Max is a male chow chow 14 years and 7 months old. What are the symptoms of a dying chow chow to watch for.?

Question

I know this might sound like a dumb questions. However today I had to carry my dog back into the house he was exhausted and couldn't get up after getting tangled on his leash. Max is a house dog due to he had surgery on his eyes twice and is light sensitive. He is a very spoiled dog and loves to be around me and my children. I know he is on bought time and his eyes and hearing is impaired. My husband feels it isn't time to put him down. He said Max is overall happy, still has control of his bowels and bladder and isn't in any pain, so he doesn't see that it is justified. However, when family comes to visit they always comment on him needing to be put down because he is old and weak. Everytime my sister in-law show up she says he dying and not going to make it much longer. She is wiser and grooms animals...Can anyone tell me what to be watching for. Thanks

Answer 1

When our Blanca was 14, she began losing her urine in her sleep and often whimpered with pain as she rose and laid down. Eventually she couldn't get her feet under her to get up without staggering, and began crying with pain in her sleep. At that point, we decided to ease her suffering. I would say if Max is not in pain, doesn't have trouble getting around, and seems content with life, leave him alone. And tell your sister-in-law it's your dog and your decision--thanks for the input but you'll take care of things. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well first off let me say that if he is 14 then you have done very well as an average life span for a chow chow is 8-12 years.I also know from years of my own experience that he does need to see a vet for a good geriatric check up...He more than likely has some arthritic changes and may need meds to help hI'm with the pain(although he may not act like he is hurting But at this age im sure he probably is).And no he doesn't need put to sleep based on the fact that he is old.Do the Dr.s give us this option when we get old lol...I personally believe that god will take him when its time(just do not let him die alone spend lots of time with him now as it is more important than ever).Take him to the Dr. so he will not die in pain.Chow Chows are wonderful parts of our families.Ours passed at the age of 13 and we miss him so much.So i wish you all the best with this and God Bless You!

Answer 3

14 1/2 is a long life for a Chow and he must be well cared for. It's hard to say what a dog will look like when it is getting ready to die. Some die in their sleep. Some get illnesses that cause pain and what that looks like varies according to the illness. If he isn't in pain but he is weak because he is older, he may be one that dies in his sleep. There is no one way that he will look. I had a friend who had a two Chows. The female died at 15 yrs old. She was weak and mostly laid around for the last two years but was kept comfortable. She eventually died in her sleep. The male was euthanized at 10 yrs old. He had inoperable cancer and the Vet described the painful death he was facing because of the type of cancer it was and how advanced it was. Together they decided it was best for him to be put to sleep. Consult with your Vet who will likely advise how much walking to do with your dog, what to do to make him the most comfortable in his last days, weeks, months or years.

Answer 4

I think it's totally reprehensible that someone would consider putting a dog down merely because he's old! Have you ever heard of a vet? Take him. Older dogs need check-ups, including geriatric blood panels to find minor problems before they become major ones. If he's having a hard time walking, the poor dog likely has arthritis. There are meds for that - this poor dog does not need to suffer in pain. Get him some help - don't you think that's the least he deserves?

Answer 5

It's your dog, not your inlaws or sister-in-laws. He's yours. You know in your heart of hearts if he is suffering or not. If not, then give him more time. There is a big difference between being a mere inconvenience and actually suffering. You don't have to let anyone make you feel guilty about loving your dog. You enjoy him for as long as you can. If your husband loves you, then he will respect your love for your pet.

Answer 6

many dogs will seek a place away from the pack(your family) to die. If your dog starts hiding or changes his behavior by staying away from the family it maybe his way of saying he is ready to go. Until Max lets you know by his behavior that he is seeking a place to die I would hang in there with him. Many quality vets will now come to your home to let you loved one die in a familiar stress free environment. If your vet does not provide this service then find one that will.

Good Luck and I'm sorry for your dilemma and pending loss

Answer 7

IF HES BEEN ASLEEP LONG HOURS...AND LET THE DOG DIE BY HIMSELF CAUSE ITS JUST WRONG TO PUT EM TO SLEEP