I have had my dog for sixteen years. She is my childhood dog. The vet told us that it was time to consider that option considering her quality of life, or we could start a treatment of vitamins and other medication to put her in a better state. She can’t see anymore and she can’t hear as far as I can tell. She still eats, drinks, and walks around, but it is limited now. She gets excited when she smells her favorite food. The vet said she was underweight. She sleeps all day and all night. She walks in circles in the yard sometimes. I don’t know what to do. It would be so much easier to do it if she wasn’t eating or if she was in obvious pain, but she is not. But I also don’t want to be selfish and drag my time out with her. I would rather do it too early than too late. I just need some advice. I really don’t know what the right choice is.
Trust your vet. They have been providing care for your companion, and they know animals well. I believe better a day too early than a day too late. Allowing them to suffer because it’s hard to let go feels selfish.
I was having a hard time with my basset too. He was still eating/drinking but didn’t have great control over his bladder anymore. My vet asked what he liked to do, and when I realized he couldn’t do those things anymore, I knew it was time. I made the appointment, and we had some special last meals together.
It’s better that our pets go two weeks too soon rather than a day late. It’s hard, but it’s what we sign up for when we get pets. Trust your vet and lean on all the good memories.
List five things she loved to do in her prime. If she can’t do at least three of them, it’s time. It’s always better a day too soon than a day late.
She’s lived a wonderful life! As pet owners, the hardest gift we can give them is not letting them suffer. It’s tough, but give yourself grace as you navigate this decision.
I’m kind of having this dilemma with my oldest cat right now. I would weigh how much joy she gets from life versus the difficulties she has. It might be nice for her to have a comfortable end before more problems pile up.
Trust your vet. Maybe you can do a bucket list for her. Give her her favorite food and when you’re ready, give her a favorite toy to take with her.
Better a week too soon than a day late. It’s the hardest thing to go through but it’s time. Just be with your dog at the end. They will feel your presence.
My old girl is also 16-17. I’ve had her since I was 10. She’s losing her hearing and sight. Definitely trust your vet. You’re going to make the right choice, and you will get through this.
We lost our dog last year. She was still eating and excited for treats, but her body was failing her. It was better not to let her continue to suffer. You’ll know deep down if it’s time, even if it’s hard to accept.
If she still enjoys her food and is in no obvious pain, I can’t see why you’d put her down. If she stops eating, that’s a sign. If your dog is suffering, let her go. But if she’s still enjoying life, I think she can have a quality life for a while longer.
I’m so sorry. This is the hardest decision to make. What we consider signs of pain is not the same as what a dog displays. You have to do it for her and not for you. Best wishes to you and your family.
I’m sorry your fur baby is not well! If the vet mentioned euthanasia, it might be time. Euthanasia is the final gift we give our loving companions for their lifetime of unconditional love.
I’m so sorry you are going through this. It never gets easy. Listen to your vet. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for our pets is the hardest thing for us but that is when we have to put them first.
Is her quality of life bad? Is she struggling with anything at all? Blindness or deafness doesn’t automatically mean a death sentence, but there are other factors too.
When my 16-year-old shih tzu went deaf, it was no big deal. We gave her time to adjust. When it became clear she wasn’t improving, we made an appointment. Spending that last weekend with her was special.
Sixteen years is a fantastic age to reach. If the vet mentioned euthanasia, they might be seeing signs that it’s time. Spoil her rotten now before she doesn’t react to her favorites anymore.