I have a 16-year-old border collie lab mix. She has severe hip difficulties and occasionally collapses while walking (the most difficult time is in the morning). Over the last few months, she has lost control of her stool and, more recently, her pee. We still send her outside, but she has a lot of accidents during the week. She is upbeat, eats well, and enjoys spending time with us. She is mostly deaf but can recognize bodily cues. It’s been difficult thinking about this because I’m not sure if now is the perfect moment.
Any advice would be highly appreciated.
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I am confident that you comprehend the required steps. It’s better to be a week early than a day late.
I am sorry.
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I am deeply sorry!!! Contact your veterinarian to organize a quality-of-life assessment. I believe any primary veterinarian will do them, and I am aware of specialist veterinarians doing so. I’ve heard that these are scheduled at the oncologist’s office, where my cat attends.
They simply walk you through the options and assist you make the best medical decision possible.
I have had two PTS and two passes at home. Both of the ones at home faded in the last two or three days and died quietly. The ones that were PTS still make me feel guilty. Like, could I have done something different, waited…
My husband strongly opposes euthanasia, and I am starting to feel the same way. We kept the two who died at home comfortable till the end. Their buddies were with them, and they weren’t in an unfamiliar environment.
If you decide to undergo euthanasia, you may also consider at-home services.
It’s a very personal decision, and I believe you and only you know what you’re comfortable with, but a veterinarian can perform the exam and advise you on if it’s time.
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If she is still living her life, is happy, eating and drinking, and does not need to express her bladder, she has an excellent quality of life. It’s acceptable if her life appears different now than it did before. Old dogs can still be happy 
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Thank you so much for your advice
It sounds like you’re facing a really tough situation with your senior dog. It’s clear you love her deeply and want what’s best for her. When considering whether it’s time to say goodbye, here are some things you might think about:
- Quality of Life: Assess her overall quality of life. Is she still enjoying her time with you? Does she still show interest in activities she loves, despite her physical challenges? Sometimes, even if a pet is happy, their physical discomfort can become overwhelming.
- Pain Management: Have you talked to your vet about her pain and discomfort? They might be able to offer solutions to manage her pain and improve her mobility.
- Comfort and Dignity: Consider if she’s still comfortable and if her daily life involves more suffering than joy. Sometimes, the quality of life diminishes to a point where the kindest thing is to let them go peacefully.
- Consult Your Vet: Your vet can provide valuable insights into her condition and help you understand if there are any more treatments or palliative care options that could improve her situation.
- Your Feelings: It’s also important to reflect on your feelings. It’s hard to make this decision, and it’s okay to feel unsure. Sometimes, discussing your thoughts and emotions with a vet or a pet loss counselor can help.
Ultimately, this is a deeply personal decision, and it’s about finding a balance between her comfort and your ability to care for her. Trust your instincts, and know that you’re doing everything you can to make sure she’s loved and cared for.