My vet suggested putting Jake to Sleep

[Jake_]

I adopted my dog Jake from a rescue when he was four months old (he is now fourteen pounds, five years old). Jake has always displayed strange signs of aggression ever since he was just a puppy, but with intensive training I thought those tendencies would go away.

Jake bites people ALL the time for completely unprovoked reasons. He has his entire life. I have had him examined by the vet and behavior dog trainer. My vet said that in his twenty years of practice he has never suggested putting a dog to sleep because of behavioral issues, but he believes that Jake was “wired” wrong. That no matter how hard we try we won’t be able to fix him. I have been trying for four years. My dog trainer said the same thing. Both the vet and the trainer do not think any amount of training will correct his aggressiveness. He has bitten people of ALL ages. I always thought Jake’s aggressive tendencies was something I could teach him to control, that is until the day that he bit me in the face. He and I were sitting in the grass at the park, I looked down at him when he jumped up and bit me in the face. It broke the skin, and my face swelled up. I was in complete and total shock! I felt really hurt and betrayed, but I am so mad at myself because I feel all of this is my fault. He has bitten me twice since then.

Jake started having seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy at around two, the cause of which is unknown. Jake has really serious cluster seizures that are capable of lasting for hours. I’m always worried that if I am away from the house for to long that he might start having seizures. His longest seizure ever happened on a road trip. We were a little over an hour away from the closest emergency vet when he started seizing. He seized the entire car ride. He is on medication, but the medication hasn’t stopped the seizures. Just lessened the frequency of their occurrence. The only option for Jake is to rush him to the vet every time he starts having a seizure. Rushing him to the vet has never been an issue financially for me, but I’m always afraid I might not be home when he starts having a seizure. I would feel so guilty if I was away from home for more than a few hours and he started having seizures and no one was home to help him. Jake also can’t get light exercise for more than thirty minutes a day or he is at high risk of seizing.


I could never imagine giving Jake away and making him another persons problem. I love him so much. He is a bite-risk, but he is my family. I feel like such a monster, like if I put him to sleep that I am failing him. My vet and dog trainer have both said that something isn’t right with Jake, and that his aggressive tendencies will never go away. Both professionals have told me that to keep Jake alive and safe, I will just have to make sure that I never leave him alone. I work tirelessly to keep Jake away from children and people he doesn’t know. I feel like Jake completely controls my life now. I feel really trapped. I can’t hardly ever leave the house in fear that he might have a seizure or might attack someone. The most terrifying part is that a premature baby is moving into my house next week, my nephew. I’m so terrified that Jake will snap at the infant. The guilt I am feeling about putting Jake to sleep because of his bahavioral issues is debilitating, but the fear I have about him hurting a baby is just as great.


The most difficult part I am having is that friends and family that don’t know of Jake’s aggressive nature have told me that I shouldn’t be allowed to own dogs. They have told me I am a bad pet parent for even considering putting Jake to sleep, but nobody understands the constant stress I have about making sure Jake does not bite anyone. I feel like I have no support or guidance from anyone... and I am not sure what decision I should be making. I am only 17 ... I graduated high school early, but I’m so afraid of starting college with Jake having all of these issues. My parents have left the choice up to me because he is my dog, but I don't know what to do.

I'm not looking for judgement.. I'm just looking for advice in this really stressful time. This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my entire life.

[Maximo]

I am very sorry you are facing this terrible situation, deciding what is best for Jake and for safety.

My apologies in advance for a list of questions, but they may help in determining what is the right decision: Is Jake on medication for his seizures like phenobarbital? Were any kind of diagnostic tests done to determine what may be causing the seizures? Has your vet ever tried other medication to control Jake's behavior? I'm not sure if that would be possible with seizures.

[ShowGirlLola]

Omg I can't imagine going through that, especially at your age. I really applaud everything you've done for him.

I think it's possible that Jake has brain damage. Either from the seizures or brain damage in causing the seizures.

Years ago my cousin briefly had an extremely agressive dog, he went after all of us and our other dogs. Thankfully he loved my mom's friend so she took him, she had to keep him in a seperate room and only she could go near him. Idk if he ever went after her.
Anyway when he was 5 or so she found out he had a brain tumor and had to have him put to sleep. Unfortunately I don't know more details.

If you decide to put him to sleep you aren't a horrible person. You and Jake can't keep living like this.

[lynzy420]

You don't deserve negative judgement, just reading what you have been through so far I'm sure pales in comparison to what the real life day to day struggle involves.


First, have you the funds to consult with a real Neurologist? Some of these issues seem neurological in nature, not withstanding the obvious seizures. Jake may not be "able" to learn because seizures wipe out so much of the memory, his biting may be part of seizure like activity etc., etc., I really think a consult with a real neurologist would be in order.


What has your vet done in the way of tests etc? Has your vet tried any medications? You are desperate and I understand that, you feel depleted and broken and guilty and think that no one could take care of Jake like you do.


Please give more details because there are some real knowledgeable folks here who may be able to help.


Please give as much info as possible.


Also DO NOT for a minute think you are awful, unfortunately I really have been where you are and I know it sucks, stay strong, and please keep posting. Don't make any decision yet.

[Verbena]

Hello and welcome to YT. I am so sorry that you need to deal with this situation. Has he seen a specialist about his seizures? Did the vet mention that the aggressive behavior have to do with the seizures?

You are not alone. We are here for you. . .

[GuinnessStout]

My heart goes out to you
But I have to say I agreed with the others... Could his seizures and aggression be linked and your vet is just not fully aware of this type issue?!?!? Or did the biting start after the meds, could that be it?!?!? Does he even walk into stuff could it maybe be his eyesight since seizures can affect eyesight and he fear bites?!?!?!?

[chachi]

Only you know what is right to do in this situation dont worry about others judging you anyway why does it matteer what they think

[Lil Sis]

I feel so bad that you have this on your plate. I would get a second opinion before you give up... I would talk to another vet and possible a rescue (maybe they would know of someone who could help you).

I pray for answers for you.

[Hummer]

OH I am heartbroken you are having such a decision. Everyone has an opinion in this world and your vet can only give his to the best of his ability, etc. Friends and family only want to see you happy so they advise according to usually the "easiest" fix because they know no other options. Everyone means well for you. My input would to be pray for Gods strength, and press forward as you have done to find someone who has dealt with these REALLY tough issues...many people give up when there is not an "easy" answer. Other vets and people may have had other experiences which may help. I am going going through many same emotions as you, with my own quality of life being effected,and the inner turmoil. I am hanging on to know when it is time to make that decision because I want to have a "peace" that it is the right decision, not one made out of fear, confusion, or desperation. Blessings and prayers for you in all this!! Pamela and Hummer (Please update your progress!!)

Hey, YOU ARE ONE RESPONSIBLE PERSON--I know your parents are so proud of you!!!

[kimp5]

I hate to suggest this but if you don't want to put him down have you considered a muzzle when kids or people are around? Its not the best solution but its better than you being sued or stressed to the point of anxiety worrying about him biting an infant.

[dollydoodle]

This poster hasn't been back to the forum since a few minutes after she posted this. Oh well.........

[yorkiemini]

Boy, this is really a tough one and the OP is a saint!

I am concerned that specialists need to work with this dog. This is not behavioral. Just like in humans that "are not wired right" there are medications that are very helpful. Veterinarians are generally not very comfortable with those medications so you have to find one who is - maybe not an easy task.

Neurological specialist is a must.

Hope we get follow up information. I so feel for this OP.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by dollydoodle

This poster hasn't been back to the forum since a few minutes after she posted this. Oh well.........

Posts from new members are held for moderator's approval.... not the OP's fault.

[kjc]

Has the vet done any bloodwork on Jake? Especially liver enzymes... Also are there any problems with his eyesight?

[kjc]

Originally Posted by kjc

Posts from new members are held for moderator's approval.... not the OP's fault.

Also the OP could be reading any replies from their email notifications...