AIBU to consider putting our elderly dog to sleep?

It sounds miserable and upsetting for you and for her. IIWY I would definitely be considering bringing this to a humane end rather than prolonging things to...well, what!?

Our beloved dog slowed right down, would stand and stare, go outside and promptly turn back round. Started eating less and less and finally didn’t want to drink. We believe she had decided that at fourteen she’d had enough. We did what we and our lovely vet thought was the kindest thing and let her go. That was just as the heatwave hit and we miss her terribly but know she had the best life and that it was our final act of love towards her.
Do think of your poor dog it sounds much like dementia hard as it is we have to put them first b

When did you last take her to a vet? Has she ever been insured? Take her to get seen and decide based on outcome. 13 is a great age for a dog to make it to

If an animal is not well you take them to the vet.

There are vets who offer payment plans, and PDSA as already mentioned. She cannot take herself to the vet, you are responsible for her wellbeing. It is cruel to deny her the medical treatment she needs. If you cannot afford to keep an animal (and that includes taking care of their health) you have to find a way or you shouldn't have that responsibility.

It could be diabetes, dementia, or a pain problem. It could be something you and I have never heard of. But she needs medical attention and you are the one in charge of that. Do not put it off any longer, the poor thing.

It's hard @Ghasha to know when to call it with an elderly pet. It sounds as though it's time if only because of the snappiness.
My girl is a similar age. She has cataracts, gets stiff when it's rainy (she has arthritis and associated meds), but is a happy wee monkey. All the same, I'm vigilant for a downturn in her wellbeing.
I'd be taking your wee doggy to see the vet and get their advice.

Have you had her checked for diabetes?
But in general yes if a pet is old and isn’t enjoying life anymore and has no easily treatable medical conditions I do think it’s kinder to PTS.

It does unfortunately sound like doggy dementia, I understand you not wanting to take her to the vets especially when you know already the likely outcome but just see what they say. My girls 13 mentally very switched on, but struggles with her balance and coordination you just have to accept they are getting on.
It is hard though.

I had similar with our lab . I knew it was time but my family was desperate to keep her alive . Eventually she had a stroke . But I was very upset to see her not enjoying her dog life , not able to run or swim , getting up at 4am because she had an accident. It's not fair and unfortunately it's up to us to make that decision despite wanting them with us .

She needs to see a vet. It's difficult to understand that you haven't taken a much loved pet before now. She's obviously in trouble and you owe her.

Could it be dementia. We have an old one with dementia. She’s happy enough yet but as soon as she gets aggressive we will know it’s time. We’ve got her under our vet - who happens to be a family friend who sees her all the time.

It's very sad, and I will never judge anyone for struggling with vets bills with an older dog (financial circumstances change and costs have increased for a lot of people astronomically since they committed to their dogs as puppies), but I could never prolong the life of an elderly dog that was suffering.

I wouldn't re-home. Dogs that old do not cope well in re-homes and she sounds like she's really in a lot of pain. And just because a rescue could intervene doesn't make it ethical. Too many rescues and owners prolong their dogs suffering because they're unable to say goodbye.

I wouldn't go into a long explanation at the vets. Just say she's clearly aging, she's snappy and unhappy and you think it's in her interest to euthanise. Don't prolong her suffering because you're worried your kids might be upset by her passing - the dog deserves better than that, and you'll never forgive yourself for it.

@Ghasha when finances are an issue, these organisations will offer free treatment, if you have one locally;

PDSA, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, and StreetVet

Yes definitely a vet visit required, which you already acknowledge. People always seem to jump to ‘dementia’ with old dogs in decline but in my experience (and I have had a lot of dogs live past 13 - both owned and fostered) it is nearly always something like undiagnosed pain (usually arthritic) or sight and hearing problems (would explain the snapping when you got near with your hand) or a combination of those things. And some of those can be fairly easily/affordably remedied, after which you see a marked improvement.
Sometimes, of course, a dog is simply old and has had enough. Sending you best wishes for you and your loved pooch. ♥️

My FIL let his dog live/suffer for months longer than he should, absolute c*nt.
The dog had similar behavior, going blind, dementia, biting everyone, crapping in the house.
If the dog has no quality of life, and is a danger to the kids (because that’s what will happen next) then have the poor thing PTS.
Heartbreaking as it is, you need to take that decision.
The vet can visit the house to do the deed at home, and there are services to collect the body for cremation etc.

sorry but this is appalling. take her to the vets now .

There’s two separate things here:

The first is her immediate medical need. Take her to the vet. I understand money can be an issue but she is your dog and you have loved her for a long time. You are responsible to her.

It does sound like doggy dementia. The things like bumps and eyesight can be normal ageing and not necessarily a cause for further concern. The staring and the changes in behaviour, however, are.

Please don’t put her to sleep just because she’s old, but have a proportionate, honest discussion with the vet about the symptoms and go from there.

For reference, I had to choose to put my dog to sleep a month ago and it was the hardest yet easiest decision I’ve had to make. Hardest, because I love him so much, but easiest because I promised him when I got him that I would do whatever I have to do to make sure he doesn’t suffer. That’s what it means to love another creature.

Good luck with the appointment.

She’s in pain. Take her to the vet and take it from there. Better a day too early that a day too late when it comes to animals. It’s heartbreaking. We lost our dog in June and I still miss her every day. I’m sorry .

It’s neglect to not take your obviously declining pet to the vet OP, take her to the vet and find out what’s going on, you don’t have to test for everything but get an idea

Vet appointment needed. My dog had very similar symptoms and yes, something was up. Get your dog checked, it’s for the best.

Sorry but it is unforgivable that you haven’t taken her to the vet yet. Poor thing is suffering. If you can’t afford treatment then the kindest thing is to put to sleep but please do it now. She is thirteen a vet won’t judge you for not wanting to pay for tests.

It sounds like she could be in pain - you really do need to take her to the vets.

Thirteen is getting on a bit but not ancient (depending on breed/ size) but a sudden change in temperament and loss of bowel control indicates something is up. If you can't afford investigations the PTS is kinder than letting it drag on.

Quality of life is more important than getting extra time when it comes tonelderly pets. Better a week too soon than a day too late as they say.

She needs to see a vet, 13 is a good age, she sounds like she’s in pain, messing in the house will be distressing for her if she’s otherwise been clean. Hard decision to make but ultimately the kindest thing to do 💐

Is there a PDSA you could take her to? They are for people who'd struggle to afford vet's bills.