My cocker spaniel is 13 years old. She is blind and deaf.She wets on the floors when no one is watching her.?

Question

She coughs and gags and sleeps alot. Well meaning friends have told me to put her down. What are your views on this.

I would like to say that I think all of the answers are helpful. Everyone has been so kind. I will take Bridget to the vet and have her evaluated. She has been a faithful and dear friend to our family and would protect us with her life even now. I've never known another animal to care for a family as our Bridgy has. That is what makes this so hard. I feel like I owe her and I don't take this lightly. I need to do what is best for her. She deserves it. My heart goes out to her. Thanks to all!

Answer 1

It's usually a matter of "quality of life." If she is uncomfortable or in pain that can't be relieved, I'd say have her put to sleep. You took the responsibility when you got her to provide her with a good quality of life, to make sure she was safe, comfortable and cared-for. Even if the pain and discomfort is coming from her own body, you owe it to her to relieve that problem. It is a decision she can't make herself.

Sometimes you can see it in your old friend's eyes when they're ready to go. I had the awesome responsibility to decide to have our 12-year-old miniature schnauzer put to sleep under similar circumstances. We could tell that he was in discomfort most of the time. Drugs could alleviate that, but then all he did was sleep, eat/drink and relieve himself. He couldn't hold his water any more, his eyesight was so poor he started bumping into things, and his back legs were so stiff he couldn't jump up onto his chair anymore. It was the problem with his bladder that made the decision for me. He just looked so ASHAMED when he wet on the floor. He was a dog that had lost his dignity. So I chose to put an end to his pain, physical and mental/emotional.

Other than that, if your friend is not feeling bad, part of it comes down to practicalities. Do you work outside the home? Do you have time to clean up after her? Can you care for her properly? Do you or others in your family resent living with her problems? (I know this is not tactful, but if this has been an ongoing problem, you may, even if you also feel guilty for feeling this way.)

The other part is, are you ready to let go of her yet? Will you regret the decision if you do decide to put her to sleep? Does she give you any indication that she is ready to let go of life?

There is no easy anwser. These are some of the things you must think about before you decide.

Answer 2

You need to decide if/when her quality of life is no longer at an acceptable level.

I agree with the other posters about taking her to the vet for an evaluation; make sure she is in no pain or discomfort (coughing and gagging? May not be getting enough oxygen.) If she is blind, deaf, incontinent, and in pain --- what is the point? You aren't doing her any favors extending her life. We have an 11-year old Cocker, and I know the average lifespan of the breed is 10 years (it is NOT a healthy breed), so yours has already had an EXCEPTIONAL life, and you can feel mighty good about that! I know it isn't easy, but it's the responsibility we take on when we bring pets into our lives. Good luck.

Answer 3

It is up to you. As dogs get older they can develope special needs and as owners decisions have to be made. At 13 years old if she isn't doing much and her health is fading then she may pass away soon on her own. Putting her to sleep though is not painful, I have never had it down but my friend has with older dogs who just can't go on living. Take some time and do what feels comfortable for you.

Answer 4

I have owned cockers for many years and know how wonderful and faithful they are. Your spaniel is obviously in distress. Please don't tell her off for wetting the floor she is ill and it probably distresses her. Take her out more often - but not very far. Seek your vet's advice and make her last few days on earth comfortable and pain free. Remember as she was - a dutiful faithful friend who deserves to be put out of her misery - painful as it must be for you.

Answer 5

Well, personally, I would consult your vet on this matter. From your descriptions here, it sounds like she is showing some pretty good signs of age and may not be all to comfortable any more. If she is not living a comfortable life, then putting her to sleep may be the best thing for her.

Answer 6

Ask the vet if your dog is in pain. If she's in pain, you will be a great friend if you put her down.

If not, ask for some practical advice in order for her and the place stay more clean.

But remember : all of us, animals and humans have some difficulties at the end of our lives. Don't do to her nothing that you wouldn't do for a relative or friend.

Answer 7

You know your pet better than any of us. I would take her to the vet and get an assessment done and check her overall health and get the vets opinion on the situation before you do something drastic.
When they get old, it really is about quality of life. Do you think she is happy? Does she have more bad days than good days?
I recommend taking her to the vet.

Answer 8

i would judge by the dogs pain level and quality of life. is there any happy days. is there a lot of pain. can you relieve pain with meds? and does she still enjoy you? i have a blind old toy poodle and i'm facing the same issue. i'm waiting for signs from her , not my friends. :) miss keeta still wants to be here, for now,
good luck, listen to your heart.:)

Answer 9

I have to agree with your friends. Her quality of life isn't much now.But your vet can give you the best adivse on this issue since he will know her prognosis.

Answer 10

Its a very difficult thing to do....ive has to do it 3 times but in the end its best for the animal and it sounds like its time for you to do it.sorry