Incontinent old girl

[fatbottomgirl67]

My lovely 14yr old dog is starting to become incontinent. She has no idea she's going. Poos in her bed most night despite one of us getting up to see if we can persuade her to go in the garden Vet said it's just old age but the poor old thing went as she was leaving the lounge last night. Just not like her. Her back legs are wobbly too, Some days more than others. She's had a go at the cat a few times now which is totally out of character. Not sure why I'm writing this but I guess I know at some point we will have to make a decision. Don't think she's in pain just getting a bit dottie and her body is getting old. It's the worst bit of owning a dog, seeing them get old . Will I just know when it's time to let her go?

You'll know when it's time. Sometimes we kid ourselves on that they're not subtly telling us. That's the hardest part about being an owner.

I'm sorry your girl is is losing control of her bowels. Could you put pads down on her bed so your just replacing them?

How is her quality of life?

The back legs and the poo might be connected.

She didn't have the strength to squat down.

Her quality of life is ok. She's eating and drinking ok. Growls at us when we come in the door sometimes. Think she not recognising us until we speak and reassure her. He eye sight seems ok though. Still potters round the garden. Doesn't go for walks any more . Her legs are just not up to it. Old age is rough isn't it. Put paper down around her bed at night. She squats fine in the garden but it seems to slip out in the house without her even noticing.

Tough one, isn't it.

Sorry you gave to go through this

I think the saying goes "better a day too soon than a day too late" when it comes to letting them go. Its absolutely the worst part of owning a pet but after all the love they give its only right we do our bit for them when its time.

Yes, you will know. Hugs x

Thank everyone. She's not ready to go yet but cant help feeling it won't be too long. My last dog slipped away in his sleep. So easy for us not to have to make that choice The best way to go by far

Our ddog did this towards the end and that end finally came when we had him pts as we hoped he’d going his sleep but never did.
We had an osteopath come and treat him and that definitely gave him more quality of life as his back was all blocked. He’d suffered from hip dysplasia from the age of 4 months.
Have you had your dog checked by the vet? If there is no physical cause - tumor, slipped disc etc- then particularly as dogs hate messing where they sleep then it’s not really fair to keep on.

She's seen the vet and no physical problems other than old age. She hasn't even noticed when she's messed in her bed- if she'd done that 6 months ago she would have been standing by the back door all ashamed. Since writing this I've seen her tearing round the garden like a loon. Legs seem fine !!
Think we will know when she gets nearer the point but she's doing ok right now and don't want to stress her out with another vets visit