My old sweet boy - stuck and don't know what to do

[estrogone]

My beautiful old whippet - who will be 15 next month has slowed almost to a halt.

He sleeps most of the day and is completely deaf. He doesn't want to go on walks and just seems sad. He has been eating and toileting fine but the last few weeks he has been getting fussier and not eating as well as he was.

I don't know if it's time to think about putting him to sleep. There is no health crisis just very little quality of life. He hates the vet - it truly terrifies him and as there is not much obvious wrong, I haven't taken him to avoid traumatising him.

Looking for thoughts and experiences. Please don't judge. I adore this dog. He is my shadow.

So sorry for you and your boy. I think there’s probably something going on medically and you have two choices. Get help for him and don’t.

I know it’s expensive but is there any way you’d be able to afford for the vet to do a home visit? As heartbreaking as it is, it does sound like he’s reaching the end and, as his person, you’ve made a deal with him that he’ll get there without being in any unnecessary pain, which you need a vet to advise you on.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this, no judgement from me.

I do feel for you OP. It's so hard to know what is best for our beloved dogs as they become very old. We spend all our time with them giving them the best possible life and caring for their every need. It's heartbreaking when we can't make things better for them.

When I think back to my darling girl, she was 15 when we said goodbye. On reflection I think I would say to you that we knew she had got to a stage where she was just so tired and ready to go and it sounds like you feel you might be there. With the benefit of hindsight I would have done it a couple of weeks earlier but I kept hoping for a miracle that couldn't happen.

On a practical level it is possible to have the vet come to you thus saving your boy a visit to the surgery. My heart truly goes out to you.

It sounds like he's nearing his time. Ypu need to objectively look at his quality of life.
As horrible as it is, don't wait for him to be in a medical crisis. I've always gone by the phrase 'rather a day too soon than a day too late'.

If he's got barely any quality of life then yes, it's time and sooner rather than later. Get the vet to come to you.

Have a look.to see if you have a mobile vet in your area.

I am sorry.
It is so hard watching our loved animal family members decline.
But I'm glad your doggie is loved and has you on their side.

Thank you all. I am going to go into the vet tomorrow and ask for a mild sedative, to give to him pre appointment. I will take him for a full health check and talk to the vet.

My darling old chap. Whatever happens, I won't let him suffer for a minute, as I totally agree a day early is better than a day late.

I found an in home service. They are going to come out and do a quality of life assessment. My heart knows that it's not long. We will make this time as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

Sad as it is, he is clearly struggling so it is time to do it before he starts to suffer more. It only goes one way from here, so be brave!