I have a 14 year old Aussie dog,when do i know when to put her down because of old age?

I think you will know in your heart when it is the right time. As long as she has quality of life then there is no reason to have her put to sleep yet. If she becomes incontinent through old age then you may have to consider this action. If a dog refuses to eat in old age then you know there is something radically wrong with them.

I went through the same thing a few months ago with my 14 y.o. Springer Spaniel who was both deaf and blind and had also become incontinent I knew she was coming to the end of her life but it is so difficult to actually make that decision. and I carried on caring for her for over a year before I did anything.

The thing that clinched it for me was the fact that one morning she just refused to eat her breakfast and looked really lethargic. She loved her food and even though she was unable to hear she could always smell the meal being prepared and was first in the queue when it was meal time.

I felt the poor darling had just had enough and that was the day I decided to have her put to sleep.

Although, as every animal lover knows, it just tears you apart, but we do have this privilege with animals which we don't have with humans, to be able to end their suffering when the time is right.

Do what you feel is right and don't let her suffer in any way.

Good luck.

Ah, I have an aussie as well. Two in fact. I believe that dogs going blind and deaf have seen it all. They went through they're lives happily and are ready to depart.

Putting a dog down may not be so easy emotionally, but in the end its easier for the dog and they wont suffer any longer. Ive had two dogs put down previously due to yes, blind & mute, and also because my other puppy had gotten cancer. In the end, and it might take a while, you'll feel better about doing this and will know that there isn't any more bumping into objects or tripping up in doggie heaven, just playing and being merry..lol.

My 14 year old is going blind and deaf but she's still kicking the behinds of the younger dogs! As long as the dog is somewhat active, eating and not in pain let them keep at it! Vet checkups need to be every 6 months though. Some things like slow kidney failure the dog covers well and you can't tell if they are in pain or not. You also need to follow Old Dog Rules - they get to do anything they want. If they can't quite make it out the door to go to the bathroom, just clean it up and move on. No yelling, no correcting.

I have to relate this to a dear cat I had once. She was a pal for 18 years and I had to have her put to sleep as her kidneys were packing up. It totally wrecked me and I'm an 18 stone healthy fit guy in his 50's but a bigger softie. It was fair to her, I was being selfish trying to put off the inevitable. So, when his life quality is degrading and causing him needless suffering is the time. It saddens me to hear about these cases.

my grandmother's dog is 16, and he's pretty blind. the vet said as long as she didn't move the furniture, and he wasn't walking into things, she should keep him. i found it kind of odd, but yeah. i think the only time an old dog should be put down is if they can't hold their bowel or bladder movements or are unable to walk and do normal activity.

When she is no longer living on her own with the normal quality of life or is in great pain! I know this is a vague answer but is a rule of thumb because in reality only you can make this decision. God bless and lead you in your decision.

When her quality of life is suffering, when she finds it hard to be mobile to go outside to toilet. You will be able to tell by looking in her eyes. Also if she has vet checks any good and responsible vet will advise you when the time is right.

Wait until they can't fuction any more. I put my Golden down when she couldn't get up any more. She quit eating also. I still hate that I did it, even though I know she was suffering.

Each dog is an individual

If an old dog can't eat, that's a time to consider it.

If an old dog can't get up and move about, that's a time to consider it.

If an old dog needs major surgery or major treatment, that's a time to consider it.

thats a hard choice

i usually guage by comfort,eating and behaviour.

yesterday i had to put a snake down that we tried to save for weeks but you know deep down that its time.

its the hardest choice. i had to do it for my ferret not long ago but you truly know inside when its time. and dont second guess yourself when you do because like i said deep down you know and your brain will have all those what ifs...but ignore them