I think my dog is dying

[Uberella]

Just that really;I think my elderly dog is getting ready to pass over the rainbow bridge;we’ve never got to this stage before;our previous 3 dogs have left us suddenly and earlier than they should have in tragic circumstances;one was PTS due to kidney failure,one had a stroke and another had a twisted bowel.

My dog is a large breed and a large example of one of his breed too;he survived testicular cancer last year.

He’s been gradually slowing down but has declined more in recent weeks.

Over the past week he’s pretty much slept all day and night,has lost interest in most things,is very quiet,is barely eating and his water intake has become less.

I originally thought we’d have a few more weeks with him,even months if we were really lucky but I think it might be days.

The timing is horrendous as one of my DC is getting married on Saturday and we’ll be out most of the day (we’d planned) to pop back at points during the day as the wedding is local.Now I’m worried about leaving him at all,under normal circumstances there is usually always someone at home.

My dog fortunately doesn’t seem to be in any pain and seems content in himself despite what’s happening.

Any advice or tips would be appreciated.

I forgot to mention he’s 11.

So sorry to hear this. My old lady is 14 this year and really slowing down. She is nearly deaf and has athritis. I'm dreading the moment she needs to go. Is there a neighbour or friend who could sit with your dog on the wedding day?

Sorry you're going through this, it's heartbreaking. Can you take him to the wedding or have him stay the day with a friend or neighbour? It's hard to know what to do for the best but I guess at the end of life we all just want comfort and love.

I was a teacher and when my old dog (19!) was very ill at the end of the summer holidays I took her to be pts before I went back to school. I could have let her drag on for a few more days, maybe a week or so, but I couldn't bear for her to be unwell on her own during the day. I felt bad but it seemed the kindest thing. It's a bit different if you're only away for one day but you have to think about how many days your dog might have left and what quality of life there is.

I don't think a sick dog would want to be at a wedding. Leaving him with friends would depend on how comfortable he is with them and how willing they would be to have the responsibility.

Aww my sympathy. My 11 old dog died yesterday at the vet as we had taken him to be PTS. He went downhill dramatically over the weekend. I regret not putting him to sleep 24 hours earlier but it was a Sunday and wanted our amazing vet to do it (for him and me !) Don’t leave it too late as we did

In your shoes I think I would say my goodbyes before the wedding, it wouldn't be fair to leave him I don't think. I'm so sorry for you all.

I am so sorry, I have been there with several dogs. I believe it is impossible to be objective when we are so emotionally invested in our pet. Go see the vet and consider what they have to say.
Good luck x

You could see if there are any (insured) pet sitters on your local FB group, or maybe a friend or family member could help? Maybe even a friends teenager might come and watch tv and chill with the dog for a few quid so he’s not on his own?

Hugs x

Have you been to the vet? What’s their opinion? It could be something that’s treatable/relatively minor, but even if it’s not then you’ll know.

I’m so sorry. I’ve been there a few times and it’s so tough. The stopping eating and drinking is usually the sign he's near the end. Unless he rallies I’d take him to be pts before sat, rather than let it drag on. Don’t feel guilty. Remind yourself that you gave him a good life full of love and walks and cuddles and treats.

That would be quite hard on the teen if the dog happened to pass whilst they were there 😭 might traumatise them .

I would see how the dog is on Friday and make the decision to pts :( they know when it’s their time don’t they . It is heartbreaking for us no matter what .
My last dog I had put to sleep and the night before she just stared at my Mum and a single tear fell from her eye . We knew she was telling us she was ready 🥹🥹

You will always have the memories 🥰