Its time to let the old boy go

ian103

Our old dog is 17 and his health has gradually been declining and over the last fortnight it has worsened to the point we have both decided its time to lat him have the big sleep. Should we take our younger dog with us to the vets or leave her at home. I think she should come as that way she won't be looking for him, OH says younger dog should stay at home.

Weve been very lucky with the old boy but the last 6-12 months have been very restrictive and quite tiring for the last month as we have been getting up with him twice a night so weve decided to not have another dog for 12 months or so (at least thats the plan)

aliasojo

I'm sorry your old boy has got to this stage but know you are doing the right thing by him.

If it were me, I think I'd ask the vet to come out to the house so the other dog can become aware, but in familiar and not frightening surroundings.

I remember seeing a prog on telly about animals and the overwhelming consensus was to allow other animals to see that the poorly animal had gone.

My concern is that this might somehow translate into a fear or anxiety developing, with regards to going to the vet, so might cause more problems for any future visits.

This may not be the case though. Perhaps you could ask the vet's opinion too?

trolleyrun

I'm sorry you have to make this decision. I would leave the younger dog at home with someone. Taking her to the vet too could be very distressing for her. She'll look for the old boy for a while regardless of whether you take him with you or not. Ultimately, it's your decision to make.

ian103

I think we were both hoping that he wouldn't wake up one morning but up till now he wakes up about 7:30 and asks for his breakfast which is why the decision has been so hard, over the last few days he has slept pretty much all day, the final deciding factor is OH had been away for a few days and returned on Friday night and he showed little interest in her return. The younger dog has become very careful / protective of him but she is getting distressed when he has accidents / isn't well etc.

Just want the easiet end for the old boy really as it will hard enough anyway, the younger dog could get distressed if the vet comes here, at least the vets is a neutral place.

Oh well, I'll speak to the vet tomorrow, just not looking forward to it.

chris_n_tj

Just want to send you all a hug xx

Blackpool_Saver

yes, many hugs from here too, the fear of vets developing in the other dog concerns me too

Dollardog

I didn't have the vet come to my house because if I had, I don't think we would have got his usual vet as she was out on large animal calls. I decided to take him to the surgery so the regular vet was near enough to come back. I didn't have another dog to think of though. I do think that it is often best for the other dog to see the end of their companion, but taking her to the vet could strike a fear in her that going to the vets means you sometimes don't come home so in your case, I think I would have a home visit.
So sorry that you are losing your dog though, having just lost mine, it is still very raw. Your old dog has lived to a very old age though so he must have been well loved and cared for. xx

ian103

Thanks all.

After a bad night with the old boy, we are even more certain that the time is right, the younger dog today was very distressed so its time to think more about her well being.

I will discuss the options with the vet, but if we take the younger dog with us to the vets we can then take her for a walk on the cliffs afterwards as we will probably need quiet time as well

gemini12

Good luck for a peaceful end for your old boy and have a good walk with your younger dog. It is a very hard decision but the last and kindest thing you can do for him.

zaksmum

So sorry Ian. Good luck

pawsies

I would take old dog by himself and then bring body home for her.

You don't want young dog to first associate vet with death and then vet with you crying, but equally like you say that could happen at home so I think it's best if young dog finds out after.