advice on my old dog?

Question

my dog is 20 years old this july although he is blind he still goes a daily walk and enjoys it, he is deaf aswell he eats well and has just become incontinent a little. he cant settle in the day though sleeps well at nite he isnt ill , but his quality of life is slowly getting worse should we let him carry on or should we take him to the vets to be put down it seems so sad we hate seeing him this way what would you do

Answer 1

You will know when the time is right, I had to have my old Dobe put to sleep in Nov and it broke my heart as she had been taken into the vets so they could try to help her but after 3 days there was nothing more to be done. It was awful as she hated the vets and being apart from us always terrified her but the day we visited her and decided to take her home she wouldn't come out of the cage and we had to do it there, I regret that a lot as I would have liked it to be done at home in her bed in front of the fire but in the end I dont think she really cared and we knew then that she had had enough and it had to happen.

It will be the most difficult thing you have ever done, my mum had to sign the form whilst I cuddled her, even our vet cried. I had a week off work and even now, writing this, I have tears in my eyes. But they are for myself because I miss her, I know she is better now and not suffering so despite the fact that it wasn't ideal I know it was right and she'll be chasing squirrels to her hearts content without the pain and deformities holding her back.

Good luck making your decision, just remember, they have given you years (many many in your case!) of devotion and love and maybe soon it'll be time to repay him and set him free.

Answer 2

Wow, 20 years is a stunning age for any dog.

I would think you'll probably know when the time has come, you know your dog best of anyone. Sometimes conditions don't become painful but, as you're seeing, quality of life just becomes less and less until it's gone.

Generally quality of life is judged on the following points:
-appetite
- health
-energy levels
-pain levels
-awareness of what's going on
-comparisons to how he used to be
-whether you consider your dog is still happy

When one of the above becomes a real issue, like he hardly gets up, or stops eating, or appears to be in pain or seems really sad, I would say that might be the time. Think of how he was a couple of years ago and compare his quality of life then to now.

Well done on giving a dog a good home for such a long time, and for taking such thought over how to do the right thing in the end, I know how hard it is. From what you've said, I've no doubt you will know when it's time to say goodbye, and that you'll do it even tho it hurts.

Take care,
Chalice

Answer 3

I think only you can answer your own question, you will know in your heart of hearts when the the time is right, for you to make the awful decision. It is the one thing we can do for our pets, after all the love and affection they give us over the years, we can help them at the end of their days without pain or suffering. It is quality of life, and what you feel that should make your decision. 20 is a fantastic age, and if he is still enjoying life, then carry on, as soon as the body starts giving up, and life becomes a chore, you will know, and no doubt he will also "tell" you in one way or another. An awful time in your life to deal with, but when the times comes, just remember all those good and happy years. Bless you. Thinking of you.

Answer 4

From what you describe, he seems to be in pretty good health, and is just getting slower. I would keep him around as long as everything looks healthy from your vets point of view. It is always sad to loose your baby, I had to put my last dog down when she was 16 because she contracted cancer. Now the dog that I have is 10, and will probably go early as well as he is starting to decline...he is slowly going blind, and has a lot of other problems that I won't get onto here now. I will keep taking him to my vet and whenever the vet says that he thinks it is time, then I will do it, though it will be very hard. I guess in the end it is up to you and your family, but ask your vets opinion as well and see what they recommend. Good luck.

Answer 5

You will KNOW when the time has come. 20 is a fantastic age, I've had 3 dogs who have lived to 16 and can only say, that the day comes when you just know that they've had enough and the kindest thing you can do then is to have him put to sleep. It sounds as if he is still enjoying life, but remember the saying "better a week too soon than a day too late".
Lucky dog, he's obviously had everything a dog could want in life.

Answer 6

We had our cat put to sleep last year after 20 wonderful years. It's hard, but in the long run it was the right decision. When they don't have the quality of life that they once had, it's not fair to let them carry on. Heartbreaking as it is to make this decision you have to remember that you gave your dog 20 good years with a loving family.

Answer 7

Dont put him down,you say he's not ill so why just because he's old are you considering having him put down?as long as he's eating well and enjoying life to his best,then there really is no need to think this.Your dog is doing extremely well and you should be thankful he hasn't got any series illnesses.Please enjoy the quality of life he has and be there for him right to the end.

Answer 8

You will know the time.
I had my old boy put to sleep exactly 3 weeks ago.
I had said to my self when he no longer wants to go for a walk then that's it. He was not well but when he only wanted to go to the end of the path that was my pointer to say he had had enough..
It was a lovely sunny day his favourite place was in the back of the the car & thats where the vet did it.
I miss him dreadfully I picked him up as a puppy & was with him at the end.
We had 16yrs of great fun.
You will know the time,think of him not you.
If you are thinking of cremating him look at the dignitypetcrem site they were brill. Still have not decided where to sprinkle him.
I'm lucky as I have another one here with me but it still seems strange just having 1 dog, will just have to get naother one.

Answer 9

Such a hard question..........
If your dog isnt in any pain, then let him die naturally, if at all possible.
Accept he is old and accept that he isnt ever going to get young and fit again. Enjoy his company in his old age as much as you enjoyed it when he was younger.
My whippet is very ill, she sleeps most of the time and obviously doesnt jump around like she used to. But shes in no pain, so nows the time to give her extra special cuddles and hugs. Comfort her and try to make her life as cosy as possible.
I understand what youre going through, really I do. But you have to look at the situation positively and be grateful that you have this 'time' to say your goodbyes and return his unconditional love that he gave you.

Answer 10

I would talk to my Vet and ask his/her advice as to, is the dog suffering unbeknown to me. But if the dog is not suffering then you have to think can you handle what will happen in the future, if you can then carry on enjoying the company of your dog. If this will become too much for you, then the kindest thing to do would be to have the dog put to sleep, as this would be kinder to the dog. I hope that this is of some help to you.