AIBU to consider putting our elderly dog to sleep?

30 replies

Ghasha · 04/09/2026 23:01

My dog is almost 13 years old, she's been a great family dog and we all love her (especially the kids)
Last year or so she's really changed, suddenly seems very old, has a lot of lumps and bumps, doesn't enjoy walks as much as she used to - is very slow. She often walks around the house aimlessly, she'll stare at walls and cry or sit in the middle of the garden and cry. She seems ravenous and will cry for more food when she's already eaten, she's looking thin despite this. She's also gone to the toilet in the house a few times overnight (something she never does) Her eyes also look like she could be losing her sight. Up until recently I've thought she's just getting old but seems ok in her self most of the time, will still cuddle up with the kids etc.
Last week she randomly attacked our cat (who she's lived with since she was a puppy) he was ok luckily but we were all shook up, can't see a reason for it - he wasn't anywhere near her or her food or anything like that.
Tonight she randomly snapped at my hand when I bent down to pick a tea towel off the floor. It really shocked me.

Up until now I've been reluctant to see a vet because I imagine they'll suggest tests/scans or the like, we live hand to mouth as it is. I'm slightly concerned her behaviour is indicative of cognitive decline.

Part of me thinks if she continues to decline it might be the kinder (and safer) thing to have her put down.

What would you do?

OP posts:

Ihateknowingthis · 04/09/2026 23:13

I think the time has come for her to be let go.
What breed is she?
Same happened to me last year.... and my daughter this year.
So distressing to watch and not know when to act, but when they're messing in the house and staring into space and snapping, all out of character it's time to let them go.
So sorry, it's really hard but the kindest thing to do for them.

echt · 04/09/2026 23:13

It does rather sound if your poor pooch has dementia. All the classic signs.

The attack on the cat and snapping at you is not good at all and for these reasons alone I would have the poor beast put to sleep.

Take her to the vet and be very clear about every symptom, emphasising the attacks.
If the vet is the slightest bit ethical, and quite few are not because of being part of a gouging chain, they will comply for the attacks alone.

PurplebudsWhitebuds · 04/09/2026 23:12

Honestly OP she sounds as though she is suffering. I think you really need to take her to the vet.

LostMyTrainOfThought · 04/09/2026 23:12

I worked in a veterinary hospital and always felt it was kinder when a pet was PTS before becoming very unwell/significantly declining. In your case I would book an appointment with the vets with an open mind and be honest and tell them exactly what you have you said. Vets only ever want what is best for an animal and are guided by the owners wishes. One of my cats had HCM which leads to heart failure and I took him to the vets for an unrelated issue and they recommended a health check, bloods etc I declined and made it clear that we only wanted palliative care and when the time came that he was struggling we would have him PTS.

Donutofdoooooom · 04/09/2026 23:07

Poor pup is likely in pain with something going on and should really see a vet

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