When to make that final decision?

1sue23

My german shepherd has CDRM and her back legs are now just starting to go ,she is now 14 years old but still quite active ,at the moment she can walk and still runs after her ball ,the only difficulty at this time is when running if she turns she looses her back end and she can no longer jump into the car ,we have decided that the time will be right when she is no longer able to enjoy walking with us and needs help in standing ,then to me having been a very active dog her quality of life will no longer be there .

Kimberley

What beautiful dogs they are. I have always loved them since we had them when I was a kid. I was looking to buy one from a breeder but we then saw a 13 week old Border Collie x GSD for sale and the pup looked like his GSD dad so we ended up having him.

hotcookie101

I often have owners tell me their dogs are not "in pain", when they are very arthritic, slowed down, no longer play as they used to, or have become grumpy or introverted etc. Dogs don't tend to show pain in way most people are aware-they very rarely cry or yelp due to chronic arthritic pain.
I would really urge you to chat to your vet again, try the painkillers (I know you don't think she is in pain-but consider a trial) for just a couple of weeks, you never know you could find a huge improvement, then you may not need to make that decision for a while longer. I would always try to persuade owners to trial pain relief in their old arthritic slowed down dog, before euthanasia. Its amazing how many come back 2 weeks later pleased as punch that the dog is happy again!

remmie

Hi, Im a newbie, been lurking for a few weeks but wanted to say I do know how hard it is. Over the years we have have 3 gs we have had to make this decision with. I always feel the dog will let you know when they have had enough, its in their eyes. It is a very hard decision to make but the time will come when you will look back with such affection and know what you did was right. BTW, we must be gluttons for punishment as we currently have 2gs, both under 2 years old!

nanokitten

Sounds really dificult If your vets weren't much help I'd consider switching to a more sympathetic one. When the time came for my old lady cat, my vets were marvellous. If they're not much use now, what's it going to be like when the time comes? Ask around, your neighours /friends are bound to have experienced which vets are any good. You could also consider one which offers hydrotherapy / acupuncture or have a speciality if your insurance covers it as some alternative treatments may help. regestering at a new practice is normally free and a quick consult with a new vet probably wont cost alot either (ask in advance).
Wishing you all the best.

sammy10

Hi, I really feel for you. We had to make the same decision last year for our 14 year old lurcher. He was riddled with arthritis and the pain killers just werent touching it anymore. Someone said to me you will just know yourself when the time is right. I didnt believe them but then one day I was sat with him and just said to DH we have to let him go.

It broke my heart but he couldnt carry on as he was and to this day I dont regret my decision, we tried everything we could and this was the kindest thing for him.

Go and see your vet again (or a different one who might be more sympathetic) and check you are doing all you can for him, medicine changes so quickly there may be new things you can try.

Good luck.

zaksmum

Please try Glucosamine with Chondroitin for your dog, Once upon a dream. It's helped my dog so much. Got to be worth a go.

Knowing when to make the decision is so very hard. I'd say if the dog has just started to struggle, well, not yet. If she still has quality of life, enjoys gentle walks, wags her tail, doesn't appear to be in pain...enjoy her while you still can.

Be aware, though, that she's an old lady now, and needs the respect and understanding appropriate to that. I'm sure you're the most caring owner she could wish for.

Hope she's ok.

bulchy

Hi, so sorry your dog is starting to struggle up the step, its awful to see them like this.
We had our weimy pts 5 weeks ago tomorrow he was in pain, had a bad limp from a broken leg he had from before we rescued him. The last few months of his life, I could see him struggling more and more on walks, and finally he just stopped and lay down on the last walk I ever took him on, he had never ever did this, I had to get my oh to come and pick us up and we rushed him to the vet, who kindly made the decision for us. It was difficult even for the vet to suggest as he loved Thunder almost as much as we did, all the staff were complete wrecks when we left. It was harrowing but I just couldnt keep him any longer. I suppose what I'm saying is, Thunder let me know he had had enough, maybe your dog will let you know, I've known a lot of people say this. When the time comes, it will be hard, its the kindest thing you can do for the dog, but unfortunately its the hardest decision you have to make being a pet owner
I really feel for you, as I know how difficult it is.
Sue xx