Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:50 am Post subject: What Should I Do?
I posted a while back about my 13-year old black lab really struggling and it looks like his days are now numbered and i'm gutted
He's really struggling to walk and stand and he's doing the toilet on the floor every night whilst we're in bed. I've tried changing his feeding routines and we've had him at the vet umpteen times without anything changing. He's now on metacalm, but i think we're just delaying the inevitable.
Should we persist or should we put the poor old lad out of his misery?
However, we owe it to our dogs to allow them to leave this life with the dignity they deserve and should never ever keep them with us because WE don't want to see them go.
Sorry to hear that your old boy is struggling, it's such a shame when they get to this stage. I remember with my old lab Harry praying that he would just go peacefully in his sleep but it wasn't to be. Like you I struggled to know when too much was too much but while he seemed happy and was eating well I couldn't bring myself to make a decision. One morning he just couldn't stand and that made it impossible for him to wee or drink properly, I knew then that the time had come. Even though I knew it was the right thing to do it was one of the hardest things I have evern had to do making that decision. Everyone used to say to me that I would know when the time came and they were right.
Our old Gus is currently 13 going on 14 and sounds much like your old boy except thankfully he isn't weeing indoors. His bowels do occasionally open without him seeming to be aware but we offer him access to the garden regularly even when he doesn't ask for it and that seems to help. Other than that he seems happy. He can't go on walks any more but loves his food and a good belly rub. As long as I feel he sin't suffering I am happy to plod along as we are. If you feel your dog still has quality of life and it is the accidents in the house are causing concern could you let him sleep somewhere where there is flooring that would be easy to clear up?
Many problems can be weathered but for me the bottom line is whether the dog is suffering and has lost it's quality of life. Until I feel that is the case I would carry on managing the situaiton as best as I can. Only you can answer that question for your own dog, hard as it is. I hope you find the strength and wisdom you need. Whenever the time comes it will be unbearable but you know that the welfare of your dog comes first.
I agree with Jill and always think, better a day too early, than a day too late.
I've found with mine, they have all told me when they have had enough. I can't describe it in words, but it's just a look they give you and there is no doubting what it means.
Max will let you know when he's ready and then it's up to you to do the right thing. (((HUGS)))
The most heartbreaking decision a pet owner ever has to make.
It sounds as you feel you know what you think you should do but you can't bear to face it.
I felt like that with our family much loved and much missed big old black cat. On that occasion I left it too long. I couldn't let him go until our vet said that if it was his cat he would put him to sleep and then I did what had to be done.
Afterwards, when I think of Oscar I wish I had been braver earlier, though we can never get the timing exactly right.
If your boy is 13, you have been through many years together and it is a very serious decision. Maybe your vet could come to your home and ease him away with you and your family keeping him company.
Just to let you know, I took Max to the vets this afternoon and after a long discussion and much deliberation, it was agreed that we put him out of his misery as his quality of life was effected just too much. It was one of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make, but it was the best for Max.
I'd just like to thank everyone on here for their help and advice lately and whilst i'm not sure when we'll get ourselves another dog, i'll certainly try to keep an eye on the site.
Thanks again!
Max - August 1998 to September 2011. Gone, but not forgotten old friend!
At least you know you gave him a great life with love and affection and what he gave back to you. You had him for 13yrs ,he was part of your family and you grew older together.As for another dog maybe in the future because the house will be too empty .I personally waited just a few months before i had to get another dog only time will tell.
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