How to assess quality of life for my senior dog and when to let go?

Question

Maxx is 15 years old and now "legally blind". His cataracts are large and on both eyes. He is hard of hearing. He urinates constantly and everywhere. The vet said nothing last month during his visit. However, we are concerned about his life. He is eating, as long as we keep rotating in different brands and types of food. He loves to walk and runs a little. He whines often and sleeps long hours. How do we determine when we are being selfish and should let him go. Not yet though. He is okay?? Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 14 years and 10 months old | 4.2 lbs

Lauren Kennedy, DVM · Accepted Answer

I’m sorry to hear that you were going through this with your old boy Maxx. It’s going to be a tough time for him and for you as you try to navigate his geriatric years. The most important thing to consider when making a decision like this is Maxx’s quality-of-life. If he is still mostly acting like himself, happy, enjoying going on walks, eating, and doing the things that he has always loved to do, then I would say his quality of life is good. If however he is lethargic, sleeps most of the day, and is grumpy or withdrawn from the family members, then his quality-of-life may not be as good. Based on your description of Max it sounds like he is not in pain which is a good thing. If Max is having more good days in a week then bad I would consider this a good quality of life. When you start to notice the good days are becoming further apart or he stops acting like himself it may be time to let him go. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

How to assess quality of life for my senior dog and when to let go?

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