Is it time?

[FenceFuckery]

We have an elderly dog. She’s a large breed, and is definitely a few years over the expected life span for this breed.

Over the last couple of years her mobility has dwindled. She’s now at the point where almost always someone has to help her get up. She can’t walk up or down steps alone, which isn’t ideal as there are at least 3-4 steps anytime she needs to go outside.

She’s also developed a couple of bed sores from only being able to lie in certain positions, one of which needs wrapping as it bleeds a lot. I’ve also just noticed today it’s looking a bit goopy, so a possible infection.

I’ve been saying to DH for a while now that it’s time, and we need to let her go. He’s still adamant though that as she’s still happy to see us, is eating and her mental state is fine, that it’s not time. I just don’t like seeing her in struggle so much physically. She’s also doubly incontinent for the most part.

She sees the vet every few weeks for medication, and it’s talked about there. As they haven’t said the hard word yet, DH isn’t thinking that way at all.

He is much closer to the dog than I am, so I’m not sure if I’m being really cold here. Surely when a dog can’t walk well, can’t toilet themselves alone, can’t move around the house and yard freely, then it’s not a nice life?

Anyone got any wisdom on this?

No wisdom at all but an opinion.

The sores and the needing to be stood up would worry me. Doubly incontinent is also an issue as she will be gettting sore from this as well. I would get her to the vet sooner rather than later and have a chat with the vet.

I would be considering that she is not getting much out of life and is suffering quite a bit.

I do not think you are being cold I think you are being realistic and putting the dogs needs first. It always takes my OH a while to catch up with the situation in our house too. It is hard enough at the best of times but also to be the leader of the conversation makes it even harder.

I am sorry you are having to deal with this but I think a deep serious conversation is needed with you OH Make sure he comes to the vet with you.

Thanks Polly.

I’ve had a good talk with DH and he’s said he’s ok with me calling the vet for a chat. It has to be me though, not him! He normally does all the vet visits as he finds it easier to get her in and out of the car, so I’m not sure if the vet has been brought across the actualities of her state. With lockdowns, we’ve not actually been able to physically go into the clinic with her anyway.

I’ll call the vet and see what he thinks. It’s horribly sad, but I can’t bear the thought of her being in pain or unhappy.

Sadly, yes. I had to make the same decision last month and a kind vet had told me dignity mattered to dogs. I’m glad she did, as he came off his legs once, and it was enough. Uncontrollable pain is also a reason. Good luck OP

This is very sad. I had to have two if my pets out to sleep a few years ago, elderly cat followed by my elderly dog. In our instance, there was no question as one was a blood clot that blocked all blood flow to our cars back portion of their body and dud not respond to treatment quickly enough. Our poor dog had a massive stroke.

However, I still feel they had the best deaths possible. Quick treatment do they did not suffer. We were with them, petting them as they were injected and stayed with them.

I often say how much more humane their deaths were than my MIL with whom I sat for many weeks as she slowly died. Such torment and pain.

Being a good pet owner means giving your pet the best possible life and then ultimately, the best possible death. It’s is terribly painful But that is the emotional cost of All the wonderful years with them. Later, it’s the memories you’ll be able to talk about fondly.

Thought are with you when you ring the vets

Fence..I was going to write a post but can't (tears) ..If you want to, read my post 'Knew this day would come'. I had such great support and advice.. this helped us to make the painful descision..Our Ddogs death was as peaceful as possible..
I'm so so sorry ..

Thanks for your lovely messages. We’ve decided it’s definitely time, and so she’s spending her last day with us tomorrow. Desperately sad, but it’s absolutely the right decision.

She’s getting all the treats and love until then. I was on floods when I booked the appointment with the vet. Luckily we know them very well after her being a chronic patient for so many years.

Hi vet nurse here i think you have made the right choice without a shadow of a doubt.
It is the kindest final act we can do for our beloved pets ,
I hope everything goes smoothly and peacefully for her and you too xxx

I am so sorry look after yourself but be content that you have done the kindest thing for your dog.