Our beloved nearly 14yr old lab is going downhill. Back legs are very weak and now giving way more frequently. He’s on Yumove and more recently Gabapentin to help with the pain. He can’t go for a walk anymore as he’s too breathless and slow. But he still wags his tail & enjoys his food. We just don’t know when is the right time? We are worried we won’t know he’s in pain. My mother (experienced dog owner) says now is the time before he gets really bad but I just don’t know. We love him so much and want to do what’s best for him.
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Doggiehasgone ·
21/06/2020 11:02
I recently lost my beloved old dog suddenly, at home. While we believe it was quick and painless for him, for which we are thankful, it was very traumatic for us to see him die - his body going through the throes of death, not in the 'going to sleep' way that happens with euthanasia. Like yours our dog had slowed down a lot and tired easily, although he was still enjoying food and short walks. Afterwards, I was visited with inevitable regrets that I hadn't known he was in his final hours that morning, and if I had I would have tried to make things more special for him and of course said a proper goodbye.
In contrast to this, I have had two elderly cats PTS and while it was horrible to fix the point of their death, I was able to make sure I had said and done everything I wanted. Also, the grieving process started as soon as arrangements were made, whereas with the dog it took time to even take in what had happened and we were completely knocked for six, and left with the awful task of dealing with his remains and keeping them at home as it happened at the weekend when the vet was closed.
The point I am rambling towards is that having had experience of both I would choose PTS as being best both for your pet and you and I would not want to risk a natural death by leaving this too late. You cannot be sure that a natural death will be quick and painless, and with PTS you can prepare yourself. I would talk to your vet (may have to be by phone) to see whether they think it is time.
There is no easy way - I hope you can make a decision soon 
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StCharlotte ·
21/06/2020 11:14
It's so hard. Having been through exactly this with our 14 year old Lab last year, I'm really sorry but your Mum is right.
We knew it was coming and said to ourselves when he can't go for a walk... And the buggers are so good at masking pain.
PoopySalata ·
21/06/2020 14:57
I'm so sorry, I'm in the same situation with my elderly Staffie. He still loves food and wags his tail. He potters around the garden but is deaf, very forgetful and occasionally anxious.
His back legs are failing him now, he can still manage stairs but it's a struggle. I know dogs are very stoic so he's probably in more pain than he's showing. I'm waiting for the bad days to outweigh the good. My guess is he has about a month or so left, so we are spoiling him.
I'm not a believer that the dog will tell you when it's time, I think we have to make the decision. I think it's also harder to see how bad they are when you live with them, your mum is probably a good judge 
Roselilly36 ·
21/06/2020 15:19
The hardest thing about pet ownership, I can remember making this decision for our lovely old dog, it was the right thing, but such a horrible decision to make. so sorry.
PoopySalata ·
01/07/2020 15:39
Bless the old boy and you, it's so awful isn't it. I went to the vets to get a prescription filled today and said that it was best that they just gave me a months supply and not the usual three months. I'm at about the same point with my old boy
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