My old dog is falling and struggling. How do I know if it's time?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lucy. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Her signs are likely the result of her advanced age. However, they are pain medications that make her feel better. She likely has some degree of arthritis effecting her mobility. If some pain medication could increase her quality of life, I think that would be wonderful. In the meantime, be sure not to give any over-the-counter pain medication as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

You need to assess Trudy's quality of life. If her quality of life is decreased from what is "normal" for her then I would say it is time. These articles may help you better. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-decision-of-euthanizing-your-pet/ ) ( https://journeyspet.com/pet-quality-of-life-scale-calculator/ ) Hope this helps. So sorry you are having to make this decision. Best wishes.

The decision to euthanize is extremely difficult and there is no right or wrong answer. I advise my clients to consider euthanasia when they feel like their pet is suffering so much that they don't seem themselves anymore; or just don't seem to enjoy life anymore. You will be the best judge of this. From what you are describing with Toto, I would consider euthanasia an option, because he has signs of pain (not eating and wobbling) and is not able to be a normal dog. A fifteen year old dog is quite old; which tells me that he has definitely had a good, long life. It will be worth taking him in for an exam by a vet, before making a final decision, because they may be able to help him. Either way, it's a personal decision and I'm sure your vet will be OK with whatever option prevents any unnecessary pain. I hope that helps and wish you the best during this very difficult time.

Poor Cheeba! I am so sorry that she is having this problem. Your vet could try an anti-inflammatory and see if that helps. Otherwise, it might be time to talk to your vet about her quality of life and possible euthanasia. If she can't stand up, keeps falling over, and can't control her bowels then her quality of life is probably poor. So sorry.

I am so sorry about Nubby. It definitely sounds like it is time for an exam/consult re: humane euthanasia with a veterinarian you are comfortable with. Yelping when moved, panting and shaking when at rest are likely signs that Nubby is in pain. Incontinence and inability to use her back legs are definite factors that diminish quality of life. Wishing you strength and love during this difficult time.

Oh no, your poor dog! It sounds like she is in really bad shape physically. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning to see if there are any treatments possible for her symptoms. If there aren't, it would be time to discuss letting her go peacefully. I know that's not something you want to hear, but it may be best for her given her symptoms. I recommend making a list of five things she loved to do, and if she's no longer doing at least two of them, then her quality of life has declined to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. I work for a home euthanasia service, so if you'd like to discuss this further with me, I'd be happy to consult with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, I hope this helps and you should take her into the vet in the morning.

When making the decision if it is time to say goodbye to a loved pet, I suggest making a list of 5 things Willie loves to do. If he is no longer able to do at least 3 of them, his quality of life has declined to a point where it may be time to say goodbye. It is never an easy decision to euthanize an animal, but it is in the best interest of that animal to do it when their quality of life declines significantly. Making these kind of decisions is something I help people with frequently, and I would be glad to consult with you further if that would help. You can press the "consult online" button under my answer if you would like to talk further with me.

I cannot comment on whether or not it is time to euthanize Sasha since I have never done an exam on her. With her not eating, drinking and urinating in herself, then you have to look at her quality of life. I would talk to your vet to see if there is anything that could help her or if her bloodwork looked too bad. You may talk to your vet about medicine for cognitive disorder (dementia) like anipryl and omega 3 fatty acids. Also, you can add a medicine that helps with incontinence (urinating while sleeping) called proin that may help. Finally, if she is weak and not able to get around and her bloodwork looks good, you may want to talk to your vet about medicines for arthritis. Thee are also appetite stimulants and anti-nausea medicines that usually work really well in animals too. I hope you are able to find a way to keep her comfortable for a little while longer. But also know if your vet says she will not improve, please take comfort in knowing you gave her a long wonderful life. I

Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco!. I am so sorry to hear about Kika. What a long life she has led! When I have the talk about quality of life with my patients, I tell them to measure the good and bad days. When the bad day far outweigh the good then the time has likely come. You as the owner know your dog best. When the pet no longer interacts with family, stops eating well, urinates or defecates around the house, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea or is unable to move with out pain are all indicators of a poor quality of life. Dementia is a terrible disease in humans and people. We can only imagine how the dog feels. I think taking her to your Vet for at least an exam to see if there are any medical conditions that they could treat to help her feel better. Maybe she has urinary incontinence and some medications would help. Also there are some treatments that help dementia, though it is progressive. I hope this helps in some way.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dexter. When discussing quality of life with owners, I like to have objective questions that you can answer to guide the decision making process. When a dog is elderly with a chronic condition, you can expect the pet to have bad days. However, the good days should outnumber the bad. The pet needs to have enough mobility to get to his food and water independently and to be able to go to the bathroom. He needs to still have the desire to eat and drink. His pain to be reasonably well controlled. Finally, he needs to have some joy in his life. It may be different from in his younger years, but he should still enjoy things. I know this is an extremely difficult decision, but I hope this gives you some information to consider. I cannot say without evaluating him myself, but I suspect the time is near based on what you have described. I hope this gives you some peace.