How did you know it was time to put your dog to sleep?

[Chemfatale]

Our dog is 15 years old, completely blind (both eyes removed a few years ago due to glaucoma) and questionable hearing. She used to be hyper, always out running and chasing balls but since having her eyes removed I think she has gradually become more miserable. We don’t have an enclosed garden so she is tied up outside during the day if it’s not too hot and sleeps in her crate at night. She gets out for a short walk every day and seems to cope ok but I just think she looks so unhappy and confused. She spends most of her time asleep or walking round in circles and I think she’s standing slightly hunched up. DH thinks she’s fine and doesn’t want her PTS yet as she’s not in any pain. I’m not convinced and am reluctant to allow her to get into pain- she’s not going to get any better so perhaps it’s better to do it now than drag it out much longer. Please help- this is a big decision and we really don’t want to get it wrong

Tied up outside??

Horrible decision that I have made with many types of animals over many years. I would always say goodbye sooner rather than later. We left one dog too late when she had got to the stage of going round in circles and no quality of life/joy left. I understand your circumstances but how she lives now just sounds so sad and you don't want to remember her getting worse. I think the time has come.

Yes, tied up outside. To allow her to sleep with the sun on her back as opposed to being stuck in the house.

We always said that when our girl stopped eating it would be the sign she would be ready to go.
Actually the day I watched attempt to run up the steps outside and she totally misjudged it and smashed her face into the step and it literally stopped her in her tracks. She just sat down and looked at me in complete shock.
I took her to be put down that night, the day before her 15th birthday.
She was half blind, deaf and extremely grumpy. I knew.

Roystonv sorry to hear about your experiences. I agree she has such little enjoyment left in life but as she’s not actually in pain I wondered if we were being a bit premature. What you’ve said makes a lot of sense.

I'm with pp who said i'd always prefer to do it before it is absolutely necessary than leave it too late. We had my 9 year old staff PTS because of a mass on her liver - the vet wanted to operate (exploratory surgery) as there was a small chance...i refused to put my girl through that with no real hope of anything but palliative. If your dog is looking uncomfortable - she sounds it - then she is giving you signs that she is ready to go. Please listen to her

It’s a very sad decision to have to make and it’s never easy.
I agree with Rostonv, from your description of her life I think the time is now.

poorbuthappy mustbemad17 so sorry for your losses. What you’re saying makes a lot of sense and gives me confidence we’re doing the right thing. It’s such a horrible decision to make but ultimately it has to be in her best interests.

Our vet said "you have to ask yourself what quality of life has he got? Being alive is not enough, unless he's having a quality of life"
Still makes my heart break

I don't envy you, it is the shittiest decision to have to make. But at her age she has had a great innings, & for you guys as a family you honestly don't want to leave it until she is beyond doubt & suffering. It's the ultimate sacrifice as a pet owner.