Preparing for the very worst

[1Wildheartsease]

One of my much-loved labs is almost 14 now. Although at the moment she still enjoys her life - walking, eating and greeting are high up there- she has started to show signs of age and possible infirmity; I am beginning to prepare myself to lose her.

I will want to make everything as easy for her as I can but (due to an early life experience) she is seriously frightened of vets. At the very end of her life, is it possible to put her to 'sleep' myself - here at home? Are there drugs the vet can provide to me for this?

[tabulahrasa]

No, you can’t do it yourself.

Some vets will come out and do it though.

[TheDogsMother]

So sorry you are having to think about this but it is also the kindest to have a plan in place. Vets will come to your house but given the current circumstances this is a bit trickier.

This was us last week and they put him to sleep on the back seat of our car. He loved that car, we were able to cradle his head and the vet was on the other side using an extendable line into a canula. He was so vet phobic but in the end it was so peaceful and in a place he loved

[ducksback]

Pls do not even think of doing this OP.

[SlothMama]

This is a very hard time for pet owners when they know the time could be soon to have them put to sleep. But please don't attempt to do this yourself you could accidentally cause the dog to suffer if you get the dosage or don't cannulate correctly.
Call around your local vets, I'm sure you'll find one who will do a home visit.

[Aloe6]

In normal, non-Corona, times most vets will do a home visit for euthanasia. Please do not attempt to this yourself.

[1Wildheartsease]

Don't worry - I won't risk increasing her suffering; she is far too important.

I was just hoping that someone might have heard of a way of keeping her away from the vets... but suspected it would not be possible.

(I don't think that home-visits are possible just now either. :( )

[tabulahrasa]

See I assumed you meant longterm planning rather than it being imminent...

What’s actually wrong with her?

[1Wildheartsease]

I hope that I'm worrying well in advance but really can't be sure.

She is not in pain - is not overweight - has not had arthritis (has better range of movement than our younger dog) - had good hip score - but has started to lose full control of her back legs (they sometimes drag when she is walking - and sometimes give way when she stands) and sometimes her bowels. The latter does distress her.

[1Wildheartsease]

I like the thought of another 2 years. :).

She was the smallest of a large litter and needed much tlc as a pup but has been remarkably healthy all her life since then.

[ducksback]

You sound like a lovely owner OP. Take each day as it comes and you will know.
Perhaps you might discuss things with your vet sooner rather than later and have an action plan for if/when the time comes if lockdown is still in place?
I have had many rescue oldies and each time it has been different - each one has broken my heart but the love we have had from them makes it all so worth it.
Old dogs can rally and surprise you with their strength. Love her and support her as you clearly are and you never know. We all have bad days and off days - it is the overall picture that you need to keep an eye on. Sending you both love and luck.

[1Wildheartsease]

Ducksback - you are so right about the love you get from them. She is an amazing dog -so intelligent and observant; she really knows our family and has always been a person within it.

She has even offered support to a very distressed friend who had just lost her father and usually didn't like dogs. She sat in a chair -deeply sad- as I made tea for her.

Our dog left her basket and quietly sat beside my friend and then when she began to weep, the dog just gently leaned on her leg. The friend found this a tremendous and unexpected comfort. (Years later, she no longer thinks of her as a dog.)