I have got a 14.5 year old dog, who I have had since a pup. She is a very loved member of the family, who up until 6 months ago, despite her age, was ok.
She seems to have gone downhill and got old really quickly over the past six months, she can hardly see and I am pretty sure she cannot hear.
Continence has deteriorated a bit although most of the time she will still indicate to go out. She goes for a short walk twice a day with no problem, and eats and drinks well. She sleeps most of the time, but looks generally healthy considering her age. She has started to always wanting to sleep in my bedroom during the day, and lies down on her cushion so that she is touching the edge of the bed - I don't know if this is because due to sight/hearing this makes her feel secure.
The last few days, she has been going off her legs, she will walk along then suddenly sit down, or her back legs will go out from under her. Since this has been happening, she has been more restless and walking around more than usual although doesn't seem particularly distressed. She is still managing a very short walk and when her legs go she sits for a second then gets up again. She is weeing and pooing as normal.
I have always said that I would never let her suffer and when the time came I would have her put to sleep, but how do you know when the time is right? At the moment she still appears to have some quality of life, and is not presenting as distressed.
She has been in good general health all her life, and hardly ever needs to go to the vets. When she does go she gets into a right state, trembling and trying to get out of the door. When the time comes, I would like her put to sleep at home, not take her somewhere that she is terrified of - do vets do this? I don't care what it costs.
I guess I am rambling a bit, I feel really upset as I can't help thinking her going off her legs is the beginning of the end, although I am lucky to have had her with me as long as I have 