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.

[tc1]

Hi.
Sorry to hear about your old dog. One way to think about this is, you want her last days to be as good as they can. Only you know what is "good" for her.
Ultimately, I decided to let my last dog go when she was stricken with something probably curable with cage rest. I believed that having her spend two weeks crated up to return to a very frail state wasn't the right way to treat my old friend. Two years and one dog later, I am still sad and still convinced I did the right thing.

[channlluv]

(((Beth)))

I'm so sorry. Our family has been there, too. It really is a quality of life thing. When you do take her in, consider being there with her when the vet administers the shot. We all went in with our Boo (she was nine and had an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection that, after three years, was just worse and worse and left her in constant pain) and just petted her and loved her and told her it would be okay as the medicine took effect. It was important for us to be there together as a family and face it together.

It's really hard to know when it's time if your dog isn't in actual pain. Ours was, and it was affecting her quality of life in a way we loved her too much to let her suffer through.

Good luck making your decision.

Roxy

[Selkie]

Beth - It's the most difficult decision (been there twice ... actually, this Sunday marks one year that we let Maud go...).
As others have said, when Nala's quality of life is poor and the bad days outnumber the good ones, it's time. In my experience, my girls have let me know---a look in their eyes, telling me that they have to be somewhere else and I'm keeping them from that destination. I know, sounds weird but it happened with both Agnes and Maud.
I agree w/the poster who said that dogs aren't afraid of death. It's just part of the journey to them and they know that they will see us again, in a better place. No more pain, no more suffering, just surrounded by all the things that make them happy. One of the most selfless gifts we can give our dogs is a peaceful, dignified passage, and if you're there with them, they will feel your love.
Sending you and Nala big hugs... I know you are spoiling her rotten right now.