old dog is suffering. what to do?

[treacle84]

Hi all.
I'm after some advice and reassurance really. We've got an almost 13 year old jack Russell and his health has detoriated the past few days. He's generally looking old and he looks sad. When he's sitting his back legs seem to turn inwards and when he's walking he yelps in pain occasionly. He's used to bounding up the stairs and on the sofa but he can't any more. Also his eyes look cloudy. He's off his food too and he loves his food! I'm going to ring the vets tomorrow morning and get him checked over but I don't really want him pumped with medicine to prolong his life for god knows how long. But do you think he's ready to go now? Or am I bad for even considering it?
Please no bashing. I'm very upset already. Thanks

No bashing here at all, just an unmumsnetty (((hug))) I can imagine how awful you feel.
It may be something simple that can be easily treated or may be that your beloved friend is reaching the end of his days, the vet will advise you. It's so hard but you will know what the right thing to do is when the time comes.

Why would we bash you?

I think every dog owner knows when the time comes. If the dog's deteriorated and he's in pain and off his food, then he's telling you what to do.

Sorry you're losing your dog.
Don't feel guilty.

If you're asking then the time is probably right but only you will know for sure
It's a hard decision to make but I always feel that when a dog stops enjoying life then it's not fair to make them continue. They generally have a way of telling you they've had enough.

Sorry to hear about your old boy.

It's a hard decision to make, but try to bear in mind something that's often said on here, that it's better to let them go a week too early than a day too late.

If you think he's suffering, then it's time.

&

Thank you for your kind words. He's a rescue dog and we've had him for 3 years. He's already been abandoned once. I just don't want him to feel like we are giving up on him. He's very loved and I have admitted it to myself that he's probably ready. But saying out loud is another thing.

Talk to the vet, then you will know more.

They can tell you if the dog's in pain and what the prognosis is. From what you've said in your OP it sounds like his time has come, but you will know more tomorrow.

A day too soon is better than a day too late, that much is true.

We've been there too treacle, it's very hard but if he's ready then it's time to do the best thing for him. We weren't brave enough to do it at the right time for our first dog and with hindsight I think she suffered too much. It wasn't until we got another much younger dog who was full of life and bounce that we realised how we should have let ours go earlier. 💐💐

I'm not saying this is what your dog has, but, IF he has cataracts in his eyes, you have to ask yourself this question - with all the other ailments he has, do you think an operation on his eyes will benefit him?

If he has something wrong with his hips (common) but he can't see, would this benefit him?

I know this must be a worrying time, however, the best you can do is make him comfortable. For all we know, he may have a UTI and arthritis which can be treated really easily. Both of these conditions (as we know from humans) can be excruciating, so knowing what is wrong is vital.

Fingers crossed for you all.

It does rather sound like the best thing would be pts. I have been there and its very difficult, but it is absolutely the right and loving thing to do for you dog in these circumstances

Thanks guys. I'll keep you posted once he's been to the vets x

treacle good luck for the vets tomorrow, you'll know the right thing to do.

Update. I spoke to the vets and they agreed with my decision. She said that we know him better than anyone but it sounds like he's already made his decision by himself. He's still not eating and hasn't been for a wee today.

So sorry treacle that the time has come. Think of the happy times, he's going to be free of pain and able to run and be happy.

It looks like his time has come.
Sorry Treacle, it's the kindest thing you can do for him.

I'm so sorry. If it helps he'll have no idea whats going to happen. It's just an injection to him.

Im so sorry you are going through this OP. I would advise doing what your doing by taking him to the vets and go from there. If it is time to say goodbye, then know you gave him a long happy life. Biggest hugs to you, losing a dog is horrific. Big big hugs xx

Thinking of you OP 💐❤️🐾