How will I know it's time?

[DwightShrutesgirlfriend]

My darling lab is nearly 13. His arthritis has been managed for the last year or so, but this week he has suddenly deteriorated. He's now on 3 different painkillers and antibiotics (because he has chewed a 10cm wound on back leg, the vet thinks because of pain). Walks are now out of the question.

He basically needs watching 24/7 so he doesn't make the wound worse. He is eating intermittently, but not with his usual enthusiasm.... and then he has moments of seeming really happy, wagging his tail, enjoying a cuddle, gobbling down his dinner.

How will I know when I need to make the decision? It's so hard when he has these moments of seeming to enjoy life. Am I doing this for me or him?

For me, if he was in so much pain that he was literally gnawing his leg off, it would be time. And I think that when you start asking the question whether its for you or him, you already know the answer in your heart.
Cuddle him, love him, get him McDonalds chicken nuggets and all the things he might love the most. Enjoy the sunshine together. Then do the hardest and most loving thing.

Thank you @CMOTDibbler , he's just making the wound worse by licking it now and I'm hoping the antibiotics help it recover. If he'd carried on biting the decision would be clearer. It's these moments when I think he might get back on an even keel that make it so hard. I'm making excuses, aren't I? 😢

How is he now @DwightShrutesgirlfriend? Is the wound healing at all?

It all depends what you want your last memories to be of him. Sounds as though he has very little joy in life now, no walks, not enjoying food, and is getting only very small pleasures. The question you need to ask yourself is who you are delaying the decision for. You or him?

@SiouxsieSiouxStiletto he’s like a different dog! Wound is healing slowing and he is on a concoction of antibiotics and painkillers, but he’s eating again, taking little strolls around the garden, getting up to investigate visitors. I feel like we’ve been given a reprieve 😊

Ahh OP! Great news :) So lovely to see a positive thread like this!
How is your boy getting on now?
I said goodbye to my boy over the summer. I miss him so much x

@photoframethatmoment he’s still doing well I’m pleased to say. I know it’s only a reprieve but I’m hoping to keep him going for a bit longer. Sorry to hear about your boy, I’ve had a glimpse of how much it’s going to hurt when I lose mine