What would you do

[No2palmoil]

My dog is 16 he is very placid loving boy but he is losing it completely in every other respect. He can barely be walked now due to sore joints he can't get off his lead as I suspect he is going blind and definitely hard of hearing now. The biggest problem is that he is getting incontinent pees and poos in the house daily it's utterly depressing for everyone. What's worse is that I have a toddler and just walking baby so I constantly have hygiene worries.

The vet says it's dementia and doggy Prozac is about all that he can get to keep him from getting to agitated but she offered to put him to sleep when ever we are ready.

[IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere]

I've not been in your position with an elderly incontinent dog and small children. When my two old terriers reached the end 20 years or so ago they both chose to stay in their favourite spot in the kitchen which was easy to clean and I didn't allow the toddlers in the kitchen anyway. So my position wasn't quite the same as yours.

I always felt that as long as the dog was happy and enjoying his food then he could stay. That has always been my yardstick if you like.

But if I was in your position I would be hoping that the decision would be taken out of my hands - that he would go off his food or obviously be in distress. But he is sixteen and clearly has known love throughout his life. Perhaps it is kinder to let him go now before his back end gives way or he suffers a stroke.

I am no help whatsoever. Sorry.

[BiteyShark]

If it was me I would hope I do the following.

1. Go to the vets and check that they can't improve his quality of life. You have already done this and by the sounds of it there isn't much that can be done although I probably would take the medication to make his last days better.
   

1. I would make a plan to spoil him rotten especially over Christmas.
   

1. I would then, having had a lovely time of spoiling him, arrange to PTS as his quality of life is more endurance than joy.
   

That is what I would hope I would do but honestly without being in your shoes I have no idea how hard it is

[Yokohamajojo]

My PILs just had their lovely girl PTS with the same symptoms and also 16 years old. They just didn't think she had any quality of life left as she had also started to soil herself indoors. Sometimes you have to think of what's best for the animal. I feel for you it's a very tough decision and very sad.

[adaline]

I'm so sorry

Unfortunately, I think that dogs that are in pain with their joints and who can't control their bowels can't have much quality of life left in them, sadly.

Whether you PTS now or risk waiting until the New Year (so you can have one last Christmas with her) is entirely your decision. Although there is always the risk that she will deteriorate further before then and the situation will be out of your hands.

Hugs - this is the day I absolutely dread coming

[tabulahrasa]

If your vet says they’re willing to PTS... IME that means they’re of the opinion that quality of life isn’t great, but they’re waiting for you to reach the same conclusion...

[Lucisky]

I would think it's time to let your dog go tbh. There is nothing worse than an old dog deteriorating suddenly, and then you have that awful rush to the vets with a seriously ill dog. It has happened to me in the middle of the night, not something I would want to go through again. Of course, you could just let nature take its course, but from what you have said re the soiling, this would not be practical or kind. Your dog deserves some dignity. There is no dignity in being incontinent, in pain, and nearly blind and deaf.
It's a horrible decision, I know.

[pigsDOfly]

Agree with all the above.

I'm very much in the quality of life, over quantity camp though, because for a dog quality of life is all that makes their lives worth living.

It does sound like your dog has lost his quality of life. It he were my dog I'd be letting him go. So sorry you're having to make this decision.

[Chanelprincess]

Loxicom made a huge difference to my boy's joints when he reached age 20 so I'd say it's definitely worth a try - a half dose every other day allowed him to exercise for around two hours and feel comfortable. We trained him to use pads in the house very quickly so he didn't need to struggle to get outside quickly (he wasn't incontinent). His failing sight and hearing didn't seem to bother him and his quality of life was excellent. That said, we never left him alone and adapted our home to ensure he could move around safely.

[Lucisky]

@Chanelprincess- that's an amazing age! What breed?

[Chanelprincess]

Lucisky
Australian Cattle Dog, so not really all that elderly for his breed. I understand they often reach mid-twenties.

[Lucisky]

@Chanelprincess I didn't know that. How amazing. I would have given anything to have my dear departed dogs of yore last that long. Sadly 15 is the oldest they've got to.

[Chanelprincess]

Lucisky They're extremely tough dogs with dingo in their bloodline and they like to stay very fit and active. If you're ready for the challenge of an ACD, I'd be more than happy to recommend a good breeder . I'd never made it beyond 14.5 years with other breeds so I do feel very, very lucky. There's something very special about being able to care for a dear, elderly dog.

[KeepCalm]

Our wee lady was 16.5yrs when we said goodbye in October. Heartbreaking but completely the right decision for us.

Wishing you peace and strength with whatever path you choose