Is it Ok to put your dog down because you can only offer him a mediocre life?

No one will adopt a 16 year old dog. He probably is so depressed that is why he eats less. It would be kindest to put him down and do not get a dog again due to your migraines and living conditions. I know you love your dog or you would not have him around so long but this would be best for him on the long run.

Im confused. You work part time but keep your dog in a boarding kennel?

What youre saying is that you go to work 5 hours a day, and the other i dont know, 10 hours of the day you have a migraine so bad you cant coke home and just sit on the couch with your dog or have a nap with him? If were you id take him out of boarding kennel and just leave him home. You work paart time i dont understand why you think you need to put him in a boarding kennel which by the way is not a very good place.

You work 4-5 hours a day, sleep 8 hours at night and then the other 10 hours you have a migraine that prevents you from spending time with your dog?

Take him out of boarding kennels and leave him at home.. Install a doggie door for him, get him some toys. Come home and just be there. No ones telling you to go for a run with him. Just sit on the couch together, have a nap together, watch tv together. Its saddening you keep him locked in a boarding kennel even when you work only part time..

Quality of life is a very important factor for any animal and it does sound like you try you best with what you have. As a stranger I would say it may be best to let him go, there are rescues that look after older dogs so I would research that first, but ultimately your life if being negatively impacted and his quality of life is also quite poor.

As an animal lover, with my own pets, I personally don't think I could do it. I did rehome an animal years ago (in tears) when I was at the end of my rope with him. Found him a lovely family through advertising. I couldn't offer him what he needed. I now have pets more suitable for my lifestyle. I am sorry you are in this position its a hard one.

Your dog is really very elderly now, and fact is, if you have to kennel him during the working week, and only have him home at weekends, I'd suggest this isn't any life for a dog, especially an old boy like this.

Yes, it's hard to let go, but for me it's always about quality of life, even if most dogs will accept 'mediocre' as opposed to 'ideal'. This really can only be your decision, but if this was my old dog, and there was no other option, I think I'd pts.

ps Many Boarding Kennels won't accept dogs as old as this, and there may come a time .........? Plus how would you feel if they phoned you and told you he'd died, without you being there with him? Also, if you are in the UK the Cinnamon Trust take on old dogs, keeping them in 'home-like' conditions for as long as it takes ..... might be worth contacting them.

Yes it is OK to make that decision.

When Considering Euthanasia ask yourself these questions:

(Written by a vet)

1) Is the dog free of distress, pain or discomfort, and could the pain be controlled?

2) Can the dog walk and balance fairly well?

3) Can the dog eat and drink without vomiting?

4) Is the dog free of inoperable tumours which are painful?

5) Can the dog breathe without difficulty?

6) Can the dog urinate or defecate without difficulty or incontinence?

7) Does the dog have an owner who is able to cope physically and

mentally with any nursing that may be needed?

If treatment is not possible then answering 'No' to ANY of those questions means there is no blame in having the dog put to sleep.

Next, ask yourself if it was yourself in your dog’s situation, would you actually wish to continue living? Better a day too soon than a day of misery too late.

Then ask your vet if they think it is time to consider letting the dog go. If not then how long and what to watch out for in the quality of life equation.

I think the most important thing to consider is: is he in pain? Does he seen unhappy with his life? And would it be cruel to keep him alive on meds? You know your dog better than anyone else! The last thing i want to do is influence your decision, its your dog, your choice! Just think about the dogs quality of life. I hope i've helped you!

Please don't :( I would do anything to stop my puppy from dying when he did . Your dog loves you so much . More than anything ever should . I'm sure he would rather be alive and lonely than not exist and feel nothing forever . He is your best friend please please don't :( I actually feel like crying I wish I could help . I have daschunds they are my world I can understand you don't want to make him sad but don't let him die

Do what u think is right cus we don't know the dog so how shall we decide