Old dog when is it time ??

loulou123

Personally i'd say that the fact your posting this suggests that you think it may be time - just my opinion though.

I chose to have my dog pts at the vets, as he loved the vets anyway, but i was still the one to hold him whilst they put him to sleep (although there was a vet nurse in the room too) and im sure if your not happy to be the one holding your doggie, then the vets can arrange a nurse to come to your home too.

I think if your really honest with yourself, that any pet owner "knows" when its time to let go. I know i did with my dog as soon as he couldnt do the things he'd always enjoyed doing and started messing himself (as he had always been so upset if he had a accident in the house, i knew this would upset him) i knew the time had come.

Good luck with coming to your decision and big hugs.

DogsBody

Can't add anything except my sympathy, I too know how hard this is. My girl is only 4 and she'll be on her way too this week.
(((hugs)))

zaksmum

DogsBody wrote: »

Can't add anything except my sympathy, I too know how hard this is. My girl is only 4 and she'll be on her way too this week.
(((hugs)))

Oh no...only 4 years old? Far too soon to have to face such a nightmare.

I'm so very sorry.

Mankysteve

zaksmum wrote: »

Oh God how sad.



Tell your vet you don't ask if he's keen on home visits. You're asking him to just do it for you. Your poor dog is more important than what the vet wants!

The vet is just trying to reduce any possibility of suffering during the procedure. To what he finds as acceptable risk. We all have different opinions on the risk-benefit. I wouldnt say the vet is wrong in voicing his opinions.

I would guess the op goes to a small vets practice. Maybe consulting a larger vet practice where the vet had more people and more mobile equipment available.

As to whether your dog is ready to be PTS i don't know. There are way around innocence problems, but how much you dog is suffering due to her leg problems is really down to yourself and your vet to gauge.

joop

I'm sorry you are having to go through this horrible time.

I had to make that decision about my lovely 16 year old best friend in September. I had to admit to myself that he was not going to get better, that we had had the best years from him and it was time to say goodbye. I miss him so much.

Yes, I did hope he would pass away in his sleep, but then I thought how awful it would be if this happened when I was out and he was alone and I didn't want that. I took time off work and spent the morning just cuddling him on the sofa before taking him for his last walk.

Sending you lots of sympathy.....

undaunted

paulsad wrote: »

Hello I have a dalmation now aged 13 she has had back/hind legs trouble for some years and now needs help to get on and off the settee she rests on (we have been through all the medicine ie rymadil, stages). Walks have to be brief as she does stumble and often falls on her side or flat on her front - needing to be lifted up - not too difficult for me but my wife struggles as the dog is quite a large breed (A man stood and watched her lift the dog up twice the other day but thats another story!).
As her walks are getting less we often find her pooing herself at night and wake up to a mess most mornings (blankets on the chair I hasten to add needing frequent washing)- she seems to have lost control as sometimes she poops all over the kitchen (she can't stay in one place) after being let out in the back. She does eat ok and still wags her tail and doesn't seem to be in any obvious pain unless she tries to get up on her chair. Laminate floors have been a mixed blessing as you can appreciate in all the above mentioned.
The house is smelly although we clean rigorously after each "episode", we are about to put the house on the market so I am dreading any viewings ( although this may seem selfish).
S'pose I'm after a bit of guidence as to others views as to what to do or am I being selfish even considering it? You do find yourself hoping she'd just pass away in her sleep one night as she hates the vets and taking her one final time is going to be harrowing to say the least - a friend has offered but I consider it my duty.
Any thoughts appreciated.

You say that there have been problems for some time. Obviously only you & your vet have seen your dogs condition so it's hard for anyone else here to answer

You also say that you are now selling your home & it smells, this concerns you, you may seem selfish etc.

The question therefore has to be have the problems suddenly got worse or is it the sale of the house causing you to think the time may be now?

What are your doubts? EG, If you weren't selling the house would you be looking for other solutions & do you think you are being selfish or doing what is best for your beloved pet?

Possible ideas could include accupuncture, hydrotherapy, magnetic bed / collar, a comfortable low bed rather than trying to get in the chair etc.

Good luck

moon_willow

ohh Zaksmam .. my heart and thoughts go out to you ..4 years is not long .. but enough time to be in your heart forever .. *BIG HUGS *

zaksmum

moon_willow wrote: »

ohh Zaksmam .. my heart and thoughts go out to you ..4 years is not long .. but enough time to be in your heart forever .. *BIG HUGS *

It's not actually me that's got the 4 year old dog...it's dogsbody...but thanks anyway.

longforgotten

I admit I've only read the first few posts as its so upsetting...

As someone who loves their pet if you are asking the question 'is it time?' then sadly it probably is.

I watched my Mums dog go down hill bit by bit and waited for Mum to come to the right conclusion for the dogs sake. In the end the dog fell ill, I took her to the vet who thought it best to PTS. I wish I had talked to Mum about the dog before, and perhaps things would have been better for the dog and Mum.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing !

I know what I'd want if I was the dog. Do all you possibly can for me and then consider what quality of life I have.

It's never easy. Best wishes......

zaksmum

longforgotten wrote: »

I admit I've only read the first few posts as its so upsetting...

As someone who loves their pet if you are asking the question 'is it time?' then sadly it probably is.

I watched my Mums dog go down hill bit by bit and waited for Mum to come to the right conclusion for the dogs sake. In the end the dog fell ill, I took her to the vet who thought it best to PTS. I wish I had talked to Mum about the dog before, and perhaps things would have been better for the dog and Mum.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing !

I know what I'd want if I was the dog. Do all you possibly can for me and then consider what quality of life I have.

It's never easy. Best wishes......

Part of the problem is that you may make the decision to take the poor dog to the vet that last time, and it's as if the dog knows because he rallies and really perks up. I've had that happen and you end up not knowing what to do for the best.

It really does break your heart.:(