problems are extremely painful. In this case, euthanasia is absolutely the best decision if surgery isn't an option. In some cases, dogs can live several years while paralyzed, but it does require extreme dedication on the part of their owners. These dogs need to have their bladders expressed regularly and may also have some bladder or fecal incontinence, meaning stool or urine may be released anywhere, and the dog is incapable of controlling it. Some dogs may need enemas periodically. Often these dogs will develop sores on their legs, and need socks or leggings to help protect their legs. They do make "wheelchairs" but these cannot be left on them more than an hour or two at a time. They can develop urinary track infections that will need medications fairly often due to urine not being completely emptied from the bladder.
I'm not trying to scare you, but I want you to understand the care he may need. If you are unable to provide that level of care, euthanasia is a very kind choice in that situation.
But if he isn't painful and you are up to the challenge, then speak with his veterinarian about his best care and what you need to do to help him. He may still be able to live a happy life for months to years.
Here is more info on care http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1522
And a website that make wheel chairs http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1522 that has more links to support groups etc.

I think as long as you can ensure he can have a good quality of life, then it is fair to keep going. If work, family, finances or other concerns will not allow him to receive the care he may require, then euthanasia is a very fair and kind option. I hope this may help and I am very sorry for this decision you are making.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Did I do enough for my dog with a severe slipped disc and paralysis?
I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about this. Sometimes in emergent situations when the pets are painful, the explanations get shortened- but I believe you and your vet came to the best solution for Joey. Typically, when the spinal cord compresses enough to cause paralysis, the surgery needs to be done within 24 hours to be effective, and the surgery alone generally runs 8,000-10,000 dollars, not including a lot of aftercare and physical therapy. There's also a risk of the surgery not working because the damage is too extensive already. In these situations, the pets are in an extreme amount of pain and very confused as to why they can't move. In situations where perhaps only one leg was affected or he was in back pain without being paralyzed, surgery would likely be more successful and your vet may have pushed you to pursue it more. I believe based on what you're telling me, that Joey's spinal problem had a poor outlook for surgery and your vet didn't want you to spend the money on something that wouldn't cure him or end his pain in the long run. I believe you made the most ethical and kind decision for Joey. It's heartbreaking to have to make these decisions for our pets, but you made a painful decision on your behalf to end Joey's physical pain when he had no other option. You made a beautiful sacrifice for his quality of life. Please seek counseling or grieving avenues with your loved ones during this hard time. I know unexpected loss can be so, so tragic. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog is paralyzed from a slipped disc. Should I consider euthanasia?
If she is in pain despite medication, unable to mobilise and also incontinent then yes, euthanasia should definitely be considered to prevent further pain and discomfort (such as infected bed sores etc). The cold limb is also a red flag for reduced circulation such as from a clot and is extremely painful in itself. Recovery is very unlikely and delays would add further suffering and pain
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog has a ruptured disc and can't walk. Is it time to say goodbye?
The decision to euthanize is a personal and difficult one. Without a physical exam, it is difficult to determine what the best course of action would be. In these cases, the sooner surgery is performed, the greater the chance of recovery. Consider an exam with an orthopedic specialist and/or a neurologist. Either may help you reach a decision. You can also consider a wheeled cart to help Bella get around. Your veterinarian can show you how to express Bella's bladder and keep her clean.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My happy dog can't walk. How to find a vet for comfort care?
I recommend seeing a rehab veterinarian. They will help you manage his care and can offer massage, exercise, laser and often acupuncture to keep him comfortable. They can fit him for a cart if he’s strong enough so he can go outside for walks with you. I’m a rehab veterinarian and I would never discuss euthanizing a happy dog unless he’s suffering with pain or sores. Learning how to keep him clean and happy is what we do so find a rehab veterinarian near you and take him there for treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jackie.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Should I talk to a vet about my senior dog's pain and end-of-life?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry that you are in this position. I would recommend that you consider going to your veterinarian before making this decision. They would be able to gather more information, examine him and determine what would be best to proceed with always considering his quality of life. They may decide to recommend something that may improve his quality of life and buy you both some quality time to spend together. Best of luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My senior dog is suffering. Is it time to consider euthanasia?
Oh no, I'm so sorry that Santeri is so sick! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I suggest making a list of five things Santeri loved to do. If he's not doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has decreased to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. It's always a hard decision to make, but if he has a poor quality of life, letting him go peacefully would be a great kindness. If you'd like to discuss this further, I'd be happy to consult with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, I hope my answer helps and I'm sorry you are facing this issue :-(
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is paralyzed. How can I provide the best daily care at home?
That is a very broad question, so let me give you a few ideas and a few websites. First, you need to protect the skin on the rear legs from getting sores. Urine that is left on the skin can be very irritating and cause severe skin wounds. You will need to learn to express the urinary bladder if they are not able to do that themselves. Sometimes that is easy and sometimes it is not. Here is a website with a lot of good information for you. http://www.dodgerslist.com Here is their section about incontinence. http://www.dodgerslist.com/literature/IncontinentDown.htm This website has a number of good products to help you. You may want to purchase products from them or make your own based on their ideas. https://www.handicappedpets.com Good luck! I hope that gives you some ideas and was helpful. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks for using PetCoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog ToysDog SuppliesDog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Lift Harnesses & WheelchairsDog Treats & ChewsDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog First Aid & RecoveryDog Pain Medicine & ReliefPet PharmacyElectrolytes for DogsDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Braces & SplintsSmall Animal SuppliesDog Seizure MedicationAt-Home Dog VaccinesDog Bowls & Feeding SuppliesDog Dental Care
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button