Anyone else in a tough spot with their parents and a sick dog?

My parents refuse to put down or take to the vet their 10+ year old dog who’s really suffering. They’re traditional rural farmers who don’t usually take their pets to the vet, and they’ve never had a dog live this long. Our basset hound can’t use two legs because of severe arthritis, has three open sores that constantly bleed, is mostly blind, incontinent, and has a bunch of tumors. My dad even pushes her when she doesn’t move fast enough. I’ve told them for three years that she needs to be put down, but my dad just gets angry and yells at her. Is there anything I can give her to help her pass peacefully while they’re at work? Asking for a suffering lady…

They’ve never had a pet live to 10? Poor things… that’s so sad.

Honestly, I think you should wait until they leave and just take the dog to get euthanized. You can say you found her passed away later. It’s not fair for her to keep suffering. Those sores are going to get infected…

I agree with Layara. It’s a tough call, but dogs rely on us. Your parents aren’t doing right by her.

I feel you… if you talk to the vet, maybe say you found this old dog that seems miserable and ask if they can help? I know it sounds bad, but it might be the quickest way. So sorry you’re going through this.

Ugh, I’m really sorry. I went through something similar with a family cat that was suffering. I wish I had just taken her to the vet myself… it’s hard to deal with family, but the dog needs help. Maybe crowd fund for a vet visit?

You should definitely try animal control again. If you can, take her to the vet yourself. She doesn’t deserve to keep suffering like this.

How do I even approach the vet to convince my parents about this?

Blake said:
How do I even approach the vet to convince my parents about this?

Honestly, you might need to be blunt with your parents. They’re not seeing the reality of the situation. You have to look out for the dog. It’s tough, but you need to take action.

I totally get what you’re going through. It’s easy for others to say what you should do when they’re not in your shoes. But you might have to help the dog without telling your parents. It’s a tough situation.

Just a heads up, humane euthanasia can only be done by a vet. There’s nothing you can safely give her at home. Maybe try showing your parents some quality of life scales online?

Don’t give up on the humane society. Just because they didn’t help before doesn’t mean they won’t now. It’s worth trying again.

If you’re able, just take the dog to the vet. If you’re a kid, maybe ask a trusted adult to help you.

If it comes to that, have her put down while your parents are at work. You can tell them she passed in her sleep later.