My dog is 16 yrs. and blind. We keep her in a playpen cause?

There might be many ways you can increase her quality of life (daily arthritis medicine called glucosamine, steroids like predisone, and nonpharmaceutical ways like a sling to help her walk around, massages, hydrotherapy, pads for her incontinence, etc), the playpen is a way to keep her safe, but she shouldnt be kept there all day long. take a look at this website: http://srdogs.com/

only you can make the decision if it is time. most owners have said their dog lets them know when it's time.

http://srdogs.com/Pages/loss.2.html

It depends on her breed to determine how "old" 16 is. Most senior dogs do suffer sight and hearing loss. they can sometimes see in shadows, or sometimes nothing. but that doesnt cause suffering, the can get around through their noses with just a little alerting done by you to make the house safe like blocking off stairways.

Blindness won't cause her to suffer. Many dogs get around just fine without eyesight. Her age and general health and happiness are the important measures. She should not be confined to a playpen at all times. She does need to move about and get some exercise. Many dogs have allergies and can take meds.Take her in for a blood and urine workup to find out where she stands as far as what med she can take. After her exam with the vet, you and the vet can determine the best course for your dog. Best wishes.

My dog had nothing wrong with her other then her back legs hadnt worked so great anymore and she was pooping all over the house. We didnt want her to go through it anymore and she was 16yrs old also. You have to end it some day and waiting is like waiting for what she isnt going to get any better. You should put her to rest. You feel more bad in the end after she is put to sleep that you didnt do it sooner. Thats how my family felt. Guilt for not doing it sooner.

If you have to wonder, the answer is probably no... When your dog is miserable and not enjoy their life anymore, you know it.

People still enjoy life when they're blind or hobbling a bit. People don't enjoy life anymore when they are in constant, chronic pain - and it shows.

It's your call,but if she is still happy ( eats well,doesn't whine or cry in pain and sleeps soundly), then I would let her be.She will let you know when she's ready to go.Of course,let her out of the pen when you can.Try doggy diapers.My dog wears them! Also,give her buffered aspirin or get something from the vet for her arthritis.

I feel so sorry for you and your family. The pet you have loved for so long has reached the end of their life and you are faced with a very heart breaking task. Be strong and spend some quality time before making the trip to the vet. Take lots of kleenex, you will need it.

Perhaps it is time to let her go. Imagine how you would feel if you couldn't see, couldn't control your bladder and were in pain everytime you walked, not to mention had to be confined in a small space because of this.

She has no quality of life left. It may be hard (I know Iv'e been there) but you are doing a kind and noble thing for her.

she probably isn't having a pleasant time. I love animals and don't like putting them down, but it might be necessary. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

I see .you are very wisdom

put her to sleep.

trust that sooner or later you will both feel better.