Is this the end?

Question

Hello,My boyfriends dog is 14,and over the last 12 months has started to show his age.He cant walk far,struggles to sit,lie,and get up,and falls over some times,more so when going up stairs.He has just started pooing in the house,just small amounts,but its as if he cant help it,as if it just happens.
Any advice would be helpfull...good or bad,,he seems happy any other way,and still seems 'all there' Thanks, Karen.

Answer 1

If he's content to potter around, shows an interest in his food and surroundings and enjoys having a fuss; and as long as you don't mind the mess and going a bit slower for him, then just accept that he's reaching the end of his life and make the rest of his time as comfortable and happy as you can.
Make sure he doesn't get fat as he'll have trouble getting around, and make sure he has a thick comfy bed. Extra fuss and treats won't hurt.
You'll notice when he starts to go downhill as you are aware enough to notice that he's still 'all there'. Its impossible to say how long he has left, a quick check up won't hurt but there's really not much that a vet can do for old age.
14 is the average life expectancy for a dog and he's been well looked after to reach that age in good health.

Answer 2

When our first dog had to be put down, the vet told us that, if an old dog isn't actually sick or in pain, there are three main questions to ask in that situation,
1) Does the dog still get enjoyment from walks?
2) Does the dog still relish it's food?
3) Does the dog still enjoy company and cuddles?

If the answer to two or more of those questions is "no", then the dog's quality of life has deteriorated to such a degree that you have to decide if it isn't better to just let go... hope that helps...

Answer 3

OMG.....after reading some of these answers, I still have tears in my eyes. We just had to put our dog, Buffy, down 3 weeks ago today. She was only 12, but unfortunately, she had bladder cancer. She was straining and straining to pee. It was so hard to see her that way. I took her to the vet, got a second opinion from another vet....but it all turned out the same. The day I took her back to the first vet (who happens to be a friend of mine for 20 years), the last thing I expected to do was to put Buffy down. But, after a long talk with my friend, the vet, she made me realize that we had to look at what Buffy was going through. She asked "would you want to live a life of straining to pee"? I guess that's what made me realize it was time. Let me tell you....it was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. I stayed there talking to her till the end. And....I am far from a hard, strong person. We had her creamated and she is now in my bedroom, next to a cross. Honestly, I still talk to her. I hope and pray, for you and your boyfriend, that the vet could find something that could help his dog. But please....don't let it suffer. Remember, sometimes if you love something enough, you have to let it go! I am soooooooo sorry!

Answer 4

If he is a large breed dog, it is very possible that the struggle to walk, sit, and lay down is due to his hips. That is a common problem for large breeds. He could be completely healthy otherwise. As far as the house accidents, if his hips are bothering him, it would hurt to do his business. If it hurts to do his business then he may need longer to finish outside. I would definitely take him to the vet and have them run some tests. It's possible to get him on some pain medicine that will help him if he is indeed in pain. And if it is something else, they would let you know.

Answer 5

If the dog is struggling i think the kindest thing is to have him put to sleep.Put yourself in the dogs position it cant be much fun not being able to walk,sit or lie down.14yrs is a good age,i think you now have to put the dog first and do whats best for him.I have a dog and im dreading the day when ill have that decision to make but if i see her quality of life is poor then there will only be one answer.

Answer 6

Thats how my dog acted, before we put him down, he had a heart problem, a side effect of old age. heh.
But if he's still interacting with you thats good, my dog started hiding under things, or going in the corner, he wanted to be left alone, he didn't eat as much. We felt that putting him down was more humane, because he was barely moving, his skin was cold, his fur was heavy. he responded very slowly when we called his name, he became blind in one eye. He was 15 i think... in one year he became ilke this, i guess life does go by faster for dogs... i had him since i was really little, my first dog, he died 6 years ago.
I dont regret putting him down, i think it would have been better, than watching him suffer a heart attack or, not being able to breath properly. It was the vets suggestion. and he didn't charge us, because we always went to him.

Try to make him as comfortable as possible, spoil his last walk of life...

Take him to the vet, see what they say, he could have a few more years on him. my dog wasn't supose to live as long as he did. he was a smaller dog, bigger dogs live alot longer.

Answer 7

He could be completely fine, but just a bit disabled due to his age.

His life is very long so far, and he could be fine. But, all dogs have to go sometime. If he;s happy, then let him rest at home. If he's not, ask your vet about him. I'm sure he or she will know exactly what to do. Good luck to you and your dog!

Answer 8

You didn't mention breed or vet. Small breeds can live into their 20's while large breeds are lucky to hit 10. Has the dog been to a vet to see if it has suffered a stroke or has any other problems? My advice? Take the dog to a vet.

Answer 9

hiya, a few years ago wen a was younger ma dog was like that and after a while it came to the point were he practically couldnt walk so although it broke our hearts we thought it would be best to get him put down, because even though it might not seem like he was in pain he probably was, and to be perfectly honest it probably wouldve been cruel to let him carry on the way he was.

i hope if this is wat u need to do then u can bring urself to understand that it was probably the best thing to do.

Answer 10

yes, he is at the end. You can take him to the vet, they have medicine for the arthritis that will make him feel better. They also have steroids like prednisone that can take away all the pain in the last stages. I'm really sorry for you, I have been in your shoes & watch so many people there also.