I guess I just had this idea that he was a trooper, he would be fine and we would give him pain meds if he needed them but he would be back to normal. Some pharmacies will put medication in liquid form which is easier to give. She’s a mellow dog and has never been one to play much. He is still happy and playful he can see and hear just fine. I do know that he has pain, who wouldn’t at 87 human years old, but he is so happy to see me when I come home, eats his food, and if he thinks he is going to go for a walk, gets very excited. I had to put my 14 year old German Shepherd to sleep July 9 and I feel so guilty and so hurt. She’s mostly deaf and can’t see well. Some do sleep all day. The stitches got infected and she spent five days in the er. She probably sleeps 16 hours a day. He’s still very interested in food and likes walks, however it takes him a few extra seconds to get himself up and he’s clearly in pain as he walks around. I think maybe it hurts to make all that effort to go outside? I am terrified that the day is arriving, and know that I’m going to be a wreck. I don’t know how to tell if she is ready and I don’t want to drag it out because I am spiraling emotionally and will hate myself if I do it too soon or too late. Health issues may also be behind why a dog sleeps all day. It is super rare for her to do that. I loaded Courtney up & the drive over she started getting that puppy happiness for riding in the car, jumping around & a twinkle back in her eye. Probably the hardest time I’ve ever had was with an elderly cat who had a series of strokes leaving her confused and blind. He growls at my other dog who had been with him for 5 years While I know that his days are numbered and that depending on how aggressive the cancer is that day will come sooner rather than later. However in the last few months it has been getting worse, she doesn’t know when she has to poop has to be held up or she falls into it, peeing is hit or miss, she isn’t able to maintain a sitting position when she slides down anymore and she will get stuck and can’t get up. He has stopped eating and even started growling at absolutely nothing. I have not been through this yet, and my oldest dog is now 14. We see our vet at least 2 a month to do regular checks. I feel so bad for him and keep wondering if I could afford further testing, would we find the cause of his condition and be able to treat it? I don’t know what to do. I’m struggling with the decision to put down my 13 year old Shiba Inu/Terrier Mix. Heart, eyes, kidneys, liver. This only lasted a few days and got to the point where we had to force food into his mouth. Seeing what your dog is going through and thinking only of them will make your decision go a little easier. Any thoughts? About six months ago Harley quit trying to walk. She is a Border Collie Mix and used to be terribly active. If your dog doesn’t like his crate during the day, it’s probably one of the reasons listed above. I think we may have put our dog down sooner when it was clear he wasn’t going to recover.There is no way to determine when to euthanize a dog at exactly the right time. I question every decision! She needed help to get up, criss crossed legs, so was anxious when we were in another room. It really depends on the dog and how "velcro" they are. I have a brown lab & he’s very old. I cried reading as I have a terrible decision to make. He sniffs to figure out which is water and which food.Everyone tells me to put him down, but I’m not sure if it’s the right time. She has stopped eating and a few other symptoms you shared. Thank for for giving him a home. In the last year he has really slowed down to a crawl almost. I had people tell me “you’ll know when they’re ready to go” but I didn’t believe it until I went through this with my dog. You should still have it checked out by a vet though. Hello. I love him so very much it hurts to think about having to put him down in the near future. When she’s up she tends to pace and pant. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Then he started getting seizures. As difficult as it was, I felt she was grateful. To find out What? I can understand that and thank you I rescue all dogs and I had a pitbull named sweet pea and a beagle which I took at the same time seven years ago sweet pea her legs gave up and it was time to go and snickers waited five months for his girl to come home and she didn’t and he knew it was time for him to give up he stopped eating for two weeks he was weak I don’t think in pain but I did what I had to do. I was told there was a 50/50 chance it was cancer. I have used a regular one but I know he really just wants to sniff around though so I hate putting him in that instead of at least giving him a short walk. After his meds he did great but now probably about a year after he started his meds he’s acting sluggish again. My dog nakia is around her 20s now im not sure how she is but thats my guess on her age she is a black lab pit bull mix today i went outside to feed her and she didn’t come to me and i thought that weird or maybe shes just laying down somewhere and low and behold she was in pain her artheritis has gotten worse now yesterday she would walk up to me today nope and when she sleeps she licks her paws constantly and she keeps her front legs hovering when she sleeps and i hate to see her try to sit down it just kills me now she only takes a few steps and sits to give herself a break and she spends a majority of her time sleeping it pains me to see this happen to her and i dont even wanna go outside cause ill just see my best friend of 16 years in pain originally she was my brothers dog he gave us nakia as a birthday present i have loved her since then and now and i try to tell my parents its time we put her down but they only when its time and i dont know if its time or not and i also noticed our pup whos 6months now a german/husky mix vader just like straight up no longer her bug and at first i thought its probably nothing but i think shes trying to tell us its time what do i do? So who knows we have had her for 5 1/2 year thinking she was around 4 or 5 when we got her. Today is a pretty hard day and I feel compelled to share our story, Rudy’s story. But he scooted to chase his ball and played continually with his brother. She’ll let you know when she’s ready. Canna-pet is based in WA and it does NOT get your dog high. For them you can. He ate his food slowly and it’s been downhill from there. I’m not an expert but if he is in pain and not happy it may be time to let him go. Dylan did do some stumbling, primarily because we have hard wood floors. He stopped sleeping with us about a year or so ago as there were too many stairs to climb up and down in our house. Our beloved Happy is a 12 year old fox terrier. Kenya is a one person dog and she only cares to be with me. We left the house a few weeks ago and was gone about 5 hours and came back with pee and poo everywhere in the house. I took Bella in and the Vet & her assistant agreed with our decision & asked if I would like a few minutes with her & as I said yes they walked out. I put numbing med on it when she limped and she continued on. Been up every night to give her fluid and things. He has been drinking water but not really eating often. He became totally incontinent of urine about 4 months ago when the vet cathed him to see if a stone was in his urethra. Thank you, I’m glad it helped. I don’t mind, he’s my baby. I really need some help with this. The last was our “sweet baby” Bella, our Sharpei. He’s just an old boy who seems to be telling me he’s ready to leave this earth. But I will miss him so much. You’re the only one that decide what to do. I’m sorry. I’d say maybe 16 years old. Good luck. I am heartbroken as many of you have been. She is very stiff, but doesn’t act in pain. Hi I’m in a dilemma my old man boxer he’s nearly 13 I’ve had him to vets he’s gt fluid on his lungs and a valve in his heart isn’t working right he’s had tablets for it but he’s not eating he can’t stand for long his back legs are bent while he’s standing the other nite I found him on his back he couldn’t get up he’s my little boy and means the world to me but don’t want him suffering plz help me make the rite decision thank you, I’m sorry about your dog. That’s how I decide. Amazing. Occasionally he lies in the grass in the sun. Making it to 21 is amazing. Thanks. I have a dog sitter staying at the house, but I am so fearful she will decline more with me gone. The typical aging process showed a decreased ability to go on the long walks that he so enjoyed. No tail wagging and she rolls if she tried tu walk. Ugh what did I do? She did it! He cries because he can’t get up and has issues walking when I do get him up. When I first found out she was terminally ill, I could not see myself putting her to sleep. The vet was coming at 2:00 that afternoon. It may need to be removed. She has two major limps (I’ve called it a gimp and a limp) and the pain meds she’s on just don’t seem to help a whole lot. I’m so sorry for your loss. So it is hard for me to tell. He was at the vet 6 months ago and all labs were normal. My dog has diabetes and had those same symptoms. I just can’t grasp it. The longer you wait the worse she will get and feel. Chief (my dog) has been to the vet before over the Tumors & she did say that they’re non cancerous they’re just fatty tumors. Tom was the biggest ‘tail wagger’ I knew and eventually that stopped and we realised we had to let him go. Am It is so difficult to go through. I hope this helps. I’m to small and weak. She still fights against me if I try to bring her back home before she’s ready. We are in the beginning stages of this and I think it’s coming soon. She doesn’t seem to be in pain, but how do we know? If I can offer any further help please let me know. My Westie, for me is the child I never had. To let him cross the Rainbow Bridge I do not want you to be in pain I know even getting up is getting hard for him. Any advice? Thank you. He is deaf and blind but works from a sense of smell which is fading. When we were hiking she was attacked and when they went to do stitches she needed fluids. I’m so sorry. And he was “only” 70 pounds so I did have to carry him up a few times. She’s showing no other signs of the latter so I’m assuming it’s something not good that we’re dealing with here. I love my dad. On the other hand, some dogs can mask pain extremely well, and he could be hurting more than he’s letting on. On his last day he tripped and fell over an acorn and hurt his front leg. We were with him when he passed. I don’t know if it’s time but I do know that “that time” is fast approaching – that its more me than him that doesn’t want to let go – difficult because he’s not bleeding or gangrenous or falling down, he can’t go up and down stairs anymore and he wanders aimlessly between two rooms, staring at cabinet doors…he’s just gotten old but it’s hard to let go. That is usually a sure sign that something is wrong. She’s a great dog but we won’t forget our old chocolate lab. A depressed dog may stop eating or eat like her life depended on it. I sounds to me like you thought this through and did everything possible to do what was best for your dog. I’m so sorry. I am not sure if smelling all of us and knowing we are ALL together will be enough to calm her anxiety. My dog was drinking so much water and urinating because she was super dehydrated and all of the water just went straight through her. My heart aches for every person who has ever struggled with this. Normally this would not be a problem since my roommate who happens to be my best friend could lift him when needed. He always loved to eat and always went outside when he needed to. The spleen was removed and the mass on it biopsied. Last weekend, we took both dogs to the beach for the day. About an hour after having water the accidents begin. It could be but not always. I also have to put him out and inside. He goes for very short walks, sometimes he struggles while trying to poop. I’m a 56 year old guy 6’2″ fat guy (call a spade a spade, right?) We finally took him in for that “second opinion” last Saturday and were told that he has a golf ball size tumor in his rear and that along with the prior known cancer, painful abscess that allows him to only eat on one side of his mouth (but he does eat), and his age, it is best to euthanize him. She pees in the house on a daily basis. We got him an indoor (it’s winter in MN) soccer ball a month ago and he went right at playing, but now he’S not been interested. I miss you more than ever. Any help would be appreciated. My personal opinion is that it is better to do it a little early than a little late so you can be sure your dog isn’t suffering, but everyone has to decide for themselves. Britt. She’s become a bit of a bully with our other dog and does not obey anymore. Even though he still eats I know it’s time. As of a few days ago Tucker has a slight loss of interest in food and prefers a liquid diet. I feel like I’m playing God, and it makes me sick. Last May we said goodbye to my Little Bear who was the love of my life. We were very fortunate to discover it on a Monday and have her amputation on Thursday. We both stroked his sweet grey muzzle for a little while. 8. Our treasure that our neighbor threw away. He pees and poops in the house every day, when he stands up, he is either wet from peeing overnight and laying in it or he pees all the way to the back door. Thank you for your caring support for all of us who need guidance in this most difficult time. Yes, it is. As i write this, i think it’s becoming clear. We decided to put him in our carpeted finish basement last week vs tile kitchen and he has started peeing again. He won’t eat his own food but will eat ours, he is always clinging onto me with his head into me and when he is in his bed outside he tries to get out. I’m so sorry. About 3 weeks ago I noticed a lump on her face. She does not pee or poop in the house. May all of our beloved pets be at peace and know we love them still, wherever they are. I guess I’m just confused because he doesn’t seem to be suffering but everyone’s telling me to think about his quality of life. Went outside in the a.m., came in slept. She’s a miracle dog for living over 4 years after bone cancer.She has been having back problems for 5 weeks, and we’ve tried everything. I am currently trying to decide if it is time to let my elderly pug, Cosmo, cross that Rainbow bridge. Not eating and not going outside are two strong indicators he could be ready. Just watching him age really hurts me. I built a slow sloping ramp for her to go outside because she can’t do steps anymore, but recently she stopped even going outside. I too am starting to think our Lolabug (rescued boxer) is slowly trying to tell us this exact thing. She had it amputated on December 16, 2011. They might be the best choice for a snuggle buddy, as long as you don’t mind the snoring. Thank you for sharing your story. The pain will fade over time. Never in a billion years did I realize what a huge part of our life she was. I just wanted to say how handsome the OP’s dog was, and I hope that the sadness of losing him has lessened by now, and that they can reflect on only happy memories. But this is so hard… , Dieu, That morning he had only eaten a small portion of his food (he usually begged for more). He wants to live like me! She’s 15 and a lab/hound mix. 1 decade ago. But reality was that she wasn’t going to get better only worse and could have suffered and died alone in fear and pain. He’s a well-trained basset hound that knows several tricks and is a lover of the water. The pain of losing Maxie was/is so unbearable. 9. And I obviously didn’t want to euthanize him while his quality of life was still good. She’s made it past the normal lifespan of a Boxer but I am really stuggling here making the decision that’s it her time to go. She is losing bowel control. I can’t say whether or not you’re doing the right thing but if my dog wasn’t living the life of a dog virtually 24/7 I would do it. He is currently on Azodyl for kidney failure, Enacard for heart murmur treatment and has recently developed skin cancer. I got him down eventually but I couldn’t do anything about it. He’s got several tumors, one of them being very large that gets in His way & im sure is pressing against his lungs & other organs. Our dog is an 18 year old westie named Fearless Fergus..Fergus has mild dementia and his body is just plain giving out ..I still carry him down the stairs and we go for a walk every day …His legs are giving out ,he is blind but he is still happy and full of love..No accidents to speak of and eating good, up to 3 days ago He does not want to eat and now we have entered a new time..Without eating I cannot give him the pill needed to calm him down in his lost times..He is going in a beeline to the garden to dig a hole..crying ..I know it’s time….if only he would stop kissing me. I have a West white Highland terrier he is 15 now I’m starting to see signs of blindness a little some hard-of-hearing sometimes. I knew the end was near, but kept hoping for a turnaround. She does still love food though and enjoys short walks. My moral /mental struggle here is that if she was younger , we may have considered going through advanced measures and surgery to help her. The vet who came by our house to put him down was great. Just keep in mind that he’s depending on you to decide when to let him go with the least amount of suffering. I made an appointment to have my baby euthanized at our house at 4pm. Is it time yet or wait?? Thank you for your response. Hug and love your pets everyday… God bless all. He had deteriorated to the point where he had a hard time getting up, had no interest in anything, either laid around in a catatonic state or wandered aimlessly like he was drunk getting lost under tables. He is really slowing son having issues standing and won’t eat much. Doesn’t seem to be in pain and the get said she couldn’t find anything wrong. I’m sorry your dog is having problems. I have helplessly watched her waste away unable to do anything to help. He still likes to eat, but he is sleeping all the time otherwise. He went through surgery, physical therapy, and with constant work began to walk again after a year. He will still walk. I am not sure if she will adjust. Some pups like to play outside all the time. He still eats and is interested in food but mostly just sleeps. She is still eating and drinking. After testing, the vet said it could be an infection. Is this the best time ? He doesnt hurt and he is still happily eating so we are going to wait a little while longer. Nothing worked. I’ve thought about this moment for a year. They have diagnosed Cushings disease with her tumor being in her brain based on the results of her testing. He reaffirmed that time at the vet by giving me kisses when we got there and laid his head on my chest. And all that is aside from the fact that he always falls, he can no longer sleep upstairs like he likes bc he can’t do the stairs, he can barely do the outside stairs to get into the yard or back into the house. I am being selfish, same as with Zoey. If he doesn’t appear to be in major pain, is eating, and appears happy he should be fine for now. Thank you for posting this article, I am in the same situation everyone else is in….trying to figure out when it’s time to let him go. I will never heal from this pain. She’s my last gift from my dead husband and I’m an all alone widow. She use to get up all the time when the kids are having snacks, lunch, and afternoon snacks to eat the crumbs on the floor, but now it’s only a few times. I miss my buddy, Charlie. She also had a big fatty tumor that turned into a big cancer tumor which she scratches and licks till it bleeds. He said a poem and a beautiful prayer. Per saperne di più su come utilizziamo i tuoi dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e la nostra Informativa sui cookie. Please don’t wait for something terminal or finding him gone because if he is suffering you will prolong it. I had to pick up his hind legs and help him. Since he can no longer walk I have a doggie stroller for him. He seems to be stiff these days. vet bill will be to much but I’m thinking of taking her. You’re absolutely right. While we will all be with her (including her puppy brother who she pretends to loathe, she actually misses him because my husband has found her laying in the vicinity of where his crate was), the house will be different. My opinion is that it’s better to do it a little early than a little late. I have a 12 year old daughter and this was our first dog together, she used to stand on the edge of the couch and stare at her in her crib when she was a baby and has always been her little protector, so I share this experience of watching my little doggie struggle with her as well.. I can’t say if it’s time or not but I would imagine that a kennel stay would be extremely hard on her, especially if you aren’t there. I am reading these comments and watching my boy Harley. You’ve given your dog a great life. If he couldn’t even lie down he must have been in agony. She refuses to take any kind of medicine. Despite having cancer surgery 2 years ago, the time for me to respect and honor her has come. Drinks like you wouldn’t believe. He’s failed a lot this week, the last three days refusing to eat his treats, his most favorite food ice cream and summer sausage. Then this happened . end of story. They like nights better unless they are sleeping in your room and do not stay up at night. 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