How do you know when to put your dog down?

I disagree. If your vet says "he still has a lot of life still left in him", then give him a chance. Your vet probably sees something that you don't. If there's a chance he can get better, give it a shot. Once there's absolutely nothing that can be done and it's all downhill, then maybe that's when it would be time. When there's nothing that can be done and before he starts really suffering.

Last year, my 4 year old cat had chronic kidney failure. He had stones in both kidneys. In my cat's case, both kidneys were failing him, he wasn't producing any urine, and he wasn't passing the stones. I understood that the surgery he needed was too expensive, risky, and not permanent (since the problem was with BOTH kidneys). The x-rays looked really bad, but all we could do was give him fluids and pray that he produced urine so he could pass the stones. (Disclaimer: I'm not saying that your dog had the exact same condition or it's as serious, especially since your vet said he'd probably be fine) Everyone told me that at the time that he wasn't suffering, but he was uncomfortable and chance was not on his side and that I should consider it and do put him down soon. I was not okay with this and I wanted to make sure we did everything possible to help him, even with the small chance of survival. Unfortunately, we did have to put him to sleep. We did it once the toxins had begun to enter his bloodstream (since it was the beginning of the end, but before he started suffering). It was hard, but I felt comforted in knowing that we did absolutely everything we could for him and still didn't let him suffer.

So I think that if he's got a chance to get better, give him the chance. If he's absolutely miserable and there's absolutely nothing that can be done to help him (and he's suffering), then consider it. It also wouldn't hurt asking your vet for his/her opinion, especially if he/she has a heart. Good luck, and I hope your dog feels better. Please let us know how he's doing!

EDIT: He might be lethargic since he's older, but I don't feel that it's an indicator that his quality of life is terrible. By the way, when's his next visit to the vet? Mention the shakiness and difficulty standing. Also, I'm assuming they're still doing blood work regularly to make sure his kidneys are getting better? If they haven't done blood work again recently, maybe mention it.

And one last comment that I read that someone just said... Most vet's aren't in it for the money. They try to help their patients as much as they can. Most only consider euthanasia as a last resort because their goal is to HELP animals to get better to the best of their abilities. Euthanasia isn't the first thing that comes to mind in a case like this unless his condition is very serious and won't get any better. My only question is, why did he need to stay at an animal hospital for a week? If it's just for (subcutaneous) fluids, then you can do that at home if your vet shows you how. If it's intravenous and he has a catheter in his leg, then I understand....

I know how difficult it is to deal with a situation like this. IF the dog is this sick, and your Vet is telling you the dog has LOTS of life left in him........you might question whether it's all about money for the VET. Because as long as the dog is sick, the Vet is getting money from you. IF you feel the poor dog is suffering too much, it's time to let him go. 13-14 years for a dog is a pretty long life. Some have lived longer, but normally they are healthy dogs. It sounds as though your dog is in distress, maybe time to consider putting him out of his pain. I KNOW how difficult it is, as we went through the same thing. Dogs are VERY loyal and it breaks ones heart to think of putting them down. But sometimes mercy is much better than having the dog suffering. Once the QUALITY to the dog's life is gone.........it's time to consider alternatives. I really feel for you, cause it is heart wrenching/breaking to lose our pets and having to make a decision like that. Good luck with your choice.

I hate situations like this.

I guess now is the right time. I think its best because when a dog lives like that for a while, thats all you remember them as - trembley, shaky and old. You wanna remember them as youthful and loyal and spirited. My friend's dog is 17 years old and is like that. As much as it will hurt you to say goodbye (im tearful about it myself), it is better to go calm and peacefully, than to have a seizure or a heart attack. I am SO sorry, but as sad as it will be, you will know you have done the right thing.

You would also remember your dog for who he was, rather than old and shaky,

If it were my dog I'd have the dog put down or seek an holistic vet...Even at 13-14 a holistic vet may or may not be some help.

your dogs body is shutting down.

Go to another vet and have your dog put down. It is wrong to let him suffer so.

I know how hard that is to do.

It's time.

Sorry. That's a VERY hard decision to make. But it's time to let go.

Your dog is quite elderly and is not going to get better. It's far better to let him die with some dignity than to keep him alive at all costs. He's already suffering. Please say goodbye and let him go peacefully.

if the animal houspital cant help him u might need to take him back so they can put him to sleep becuse going thu alot of pain n life it aint easy

When you feel that you can live without him.