Is it time? 😓

[DaffodilLover]

Our gorgeous old dog is 14 now, and a big collie x huntaway.

He has slowed down a lot this year, but will still happily potter round the garden or a quick plod down the track. He still eats and drinks fine.

However over the last few weeks he is increasingly wobbly, and seems to be losing control of his bowels 😔 he has had an accident every day the last few days, and didn't even attempt to tell me he needed out tonight. He has very little muscletone now, and is on metacalm. He has perky moments, and doesn't seem in constant pain or distress, however sometimes he seems to wake early and pace round the kitchen, or yap until someone comes to see him. He has DDog 2 for company, so not really alone.

How did you know when it was time? Sometimes he looks sad, but other times he seems quite perky! Loss ofbowel control is worrying me though, and DH and I always said we didn't want him to suffer or struggle. Not as easy to make that call now we are here though 😕

My very wise son told me it was better to put to sleep a day too early rather than a moment too late and he was right. Our old fella went a few years ago now aged 14, he deteriorated slowly over a matter of a few weeks and we had to make that decision. At the time my son was working at a specialist animal hospital so I called him for advice and his wise words were right. It is the toughest decision though.

If he is on metacam it is likely that this will upset his tummy and cause the accidents. does he need to be on it? If you think there may be a chance he could improve there are things you can do, from using herbs (dorwest herbs do a great one called tree bark powder which is great for incontinence) so you could try that. If its the mess causing the issue you can get nappies and nappy pads for overnight. I think it totally depends on how happy he is otherwise. And only you guys can decide that. he is 14 so you know the time is coming. lost my previous lab in very similar situation and the day I decided in some ways wasnt any different to the previous few days, but something in me just said it was time. Sending you lots of strength, youll make the right decision x

I was going to ask about the metacam too. I think i would look for an alternative pain releif as peolonged use of nsaids can cause bowel problems.

You COULD investigate the bowel issues further however it is potentially costly and may still result in the same outcome.

In my experience, when owners are asking this question it generally is time as you know your pet and if they have quality of life. A previously clean animal will be distressed no longer having bowel control.

By accident do you mean incontinence or too uncomfortable to get himself out?

Go and have a frank discussion with your vet who will be able to guide you.

Its difficult

@Oddsocksandmeatballs what you said is what a tenured told me when my cat was poorly . I'm so glad I listened to her . Let him go calmly and kindly x

Thanks for all the replies.

I had heard that saying before @Oddsocks and it has stayed with me.

Might have a conversation with the vet again tomorrow and see if they can offer any further advise.

He only has the Metacam every other night, but I suppose it could be affecting him. He is just an old boy, I guess.

I'm so sorry.
My 15 year old dog got just "old".
I couldn't justify putting her to sleep.
But one day she just had enough and was in extreme pain,I had to send for an injection from the vet.My son administered it with us all round her.
In hindsight I would have helped her find her rest much earlier.
What a difficult decision though.
Its actually the last act of kindness for your dog,if that helps.

“He only has the Metacam every other night, but I suppose it could be affecting him.”

If it’s the metacam, it irritates the digestive system, so yes it could still be as it would take a while to calm back down again, a day isn’t long enough to rule it out.

When my golden was 14 and doddery on his legs, my vet said to me " Think of 3 things your dog does. When he stops doing them is the time"
He always got up to greet people at the door, loved his walks and always wagged his tail when someone talked to him or stroked him. When he stopped doing all of those we knew that it was time. Even then, I think we probably held on to him 2 months too long.
It's such a hard decision to make, but one that we are lucky to be able to make to stop them suffering.