Signs your dog was near the end?

[Littlelambsy]

Hey,

15.5 year old Bedlington.

He only eats chicken now, used to be a hoover. Sleeping most of the day. Struggling to jump up and a lot slower walking. Not drinking as much. Doesn’t beg for food anymore. Sore to be picked up. He’s nearly blind now I think and deaf. Got worse since around December.

It’s heartbreaking but he’s wagging his tail and he isn’t incontinent, so I’m not sure what’s just getting old vs nearing the end. I don’t think he is in pain as he doesn’t cry or whimper, only if lifted. Seems happy enough in his mood.

At 15.5 years old, it's probably a combination of both.
If he is struggling to walk and move around and cries when lifted, then he is in pain. I would get some medication to make him more comfortable.

I agree with PP that from those symptoms he is in pain. It’s about quality of life and I think the fact that you are asking is that you know yourself deep down that his quality has declined. Personally I wouldn’t wait until everything has gone so if that was my dog I would be at the vets seeing if medication helped and if not then I would do the best for him and PTS.

@SpanielsGalore he is on pain meds :(

He can walk, just slower than normal out his walks. But he potters about the house fine.

Maybe I should ask for an increase in pain meds

I would definitely go back to the vets. You can then have a discussion about quality of life and signs of pain as dogs are very good at masking so unless you know you can miss that they are suffering as they try and hide it.

Sorry. You didn't say he was on pain meds in your OP.
I would try increasing them or adding another form too, as it sounds like he is still in some degree of pain.
My older dog has arthritis and has three different types of pain relief a day. She can only manage short walks, but is very happy pottering around the house and garden.