Old dog? Question in the details...?

I asked myself this for quite some time as our older dog aged. We had one dog that really, we kept in this world too long. And we knew it, we just couldn't bear to part with her and it was selfish. As our other dog got to be about 13 and his health started to fail we decided that we would not wait as long and I agonized over when the "right time" would be. In the end we knew it. We woke up one day and just knew it. It broke my heart, but he didn't suffer as much as our other dog. At least we learned that much. So, I guess my message is you will know. In your heart, you will know it's the right time, so listen and try not to be selfish, like I was. Good luck!

Firstly I would like to say that by thinking about what is best for your dog, rather than what is better or more convenient for you, is commendable and the only right thing to do - so without being patronizing - well done!

Secondly - a trip to, or discussion with, the vets is definitely on the cards. They should be able to advise you. My 15 year old lab cross experienced problems with arthritis but he is on medication (not a large amount) and has a good quality of life - if his quality of life deteriorated I would do something about it and not let him suffer. If your dog's problem is arthritis ask your vet about non-inflammatory products such as rimadyl (generic carprofen), and also inform yourself about its side effects to decide if such medication is suitable for your dog's condition.

Discuss with your vet but don't panic - a slightly slower older dog that is NOT in pain can still be a happy dog - like you mention, a dog ramp could really help the situation - it helped with my old dog.

There are also alternative methods of help such as T-touch massage (The Tellington Touch) -once again though make sure you inform yourself and seek advise from expects - you dont want to exacerbate the condition. Alternative methods should always be used to accompany sound medical advice from your vet.

Hope this helps.

My avatar is my 14 year old Sibe. When he got to the point that he couldn't climb the stairs to bed, we started him on previcox. (And the fact that he couldn't make it up the stairs made him 'huff' -- I don't know how to explain the sound other than that -- when he makes this sound, I know he's nervous or upset about something. I slept downstairs with him that night and we visited with our vet the next a.m.)

He now makes it up every night. We go on daily walks -- something he still loves -- while they are short, he enjoys them and that is what counts. There isn't a morning go by that he doesn't "ask" for his pill...some days are still hard for him, but he's eating well, and is doing all the things he enjoys.

I dread the day that he doesn't because I will have to make that call. The important thing is to know your dog. When he/she can no longer do the things they love and their quality of life isn't what it should be, then we, as their owner, have to put our feelings aside and do what is best. We owe them that. They've never failed to be there for us, and it is our responsibility to be there for them.

There are days that I cry simply at the thought of him getting older. But, I've been a lucky 'mom' -- I've had him lots longer than most!

Do visit with your vet about pain medication options as it's sounds like the dog is already in pain.

Also, do research on-line prior to your vet consult. Rimadyl and Previcox are two that I looked into before my boy was given a med. Both of these have their downfalls. Be aware of what they are BEFORE you give them. Don't be afraid to ask questions at the vet office. If your vet doesn't want to talk about all your options, find another vet who will. My boy and I are fortunate to have a wonderful vet who isn't afraid to answer questions, get to know all my pets, and enjoys his relationship with my dogs and cats.

I'll be thinking of you and hope that this helps. The best of luck to you and your buddy.

A painful dog will likely not want to get up anymore and one of the first signs of pain is that the dog will stop eating. Have you talked to your vet about putting him on medication? There are lots of medications that work well----rimadyl, deramaxx, previcox, etc.----and also putting him on glucosamine/chondroitin supplement will help. Also, something that alot of people don't think about with their pets is acupuncture. We had a mastiff that was over 200 pounds and he went from hardly not walking at all (due to a spinal condition) to running around playing with the other dogs due to acupuncture and herbal medications. It is really not that expensive either. Just an idea for you to check into. I know how hard it is to lose a pet, so make sure you talk to your vet about all the options before you make a decision. Good Luck.

Give him ibuprofen, it will help with the pain, it's a daily thing to do, and I believe the vets have something new out that is supposed to be better. As much as you hate it you will know the time and the dog will to, when it to much of a pain to get up and go or it really bothers them to have to. I just had to put my girl down a year ago for the same things, the Ibuprofen works good for a year or so, She just could not get up on day, like it was to much trouble! that was it.

You will know when its time when his quality of life is no longer happy or healthy it took us a long time letting our 14 year old dog go but hes happier now pain free and no you cant stick a dog whos sick on someone else consult your vet for his condition

This sounds more like a question only your vet can answer.

There may be some pain medicine that you dog could take.