Elderly Dog kidney disease

Why2025 · 2025-01-28T16:37:03+00:00

My 15 year old girl was recently diagnosed with kidney disease. They haven't said its advanced, but upon doing some research or her symptoms, it would appear that it's now advanced. We are all heartbroken, and we don't know what to do. She doesn't seem sad, However, she's eating very little, drinking a ton of water, wetting herself some days, twitching, panting, digging the carpet, and huffing a lot. Is this a sign that she's ready to go? Am I cruel and selfish for keeping her here? I don't know what to do. When we're out on a walk, you would never think there was anything wrong with her. She's still got energy. She loves playing still.

Hekett · 28/01/2025 16:45

I think most dog owners would say that if you’re asking yourself the question, it’s probably time.

Overall, is her quality of life still good? Are you keeping her here for her, or for you?

We lost our boy last year after a few weeks of illness, but he became very acutely unwell over the course of a few hours so I had no choice but to let him go. I could see in his eyes he had had enough and putting him through more intensive treatment wouldn’t have been fair to him. To that extent the decision became “easy”, but before that point his life was good, so PTS didn’t really enter my head as an option.

I am not sure I believe the mantra of “better too early than a day too late”, but 15 years is a good innings and from what you’ve said, I’d consider now might be the right time. Spend some time doing bucket list things with her and making her as happy as possible. When they stop eating, it’s a sign they’re ready to go.

Im sorry - it’s honestly just the worst thing, it’s so devastating.

Original poster

Why2025 · 28/01/2025 17:31

Hekett · 28/01/2025 16:45

I think most dog owners would say that if you’re asking yourself the question, it’s probably time.

Overall, is her quality of life still good? Are you keeping her here for her, or for you?

We lost our boy last year after a few weeks of illness, but he became very acutely unwell over the course of a few hours so I had no choice but to let him go. I could see in his eyes he had had enough and putting him through more intensive treatment wouldn’t have been fair to him. To that extent the decision became “easy”, but before that point his life was good, so PTS didn’t really enter my head as an option.

I am not sure I believe the mantra of “better too early than a day too late”, but 15 years is a good innings and from what you’ve said, I’d consider now might be the right time. Spend some time doing bucket list things with her and making her as happy as possible. When they stop eating, it’s a sign they’re ready to go.

Im sorry - it’s honestly just the worst thing, it’s so devastating.

I'm sorry to hear you lost your boy. It's truly heartbreaking. I've never felt this kind of heartache before, I hope it's not like this forever.
Right now, my girl is playing out the garden, and this is where I'm torn. When she's outside, she comes alive, like nothing is wrong. When she's indoors and resting, it's heartbreaking to see her the way she is. How can she go from that to playing joyfully in the garden? 💔

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Redhound · 28/01/2025 17:35

I would book a quality of life chat appointment with the vet. They might have suggestions to help her or could help you make the right decision. I feel for you as I had my precious dog PTS last September. I will never know for sure if it was the right decision, it is very hard :(

CherryBlossomPants · 28/01/2025 17:45

It is better to let your little dog go one day early than one day too late. There are much worse fates for dogs than death and currently your dog doesn’t sound happy or comfortable.

I’m sorry you are going through this as it really is devastating but being a good owner is knowing when it is time.

Original poster

Why2025 · 28/01/2025 21:05

CherryBlossomPants · 28/01/2025 17:45

It is better to let your little dog go one day early than one day too late. There are much worse fates for dogs than death and currently your dog doesn’t sound happy or comfortable.

I’m sorry you are going through this as it really is devastating but being a good owner is knowing when it is time.

You're right. It's just making that call. The thought of it is breaking my heart. I keep thinking that maybe she will get better, I'm in denial, aren't I?

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Dearg · 28/01/2025 21:08

Oh it’s so hard. My 14 year old has early stage kidney disease. It’s a hard one to read. Like your lovely girl, he can be very lively and is still his lovely friendly self. But I would hate for him to suffer, so we are close too.
Hug her while you can .

Tel12 · 28/01/2025 21:10

Could have written your post last week. My dog was really well until she wasn't. As long as she is eating something and not distressed I'd keep going. Once she becomes poorly, and you'll know, then it's time.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 28/01/2025 21:42

I’d agree, that as long as a dog is still eating and enjoying its food, it’s not time just yet.

YeOldeGreyhound · 28/01/2025 21:46

There are some quality of life things online that you can Google and fill on for your dog. And it is always worth a chat with your vet too.
Getting a dog with kidney failure to eat can be a nightmare. I knew of someone who had a lurcher who would only eat Richmond sausages, and went on to live for many more months after the vet said she had a days left.
15 is a great age for any breed, so feed your dog whatever she likes, even if it not usually recommended for dogs (obviously not really dangerous stuff like chocolate etc).

Original poster

Why2025 · 28/01/2025 22:04

She's still on the beg for dog treats. She sits by the draw where they are kept! Or she will follow me and I'll say "show mum then" then she will take me to the treat draw! It's so funny and sweet. Today, I've cooked her sausage, eggs, chicken strips (she won't eat plain chicken, I've tried), and tried her with pasta and chicken balls. She had a tiny bit of pasta and about 3 chicken balls. She's also had a load of dog treats.

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