old dogs, when is it time?

[bmccasland]

My dog Nala, Aussie shepard/border collie, turned 15 in January, has been on a down hill slide. In January she was put on heart meds for her mummer, and at least those symptoms have been getting better (breathing easier, minimal coughing). But lately she's been off her feed. I had her to the vet last week, and she did blood work, results were that Nala seems to be having some kidney problems, so Azodyl was added to her daily med list. Dr. F told me to add some ricotta cheese to the chicken/rice combo I'd been feeding her, which last week she seemed to like, mixed with a bit of her dry kibble. Last few days she's been picking out the kibble and dropping it on the floor , and only eating some of the goodies. So today I didn't bother to mix in any kibble, and only gave her the chicken/rice/ricotta combo - of which she ate a small bit, then went to lay down. She's still ambulatory, although her one or more of her legs will give out, and she has trouble with steps - old arthritic hips. I suppose I'll see what, if anything she's eaten when I get home.

My other dog died of Cushing's disease, so was ravenous to the bitter end. This picky eating, not eating very much that Nala is doing is driving me crazy. At least she likes the treats that I hide her meds in.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Beth)))))))

I won't say "you'll know," because that platitude turned out to be true for only one of the three dogs for whom we had to make this painful decision. But I will say, "whenever you decide, will be close enough to be best for Nala." You love her enough to sacrifice for her, that's plain, and that gives rightness to whatever and whenever you decide.

It's an awful balancing process. Not eating is a sign, yes, but you still have to figure the chances that she'll come back from it, and whether she has enough enjoyment and quality in other aspects of her life to make it worth fighting to bring her appetite back.

Take good care. I'm thinking about you.

[spokewench]

It really is a balance. You know your dog better than I do. Just recently with Big Kitty, not eating was the final sign for him. But, he was a chow hound for his entire life; he never missed a meal before even when he was sick. He also had many other signs going on; so two days eating only a little broth was enought to know that it was time. He was not enjoying his life anymore and it was apparent.

Give your dog a chance to see if he will start eating again; and if he is happy.

It is never easy; hugs to you and your loved dog.

spoke

[GLC1968]

I won't say "you'll know," because that platitude turned out to be true for only one of the three dogs for whom we had to make this painful decision.

I have to agree with this. To this day, I still wonder if my timing was right with my beloved Tango.

My feelings were that when the quality of life deteriorates enough that the animal is no longer themselves, it's probably time. This is, of course, assuming there is no unmanageable pain involved for the pet.

It's a lousy choice. Worst decision I've ever had to make. I'm sorry Beth, I feel for you. Just know that you've given Nala a wonderful life and she loves you for that no matter what you end up deciding.

[PamNY]

It's hard to decide when it's time. In my experience, sometimes, things are clear-cut, other times, not so much. In any case, you've provided a life filled with love, and whatever you decide will probably be right. All best wishes to you at this difficult time.

Pam

[Pedal Wench]

I was so very lucky that all three of my pets really did let me know when. The dogs both weighed more than me, so when they couldn't walk anymore, well, it was time to do something. One just laid down and never got up again. It was still the most heart-wrenching experience to say "It's time" out loud.

Even if they don't tell you, you will know it's the right time - when their quality of life is gone, they're in pain, or will be in pain shortly. Take care of yourself, in whatever you decide.

[tulip]

(((((Beth and Nala))))))

[MartianDestiny]

*HUGS*

I have nothing to add other than I'm terribly sorry. When my Aussie mix died last year my parents had been worried for 2 weeks that they were about to have to make that decision (I'd left her with them when I moved out for her happiness due to her age and affection for their other dogs). Then she got better for a week, but died in her sleep. Ultimately I'm glad she died after having been relatively happy about life for a few days rather than miserably declining, though I doubt very seriously I could have made "the decision" when she seemed to be improving.

There is no "wrong" answer, especially when you have a pet that's lived a long, full, happy life. Nala will help tell you when, and it's ok to let what you are feeling/can deal with best enter into the equation either.

[Flybye]

I had a different experience altogether when I put my life long buddy down. She was old and I knew that it was time. She was wetting in the house because she couldn't get up fast enough to make it out the dog door. She was blind. She was lumpy. She did nothing other than sleep. She was eating very little.
When I took her in I was relieved for her and happy to be able to do this for her. It was a bittersweet but a good decision that I have never looked back on. I knew that if I kept her alive it was for my benefit and not hers.
One piece of advice - when vets put some dogs to sleep the shot can cause brief, physical pain accompanied by yelping. If I remember correctly, this happens if the medicine goes anywhere other than the bloodstream. I could not bear that. My vet gave my little doxie an anesthetic just like he would if he were performing surgery. After that, he administered the shot that put her to sleep.
Sorry that you are facing this decision. ((HUG))

[ginny]

Oh Beth! I am shortly behind you in this tough decision. I have a 13 year old boxer who is currently doing great. Though, he has seizures occasionally and I know that at some point, he will begin his decline. When I look at him, I see him through his whole life. He is my buddy and my best friend. He recently decided he had eaten enough dry kibbles during his life, and promptly stopped eating. I added wet food and he's back to gobbling down his feed. He has gained weight and is back to his spunky self. I can totally empathize with you. I think Oak gave you phenomenal advice. You may know *when*, you may not know. But you love your friend, and you have his best interest in your heart, so whenever you arrive at your decision, it will be the right one. We do the best we can for our animals while they are in our care, and that is the best we can do. Somehow, I think they know this. When I look into the eyes of my furry friends, I know they understand our intentions, and somehow that makes it better for me. I'll be thinking of you...

[sgtiger]

((((((Beth + Nala))))))

[Ana]

I always like to ensure they live a happy and full life. My policy is that once their life is no longer enjoyable, or the pain/suffering outweighs the positive, it's time. I know that pets, especially dogs, are viewed largely as companions for humans so I know it's extremely difficult to let go sometimes. I hope someone will show me the same kindness and not let me suffer in my old age :P

[andtckrtoo]

We had to let our poor American Eskimo go when we came home from work and found her crying in her own mess. She could no longer get up and she had cancerous lumps on her neck and face. It was time.

We cleaned her up, gave her a huge meal of her favorite foods (another Cushing's pup who was ravenous to the end), had her family and friends come over to say good bye (two of our kids are out of the house, and the neighbors knew her, too), then took her to the vet. It was hard, but it was the right thing to do.

[surgtech1956]

We had 2 dogs, Tosh, a springer/cocker mix was 14 1/2 and had to put her down 2 weeks ago, she got sick a month before and was in kidney failure, given medicine, and then couldn't walk, stand up, it was time. The other dog, Kelly, a lab mix is 16 1/2, doesn't have the best appetitite, give her table food, whatever she will eat, some days she eats good, other not so good, she's on medication because of incontinence, she doesn't hear or eye very well, but she's comfortable, still excited to see me come home from work. Sometimes stumbles and falls. But she seems happy and she's doing OK. When her quality of life is not there, then it will be time. I think most of the time you will know when its time. You will see it in their eyes. Its a hard decision to make.

[Aquila]

Our thoughts are with you, Beth.

For me, I decided when my dog no longer had any joy in eating or going outside, two things that had always been total joy for him. In retrospect, I think I was a week or two slower than I should have been, but I'm sure he'd forgive me.

Take care of yourself, too.