when to call it a day with our beloved pooch ?

Eels100

Well done for what you've done Betty but I don't think it's fair to make others feel guilty just because you are able to maintain a clean house and happy dog in spite of incontinence. Every case must be judged on its own merits and euthanasia is NOT a welfare problem for the dog - for many older dogs, living with incontinence seriously impairs their wellbeing, because it's psychologically traumatic for them to be unable to stay clean when they have been trained that messing the house is wrong.

My opinion is firmly that it is the OP's decision to make and whichever she chooses will be for the best. This dog has had a good life and will have a good end if the OP decides to call it a day now - probably preferable to having a good life and then a miserable end as a result of uncontrollable azotaemia or congestive heart faulire, which aren't pleasant things for a dog to experience.

It's not for outsiders to judge this poster - we aren't in a position to do that.

BettyDebt

ktb wrote: »

we had to make this very hard decision with our 12 y/o Alsation a few years ago... she had lost the use of her back legs & then became incontinent...so just used to mess all down herself and all over her bed and the floor. She lived like that for quite a few months as it didnt feel right to put her down - she was still the same dog mentally. Poor girl used to get very distressed about it tho.. so in the end we made a very, very hard decision indeed.

But for her own dignity and for hygiene's sake it was the right thing to do in our case. Obviously she couldnt even walk or anything... so those pleasures we denied her too...It really seemed like the right thing to do.

Its really hard when we have to come to those decisions but you did base yours on your dogs quality of life and not having the use of her backs legs is not a great quality of life. Its so difficult when their bodies age but mentally they are still the same puppy we loved from day one.

tiff

I personally dont think its just about the dog. Having been through it myself, I left it as long as possible. My dog wasnt happy in himself either. Yes with the help of medication he could have gone on longer, but at the expense of my own mental health. You have to balance both things, I feel.

BettyDebt

Eels100 I understand what you are saying. All I am offering is the example that it can work and can be managed. A house doesnt have to be perfect.

Whats that quote... something about a sign of a clean house is a sign of a wasted life.

I just hope to imply that having your dog pts should be able their quality of life and not the owners and that it can be managed with a few vet beds, bed mats etc. Obviously the day comes when things deteriorate too far.
I for one will not like to see my dogs not being able to walk etc and if the arthritis got the better of him then so be it I know what I will have to do.

However I am just saying that incontinence doesnt mean the end.

sleepymy

If considering a low protein diet you could consider a vegetarian diet for dogs.

Mark7799

It's a horrible decision - my parents went through it a few years ago. Only you can decide, what I think made the decision for them was when they saw the dog was existing rather than having a life (IYSWIM) In her case she wanted to use the lawn as a toilet but her legs wouldn't carry her there (or anywhere else) and they even felt she was waiting to die. Very sad (she was 18 at the time) when they decided to put her out of her misery.

balmaiden

Thanks for the replys guys.

I did ask for tips on coping so appreciate what everyone has to say.

I do feel that she has given so much that I really dont mind cleaning after her, but I wonder whether its fair as we are keeping her from rooms where she previously had full use of.

I suppose I am wondering if she is happy or whether I am being selfish in keeping her.

I have had animals in the past who have been put down and some that should have been and were not and died not very dignified deaths. People say you know when the time is right but I dont seem able to judge that time.

I have a wondeful vet who has been fantastic with all my pets over the last 20 years but he does tend to leave the ultimate decision to me.Obviously if I considered she was in pain I would do the right thing.

BettyDebt what are vetbeds ?

BettyDebt

balmaiden wrote: »

Thanks for the replys guys.

I did ask for tips on coping so appreciate what everyone has to say.

I do feel that she has given so much that I really dont mind cleaning after her, but I wonder whether its fair as we are keeping her from rooms where she previously had full use of.



BettyDebt what are vetbeds ?

Hi

Vet bed as rubber backed on oneside and fluffy on the otherside. Dont buy from a pet store- very pricey. If you do a search on ebay you should see them. They can be quite pricey so look online and if you buy a metre you can cut it to size. I use these so as not to limit my dog from rooms. Like you I was unhappy and felt it unfair from limiting him from rooms he usually went it. So now we have vet beds dotted around the house. Got into the routine of making him sit on those when you came into a particular room etc. He soon learnt, vet bed equals treats and honestly they feel much drier. It pulls the moisture to the base and he rests on the fluffy part.

Best thing they are completely washable. Some vet beds have a material backing. Personally the rubber ones work better. If you need more info pm me and I will try find an example of what I mean. I couldnt be without them now and have around 8 that i use and change and keep a load for when the others are in the wash. THey wont need washing everyday except airing the overnight sleeping ones but thats what i use the kiddies pamper bed pads/ puppy training pads for the over nights beds. Again soaks in the moisture.

Dont hesistate to ask more. It takes some getting used to and adjusting things. Also regularly encourage them to go toilet outside as mine in his old age gets a little lazy so the leaking gets a bit worse.

[Deleted User]

Balmaiden I went through something very similar 9 months ago. Propoline worked for a while. I had to confine her to the kitchen and I bought more medibed and was washing for her every day but she knew that something was wrong when she was continually wetting her bed. This started at 14 and she was a border collie cross

I took her into the surrounding acres and woodland for little ambles every hour but it got harder and harder to cope. It was obvious that her failing kidneys were affecting all aspects of her wellbeing. I knew her quality of life was going downhill but the very hardest part was admitting it to myself. I know exactly what you are asking op and sometimes we have to make the brave decision to do what is best for our much-loved pet. Be as objective as you can. I think you know the answer for her sake

virgin_moneysaver

our dog has just been put on propaline - we've only had her 5 months - I found her on my way to work in a right state, was so wet, cold & frightened could'nt tell what breed she was - she went to vets then to dog pound for a week but no-one claimed her so I did. Turned out she is an English Springer Spaniel & the most loving dog I know - vet put her anywhere between 7 & 12!, she runs about in her walks like a young pup but she started weeing when she moved, the vet has put her on the medicine & touch wood it appears to be working ( 7 days now). If this is the reason the owners dumped her in the middle of winter then it has been solved by a bottle of medicine. Also in our area you can give a dog to the pound no questions asked, & they have non-destruction policy for healthy dogs so why dump her

if shes still enjoying her food & walks then I'd say she's pretty happy but it's whether you can cope with the cleaning - can the vet give her nothing else for the incontinence?