How can we tell when its our dogs time?

Question

My alaskan malamute is going to be 9 next month and she just looks and acts so old. She doesn't play anymore, just lays around and sleeps a lot. On good days she will climb the stairs and hang out with us as a family on bad days she just wants to stay in the living room and lay on her bed. She has developed what the vet says is tiny oil gland tumors all over her paws. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, just sleeps a lot.

So how does a dog know its there time? AND, how do we know its time?

I want to do whats right for her, although I know its going to be so hard when we do have to let her go. She was my husbands and my first baby after we got married. Please advise.

Yes our dogs go to the vet regularly. Alaskan Malamutes life spans are only 10 years on average.

She does have arthritis.

Answer 1

I believe that when a dog's life has no joy left, when their life has become a burden to them, it's time to let them go. But before you give up on her, you want to make sure you've looked at all the options.

Has she had a check-up complete with geriatric blood panel? Has she been checked with arthritis which is very treatable, depending on the severity with either glucosamine chondroitin or vet prescribed meds. Has she been to a vet for chiropractic treatments? Sometimes when a dog's in pain because their joints hurt, they throw something else out. Older dogs benefit tremendously from chiro treatments to put their spines and/or necks back into alignment. I know, all 3 of my greys have been turned into totally pain-free dogs because of acupuncture and chiropractic treatments.

From what you've described, I wouldn't think it's your dog's time yet, not if she can get some help.

Answer 2

I'm afraid I know nothing about this breed, but I am attaching some information that might be helpful to you. I realize how stressful this time is for you and your family, because it is never easy seeing a friend go into decline. As dogs age, they often slow down (just like people do), and sometimes more rest is needed. If your friend is still eating, drinking, going for walks, generally being in good health, etc., that is a good sign. Try to keep her interested in doing things and being a part of the family's activities. I wish you all the very best and I hope you'll post again with some updates. Good luck.

Answer 3

This is a really hard decision. I let a lovely little female dog live a year longer than she should have because I couldn't bear to let her go. She was 18 yrs. old., had cataracts, arthritis, was deaf, incontinent and slowly losing weight. One day I came into the kitchen and she was laying in a pool of urine trying to lick it up (always a very clean dog), she looked up at me and I almost felt her saying, I'm sorry mom. That look on her face broke my heart and I had her euthanized that day, this was almost 6 years ago, You'll know when it's time and your decision will be the right one. Good luck.

Answer 4

It is up to you and your veterinarian when to make this decision. I work at a vet clinic, and when owners make this decision they almost always walk in Knowing that it is the best decision for their pet. It usually depends on what the pet is going through. But when an animal is in extreme pain, depressed, uninterested in eating, and uninterested in normal activities that they used to enjoy, that is when they know. When their pet Starts to show these signs, that is when they make the decision to keep them as comfortable as they can, during the time they have left. This usually means treating them symptomatically. You can talk to your veterinarian about possibly getting some pain medication for your dog's joints (which may be why she doesn't want to climb stairs or walk around), and that should help her feel more comfortable. But it sounds to me like she is still happy, and doing fine. Good Luck with your dog, your veterinarian will be able to give you more help.

Answer 5

As long as your dog is not experiencing discomfort, I would not consider euthanasia yet. It is common for older animals to feel their age just like it is for people. She may not want to climb the stairs if she has arthritis and your vet can offer you advice on which medications you can offer to make her more comfortable. (I currently have an older dog and have opted to sleep on the couch to be near him).
Your instincts will tell you when it is time and your vet will let you know if he/she agrees.
Your pet has been very fortunate to live in such a loving home and I wish you the best

Answer 6

It's a hard decision to make when the time comes. If she is eating good and going potty good and having no accidents and seems to be happy to see you, I wouldn't worry yet. When she stops eating and seems to be hurting, you should be able to see it in her face. I've had dogs all my life and it's the hardest thing to do, to put them down. My last dog I had to go through that with, I waited too long. I actually was forcing food down her throat, I just didn't want to lose her that bad. I won't ever do that again. It's a peacefull kindness, to put them down when they are ready. You will cry for what seems forever, but you will have your great memories. Let the dog tell you when she's ready. You will know.

Answer 7

I don't know if a dog knows it's their time to go but they do start to feel their age and slow down a lot. Nine years old for a large breed is getting older but if your dog still gets around, is not crippled with old age or arthritis then I would say she may have slowed down some but she's still kicking it.

Answer 8

i guess right now, just try and make her comfortable..i'm sure there will come a time, when you just look at her and she looks at you and gives you this look of "i'm sorry, i think its time" and you'll know..if you have kids, try talking to them about it, make it a good experience, that even though she will die, shes going to be with other puppies where she can run and play all the time..i know its hard, i've lost a dog before too. personally i think i'd rather her go out at least relaxed as opposed to in pain..good luck and God bless you in whatever decision you make.

Answer 9

she will tell you. There will be a certain look in her eyes. It's hard to decide. However, your vet can advise you how well she is doing, and can prescribe you meds for any pain. Good luck, and I hope your decision is made clear by your dog, and you have no regrets.

Answer 10

9 is really on the low end of being a senior. Has your vet done regular checkups to make sure all of her organs are functioning? There may be a simple fix, or the vet can advise some suggestions.