How to decide when to put my Mom's dog down?

My mom went into a memory care unit and her 18 year old dog (called my little brother) moved in with me. Due to age and illness I had to put him down it broke my heart. I told mom he died, not I had to do anything, he just went to sleep. Mom was upset, cried, even said I killed her dog. That emotion did not last long and she is Ok now. Once in awhile speaks with affection about her "little dog." and not mad at me at all.

I have had this same problem and yes, it was very hurtful and my husband cried about the loss of our Australian heeler, but she was in pain, and she had just bitten our cocker spaniel in the neck and I could not risk her injuring anyone else. The great news is that I just adopted a 10 lb. stray who was left in a crate, in an apt. without food or water. That dog jumps in my husband's lap and lays there beside him as he talks to her and he just loves that dog already. It has been 7 days since I brought her home. When dogs get hip dysplasia they are in a great deal of pain so the most humane act you can do is to euthanize it. Your mother's dementia will get worse because of the nature of the illness, but keep telling her the dog is hurting. I have had to make this decision about hurting dogs three times, and it is very upsetting even to person's without dementia, but the dog's welfare has to be considered first, in my opinion. Your mother's memory of the dog will stay in long-term and you might get her a replacement. (You would then be caring for it when she passes, but if you have room, time and money to care for it, do it). The best medicine for humans is a four-legged companion. They lower blood pressure, give the person a sense of purpose, and you fall in love. What could be better?

You have to first explore this with a vet.Second what would the dog want? If the dog could talk.Is it in pain? Is it unable to ambulate? (walk) How impaired is it? I know,been there,done that,it is extremely difficult.Working in the medical field I see things from 3 angles..one) the patient 2) the family 3) as a professional...you have to do what is best for the dog...is the dog unable to do its "business" without assistance? Our last dog I had to literally carry it outside to go and then it would just lay there..that did it..I took the dog in and griefed...but he is in no pain now..probably running around heaven chasing other animals..my heart goes out to you..good luck and God bless

How sad. Find out if the dog is in pain. And not eating. Then you will know. I'm so sorry for you and your Mom. You need to come up with a story too if he ends up being euthanized. I know my Mom would go ballistic.

my dog is 11 and the vet says she is very healthy. I give her vitamins and vitaamins for her bones.

Thanks for your replies they've been helpful.