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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

when / how do you know its time to let them go?

15 replies

anoldcharter · 05/08/2022 11:42

Hi everyone, apologies if this is upsetting for anyone, but just after some advice about knowing when the time is right to let your dog go. We have a black lab / staffie cross who is nearly 15 years old. She has amazed us all (and the vet) with how well she is doing, she still likes walks (although these are very short) eating well, wagging tail constantly, trying to chase the squirrels in the garden..... up until Monday - since then she hasn't been eating very much (even if I try and hand feed her chicken / sausages etc she is reluctant and only takes a little), seems 'sad', is drinking loads of water, weird breathing noises when asleep, now struggling to get up from the floor (she has arthritis in back legs so has always struggled a bit) and just seems a bit fed up 😥

I wish she could just tell me she's had enough. She gets very stressed when we go to the vet so I don't want to put her through that until I absolutely have to, at her age, there isn't really anything else they can do for her now. She has pain relief but as she's not eating much its getting difficult to get this into her.

For those who have had a very old dog, when did you know it was time to PTS? Thanks for any responses

OP posts:

abblie · 05/08/2022 11:45

I knew it was time but the vets kept putting me off the last time I phoned vet about her health again said the usual she's old she's still drinking blah blah blah she died that night. She was in pain for quite a while and they done nothing for her I hope you don't experience this xx

Original poster

anoldcharter · 05/08/2022 11:47

@abblie I'm sorry it was a horrible experience for you

OP posts:

BeautifulBirds · 05/08/2022 11:48

My personal motto for this is...Better a minute too soon, than a second too late.

You know your friend best, you will know when the time is right (honestly).

Take care of yourself x

Original poster

anoldcharter · 05/08/2022 11:49

sorry, pressed return too soon, my worry is the vets would keep trying things to help, but realistically, at her age, I'm not sure that would be in her best interests...

OP posts:

Original poster

anoldcharter · 05/08/2022 11:51

@BeautifulBirds oh god, that just broke my heart slightly, i'm sat here in floods of tears, I don't want her to go but I don't want her to suffer.

OP posts:

Chickadeeandchic · 05/08/2022 11:56

For us it was prioritizing her quality of life over our need to keep her longer. Very similar circumstances, my poor old pup went off her food (so couldn't get pain meds either), looked fedup and not enjoying anything, then started becoming incontinent and like doggy Alzheimers not recognizing us and getting confused. She was always so clean and never one for accidents, and so bright (collie), so that's when I knew. Lots of people said to carry on with puppy pads, as she could still get up and about a bit and do short walks etc. but I didn't feel it was fair on her and she'd had a good innings.

We had a vet come to our house to PTS to save her the stress and to allow us both to be there (covid rules at the time), which I'd highly recommend. It wasn't our usual practice, but they recommended them. Worth checking out your options so you are prepared x

Original poster

anoldcharter · 05/08/2022 12:01

thanks @Chickadeeandchic i'd forgotten about the accidents we have been having too, and she would never have wee'd in the house ever, poor girl. I think its probably time, I'll look into the home visit. Sorry for your loss

OP posts:

BeautifulBirds · 05/08/2022 12:09

Sorry, didn't mean to upset you. It's a tough call, but our responsibility of being animal lovers is to make the right decision for our companions.

It's not easy, I suffered awful mental health after losing my dog, who was 6, in 2014. I still miss him desperately, even now.

Your vet shouldn't fight your decision.

Original poster

anoldcharter · 05/08/2022 12:12

please don't apologise @BeautifulBirds it wasn't a criticism, just the realisation that I think it is the right time. sorry you lost your dog so young

OP posts:

BeautifulBirds · 05/08/2022 13:21

Take care of yourself, it's a difficult time.
x

jewishmum · 05/08/2022 13:23

When they start getting too expensive.

Mumzybear22 · 05/08/2022 13:27

jewishmum · 05/08/2022 13:23

When they start getting too expensive.

That’s not helpful.

Op it sounds as though in your heart you know it’s the right time. Give your baby lots of cuddles today. 🐾🐾🐾

Iheartmysmart · 05/08/2022 13:40

jewishmum · 05/08/2022 13:23

When they start getting too expensive.

Uncalled for and rather spiteful under the circumstances.

Sorry you’re going through this OP. In a similar position here with my elderly spaniel however he’s still eating and has days when he’s almost his usual self. On pain meds for arthritis and eye drops for dry eye. His eyesight isn’t so good any more or his hearing.

My decision at the moment is when the bad days outnumber the good then it’s time. 💐

Original poster

anoldcharter · 05/08/2022 13:53

jewishmum · 05/08/2022 13:23

When they start getting too expensive.

what the fuck are you trying to imply @jewishmum ?

OP posts:

bluemumsbluedog · 05/08/2022 20:36

We've just had our 15 year old terrier put to sleep and it broke my heart, but it was the right thing to do as he was struggling to get in and out of the house and starting to wet inside as a result.
I didn't want him to suffer and as he was hardly eating he was just going to get weaker.

Such a hard decision to make but you will know when it's the right time

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