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Original poster

Disagreement over dog euthanasia.

35 replies

Ohthishayfever · 10/04/2025 21:01

We have an old dog, he’s 15. He eats what he likes, enjoys a cuddle and a head rub / back massage and 3 very slow, lots of sniffs walks a day.

Mostly he can be found asleep in his bed. He’s a bit stiff and slow but can still get up the stairs. He doesn’t play with toys, when he’s awake he tends to follow us around or lays in his bed daydreaming.

Some members of family think he has no ‘life’ as he doesn’t play and he looks a little sad now and again. They think he’s just existing to lay around, eat and walk rather than than be the younger dog who ran, had fun, played and was full of life and energy.

I disagree, just because he’s old doesn’t mean we should put him down sleep! Surely we wouldn’t put our elderly down once they get old and slow!

What is the general opinion here? He won’t be PTS just because they say - he’s my dog - but they are making me think I’m being cruel.

OP posts:
roofingtooting · 10/04/2025 21:03

You know your dog and you know him best. He will tell you when it’s time.

OurChristmasMiracle · 10/04/2025 21:07

right so should we be writing ourselves off when we feel a bit stiff and no longer want to run and jump around and would rather just have some company and cuddles? Cos I’m already there. I also have a few aches and pains so off to the vet with me!!

no you aren’t being cruel. If ddog is in pain or suffering then that’s the time not just because they are slowing down!!

Nevermindthebuzzard · 10/04/2025 21:07

Maybe they can see something you can't? When you live with a dog all the time, it can be hard to have an objective look at him and his quality of life.

I wouldn't dismiss their opinion out of hand, because too many people leave their old animals lingering on because they can't face the reality of losing them - are you absolutely sure you're not one of them? Is your dog definitely not in any pain? If you're sure your dog is still enjoying life and not in any pain from arthritis or the like, then great - although he would be a very unusual dog to still be in great health at 15.

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ScottBakula · 10/04/2025 21:08

As long as you are sure he isn't in pain ( more than a bit achey) I think he will be fine.
You will know when the time is right .

Pedallleur · 10/04/2025 21:10

Is he in pain? Any bladder or bowel issues? If not and is just elderly then he just needs love in his last years. As @roofingtooting says you'll know and it will be sad but until then enjoy each others company for as long as you can.

Hoppinggreen · 10/04/2025 21:13

Is he eating/drinking Ok?
Pottering about and not incontinent?
Not in pain?
If no to the above then he sounds fine

PleaseDontFingerMyPouffe · 10/04/2025 21:15

It doesn't sound like it's time to me, from what you've written he's just enjoying a restful old age, but you can find quality of life questionnaires online that can help you know when the time is drawing near.

PrettayGood · 10/04/2025 21:17

Sounds like he’s living a contentedly aged life. Not a reason to kill him. 🥴

ntmdino · 10/04/2025 21:18

Our vet's general rule of thumb with dogs is that as long as they're eating and able to get around when they want to, they want to live.

Sprookjesbos · 10/04/2025 21:20

Ahh. Our old boy had about a year of this life. He was content and we loved him so much. He lost control of his bladder eventually and couldn't get up the stairs. We just saw it in his eyes one day and called time. It was heartbreaking, but it's true that when you know, you know.

Buildingthefuture · 10/04/2025 21:21

I am definitely on the side of “a day too early” rather than a day too late when it comes to the time to make that decision. But, from what you’ve said, I’d be happy to continue. He’s eating, he’s walking, generally pottering about, lots of snoozes, surrounded by love? Sounds like a happy old boy, living his life. Providing none of mine are in pain, or distress, we carry on.

Original poster
Ohthishayfever · 10/04/2025 21:22

He’s not incontinent, he is clean and dry in the house. He tends to poop and pee on his walks or he’ll go out the garden. He finds the two garden steps a challenge and has to psyche himself to jump up them (he’s little and they are nearly as high as his head) so perhaps I should get a ramp.

Hes eating ok, doesn’t appear to be in pain, breathes nice and gently and never whimpers etc. His teeth are awful though and he’s quite a few removed in the past.

He’s just an old, slow guy.

OP posts:
Nevermindthebuzzard · 10/04/2025 21:23

Ohthishayfever · 10/04/2025 21:22

He’s not incontinent, he is clean and dry in the house. He tends to poop and pee on his walks or he’ll go out the garden. He finds the two garden steps a challenge and has to psyche himself to jump up them (he’s little and they are nearly as high as his head) so perhaps I should get a ramp.

Hes eating ok, doesn’t appear to be in pain, breathes nice and gently and never whimpers etc. His teeth are awful though and he’s quite a few removed in the past.

He’s just an old, slow guy.

Definitely get him a ramp.

HaagenYAAS · 10/04/2025 21:25

Sounds like he should be on some painkillers (for joints and teeth pain) if he isn’t already?

Esperanza25 · 10/04/2025 21:25

Well our old girl is 18 and very similar, we are not at the point of considering PTS. We do however take her to our vet every 6 months to check that she is continuing to do ok as she is on pain meds for arthritis. The question we are always asked by our vet is whether she reacts and is happy to see us when we come back to the house after being out. At present she is always delighted to see us, she also eats well and enjoys a couple of very slow walks each day. She generally sleeps a lot like your dog does.
We would never want her to suffer. With our other dogs we definitely knew when the time had come and I’m confident that we will this time.
i don’t think it’s fair of your family to make you doubt yourself. If you want advice from anyone, talk to your vet, but from what you’ve said, your old dog is doing well for his age and you are certainly not being cruel. I doubt many 15 year old dogs are still playing with toys and running round the house!

AcquadiP · 10/04/2025 21:26

I've had 6 dogs including my existing 12 year old. All of my dogs have lived long, healthy, happy lives. All of them slowed down, slept longer, had shorter/slower walks, didn't play as much, these things are all part of the ageing process. So long as an old dog is pain-free, eating, enjoying some exercise and interacting with people I see no reason to put it to sleep. You will know when the time comes either because an age related illness forces that decision or because your dog stops eating. Enjoy your lovely old dog whilst you still can!

RandomMess · 10/04/2025 21:27

I assume he’s on YuMove and some pain relief to help.

He sounds content, he gets up and goes for walks and isn’t refusing.

Sunny91 · 10/04/2025 21:31

There is actually a checklist online about dogs quality of life that our vet suggested when we were in similar circumstances.

It does sound like he’s okay for now. Our dog pottered along like this for a long time, then sadly deteriorated very quickly. As others have said, you will know when it is time to let them go.

Edited to echo the above suggestion of Yumove.

NinaOakley · 10/04/2025 21:31

Get a vet to give you their opinion. We let our first cat go on too long, then the second one we had a useful discussion, started analgesia and gave her (and us) an extra few months before calling time. If you’re missing something they will tell you.
Our hound is young yet but I know I’ll struggle when the time comes.

Brbreeze · 10/04/2025 21:32

I heard someone say on a podcast that they asked themselves “what are my dogs 3 favourite things to do?”, and once he could no longer do those things, it was time to euthanise. That makes sense to me, but I must say I’m not a dog owner.

I’ve had many horses pts over the years, and I’m a strong believer than its better to be a month too early than a day too late. Making the call is the our greatest responsibility as a pet owner, and to be honest I think far too many dog owners seem to let their dogs go on too long.

RiderGirl · 10/04/2025 21:35

I always went with the idea that if our old girl was eating, sleeping, peeing and pooping ok, then she wasn't ready to go yet. She was quite happy pottering around the house and going for short walks, and indulging in her favourite past time of sunbathing. In the end we think she started to get dementia and she was getting us up in the night to go for a wee and getting lost in the garden, bless her, although she still seemed fairly happy. Once she started to lose control of her bladder we decided to call it a day, she was 17 and we lost her nearly a year ago now. I've got a great video of her running down the beach about 3 weeks before we said goodbye, although she wasn't up for it really any more she still had a bit of spark!

henlake7 · 10/04/2025 21:57

Sounds like a happy old dog to me, not one that needs to be PTS.

I currently have a 16 yr old who is deaf and has heart failure and sleeps for 90% of the time. Also a 15 yr old whose back legs are going, is blind, has no teeth and has dementia!
Both dogs are happy, enjoy their 3 little daily walks, love their food and cuddles. I don't plan on calling time on either of them yet....they still seem to be enjoying their life so far.

k1233 · 10/04/2025 22:29

My staffy had advanced arthritis etc and was on appropriate pain management including a monthly injection at the vet. My rule of thumb is, as long as the animal is happy in themselves, then all is good. If they are not happy (owners can tell after 15 years) then that's time. My vet was very happy with my boy and seeing her monthly was a good way to make sure I wasn't seeing him with rose coloured glasses. Looking after them through their dotage is what a loving owner does.

IJWMM · 11/04/2025 00:43

I agree with others, sounds like a happy dog enjoying his restful old age.

I would definitely get a ramp for those outdoor steps though. He shouldn’t have to psych himself up to tackle them, you need to make his life easier re getting around. And maybe speak to your vet re any supplements that could help with joint aches and pains. Oh, and if he likes to be on the sofa or bed etc, a little step-stool so that he hasn’t got a height to jump up/down from.

You’re blessed to have him at this age, make his life easier wherever possible and continue with those head rubs and cuddles!

Given how long you’ve had him, hopefully you know him and his character incredibly well. At the first sign of significant change, get him seen straight away. I definitely agree with “better a week too early than a day too late” wherever possible. We owe it to them to be their advocate, not to keep them going for our benefit.